Chicago Is Lit: July Literary Events in and Around Chicago

July Is International Zine Month

Publishing a zine? Thinking of starting one? Check out this list of suggested activities from the Stolen Sharpie Revolution site during the course of International Zine Month.


Tuesday Funk

July 7, 7:30 pm
Hopleaf Bar
5148 N. Clark St.
Free, 21 and Over


Tuesday Funk is an “eclectic monthly reading series, bringing…a variety of fiction, poetry, essays, and other works, in all genres, read live by the authors.” Readings by P. Scott Cunningham, Beatriz Gartler, Jill Howe, Joanne Jacobson, and Maggie Queeney.


Pre-Midwest Perzine Fest Reading

July 10, 6:30–8:30 pm
Quimby’s Bookstore
1854 W. North Ave.
Free

This event features readings from Liz Mason, Mx. Jonas, and Angel xoxo, and others. Individuals with a perzine are encouraged to sign up for a reading slot. Snacks and beverages available.


Midwest Perzine Fest

July 11, 12 noon–5 pm
Chicago Athletic Association
12 S. Michigan Ave.

The personal-zine-specific zine fest returns. Find more details here.


The Seminary Co-op Presents: After School Special:
A Book Fair for Grown-Ups

July 11, 4–7 pm
Woodlawn Tap
1172 E. 55th St.
Drink Ticket Purchase, 21 and over

From the Seminary Co-op site: “Browse a curated selection of Co-op titles with a beer (or your drink of choice) in hand, thanks to our host and friends at the Woodlawn Tap—also known as Jimmy’s.”

Ticket purchase includes a one-drink ticket for wine, beer, or a cocktail. A pay-what-you-can tier is available. Purchase tickets here.


This Is Hell! Listener Appreciation Party and This Is Art! Show

July 18, 4–7 pm
Cary’s Lounge/Second Story Studios
2251 W. Devon Ave
.

Celebrating 30 years of This is Hell! Radio, with work by the following artists: Susan Abelson, Lisa Barcy, Collin Bunting, Rachel Bunting, Hal Shipman, Eric Kirsammer, David Kodeski, Matt Bauman, John Soss, Amy Madden, Amy Lockhart, Ellen Campbell, Tony PAAO Lipka, Kristen Neveu, and others. Autographed copies of several books will be raffled off. Details here.


The Book Boutique: Opening in Arlington Heights

Anna Freitag announces that her brick and mortar bookstore will open this fall at 13 West Campbell Street, Arlington Heights. She currently operates an online business to support book stores around the country. What Now writer Evan Gallagher spoke with Freitag about her plans. More information can be found at the store’s Instagram.

Dan Kelly

Dan Kelly has been a writer and editor for 30 years, contributing work to Chicago Magazine, the Chicago Reader, Chicago Journal, The Baffler, Harvard Magazine, The University of Chicago Magazine, and others.