Featured Events in Chicago in October, 2024 (August Updated)

This action-packed event features panel discussions on sports business and is once again a benefit for research at RUSH. The 8th open-to-the-public Chicago Sports Summit will spotlight hot topics in sports, sports business, and sports science. All proceeds benefit orthopedic research at RUSH. Information Source: Midwest Orthopaedics at RUSH | eventbrite

Small Group Training is an intimate space allowing people to come together to reach their health and fitness goals, while still receiving the personal individualized attention they may need depending upon their fitness level, performance capabilities, or injuries and limitations. Participants will have access to 2 highly knowledgable and skilled trainers who specialize in performance enhancement, injury prevention, and pain mitigation so each participant can exercise safely and confidently to reach their goals. Information Source: D & Racq | eventbrite

Join us for an inspiring and thought-provoking evening of design exploration with Eileen Jones, a renowned leader in branded environments design, who brings the perspective of a remarkable 40-year career, including 22 years at Perkins & Will. Thursday, Oct. 3 2024 5:30pm to 6:00 - Pre-Event mix and mingle free drinks & networking (limited occupancy. First come first serve)6:00pm to 7:30pm - Presentation followed by fire-side chat with Eileen Jones.At the core of every memorable space is a story—one that connects, inspires, and shapes our human experiences. Eileen will take us on a journey beyond the surface of design, offering a retrospective look at her work while guiding us on how to infuse meaning into every environment we create. Through compelling discussions on emotional storytelling, the evolving role of experiential branding, and the subtle art of listening to what’s unspoken, you’ll walk away with new insights to shape your design approach. Explore how design can influence culture, spark change, and reflect the values that matter most to society today. Whether you're an emerging designer or a seasoned professional, this event is a unique opportunity to reflect on decades of experience and explore the future of human-centered design. Don’t miss your chance to join the conversation and rethink the role of design in shaping a more meaningful world. For more SEGD Chicago events visit: segdchicago.org​ Sponsored by Xibitz, inc. Xibitz partners with clients from all industries to create one-of-a-kind, experiential spaces. Learn more at xibitz.com Information Source: SEGD Chicago | eventbrite

M.A.D.D. RHYTHMS’ CHICAGO TAP SUMMIT RETURNS OCTOBER 4 - 6 WITH A WORLD PREMIERE PERFORMANCE BY ANDREW CARR AND ADDITIONAL EVENTS The 2024 Chicago Tap Summit Offers Three Days of Dance, Discussion, Classes and Performances and Celebrates The Tap Dance Community CHICAGO - M.A.D.D. Rhythms, Chicago’s premier tap collective, is proud to announce the return of the Chicago Tap Summitand concludes with the world premiere from Company Member Andrew Carr, “To Love You All Ways,” October 4 - 6 at the Harold Washington Cultural Center, 4701 S. King Dr. (47th Street entrance) and additional events and appearances. Tickets go on sale for the Chicago Tap Summit and “To Love You All Ways” Tuesday, Sept. 3 at MADDRhythms.com. The 2024 Chicago Tap Summit welcomes participants from Chicago and around the world for three days of dance, discussion and classes celebrating the tap dance community with instructors Ian Berg, Nora Clark, Megan Davis, Ja’bowen Dixon, Martin ‘Tre’ Dumas III, Jay Fagan, Reggio ‘The Hoofer’ McLaughlin, Carmen Paquette, Nico Rubio, Sarah Savelli, KJ Sheldon, Molly Smith, Mr. Taps, Karen Callaway Williams, Pamela Yasutake, Mark Yonally plus the entire M.A.D.D. Rhythms’ family including Ivy Anderson, Bril Barrett, Andrew Carr, Starinah “Star” Dixon, Alexandrya Fryson, Sterling Harris, Caleb Jackson, Donnetta ‘Lil Bit’ Jackson, Case Prime, Davon Suttles and William Wims. This weekend also includes a world premiere performance of “To Love You All Ways,” choreographed by Company Member Andrew Carr, Saturday, Oct. 5 at 7:30 p.m. Andrew Carr’s world premiere, “To Love you All Ways,'' is a deep dive into the intersecting and interchangeable nature of love by way of expression through the outlet of percussive dance and music. “Every number in the show represents a new story being told, each taking a closer look into the countless avenues of love and human interaction that we observe in our everyday lives,” said Carr. “Whether it is the young, playful love that we encounter at the beginning of our lives, the shared love expressed within a community over mutual interests or the infatuation that we experience with a partner or even a crush. Everyone has given or received love at one point in their life and this show is about taking the concept of love and turning it into a journal entry with the stage and the dancers becoming the pen and paper. Even though the end of each piece may symbolize the end to one story on the surface level, the stories and authentic interactions that we experience as humans will allow these stories to live on forever.” Information Source: M.A.D.D. Rhythms | eventbrite

CHECK BACK FOR RIDE UPDATES! Southside Critical Mass' ride is 1st Fridays at 5:45pm. Come join the ride from Nichols Park (south end, 55th & Kimbark) 1300 E. 55th St, Chicago. Bring mask, helmet, water, money, bike lock, bike lights, jacket. The ride is free. Meet at 5:45pm and ride at 6:15ish. Please be aware that by participating in Southside Critical Mass rides you accept that you are responsible for your bike’s condition, your own fitness to ride and your own safety. The streets may present hazards. Please wear a helmet. Social Pop-up Ride. Route subject to change. Everyone is responsible for themselves. Ride at your own risk. Please ride in a safe manner. Have Fun! Happy Friday! Please like our page and share this post. Thanks! The Southside Critical Mass bike ride meets every 1st Friday of the month at 5:45pm riding at 6:15ish at Nichols Park (Plaza), located at 55th & Kimbark. We do not ride in winter or (December through March) . We normally travel about 15-20 miles at a moderate pace (rolling speed 10-14 mph). Our monthly ride through the Southside of Chicago is focused on using the activity of cycling as a vehicle to make our neighborhoods more bikeable and ultimately more liveable. We support businesses in the area. Facebook: Southside Critical Mass Twitter & Instagram: Southside Critical Mass Information Source: Southside Critical Mass Chicago | eventbrite

Serialdaboss and friends, the Jakolo Show Serialdaboss and friends, the Jakolo Show Come join us for a night of non-stop entertainment with Serialdaboss and friends at the Jakolo Show! Get ready for an unforgettable experience filled with music, dancing, and laughter. This event is in person, so make sure to grab your tickets early before they sell out. Don't miss out on the chance to see some of the best performers in town! Information Source: Daboss Entertainment | eventbrite

Come and support our Boo'tiful students for our spooktacular Boo'lesque student showcase! Our students have been working all summer to perfect their skills and are ready to thrill you with their bewitching performances. Expect an evening of spine-tingling sensuality as our dancers—both new and returning—take the stage to spookily seduce you. Join us for a night of eerie elegance, mesmerizing moves, and hauntingly beautiful burlesque that will leave you bewitched and begging for more. Don't miss out on the most thrilling Halloween event of the season! Please be advised: No video/photography allowed for this show by request of the performers. The Newport Theater is up a flight of stairs (no elevator) but a private entrance with a railing and seating near a side door/wheel-chair restroom can be arranged with advance notice. Email newporttheater@gmail.com for more information or learn more at newporttheater.com/safety Doors open 30 minutes prior to the show. Information Source: The Newport Theater | eventbrite

An exciting opportunity to check out some great art in the West Town neighborhood together! This event will bring people together to enjoy great artwork while exploring a great neighborhood. We'll explore venues taking part in the West Town Art Walk along Chicago Avenue. A variety of art galleries and exhibitions will be found along the way. We'll also stop for some drinks and food towards the end of the crawl. PLEASE NOTE: The schedule for the crawl, along with the final meeting location, will be sent via email to registrants in the morning on the day of the event. Hope to see you there! Information Source: West Town Social Club | eventbrite

Experience the mesmerizing artistry of Amy Sigil at the upcoming "Workshops and Works-in-Progress Show" in Chicago. Taking place at The Newport Theater on October 5, 2024, this event promises a captivating display of talent and creativity. Don't miss this opportunity to witness Amy Sigil's unique choreography and innovative dance techniques firsthand. Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating the art of movement in the heart of Chicago.

Don't know where to begin to photograph dancers? Jump right in for this day-long fun studio and location in-depth learning experience with SIGMA lenses and Heather Larkin! After the mornings deep dive masterclass in PROCAM's studio it's time to hit the streets of downtown Aurora to practice what you've learned in this photo walk with Heather and your ballerina models! Learn how to account for changing light and unique conditions, all with expert help along the way to ensure you get killer images when you're done. *Individual registration required for both events* Don't forget: Bring your camera! Sigma loaner lenses are available.AM Studio Session 10-12pmPM Photowalk 2-4pm*Individual registration required for both events**Please be advised that while we strive to ensure easy access for all, due to the naturally varied topography or downtown areas, portions of any location walk may be inaccessible to those with mobility concerns. Start the day in PROCAM Chicago’s studio with a hands-on master class from 10am-12pm, then hit the streets for this photowalk with Heather and ballerina models downtown Aurora to capture amazing urban photos from 2-4pm.AM Session with Sigma - register here. *Individual registration required for both events*HEATHER LARKIN is a SIGMA America Ambassador, portrait photographer, and “flower portrait photographer” located in Athens near Atlanta, Georgia. Heather has been shooting professionally since 2003, and is internationally known for creating colorful, authentic images for clients around the world. Her business, Fairyography, has been featured on The Today Show, SIGMA USA, Professional Photographer Magazine, Canon Cameras, Clickin Moms, Scary Mommy, Online Athens, Southern Distinction Magazine, and more. Information Source: PROCAM EVENTS | eventbrite

Don't know where to begin to photograph dancers? Jump right in for this day-long fun studio and location in-depth learning experience with SIGMA lenses and Heather Larkin! In this deep dive masterclass, you'll learn what to look for in a good dance photo, and a few dance vocabulary terms so you can ask your ballet models to do what you're envisioning. Then you'll have the opportunity to test SIGMA loaner gear while you watch Heather as she poses the dancers for the best portraits, then you'll take photos as well! The morning session will have a studio practice portion and then in the afternoon you’ll walk with Heather and your ballerina models outside in downtown Aurora as you learn how to account for changing light and unique conditions, all with expert help along the way to ensure you get killer images when you're done. *Individual registration required for both events* Attendees get a $25 PROCAM Gift card after this AM session! Don't forget: Bring your camera! Sigma loaner lenses are available.AM Studio Session 10-12pmPM Photowalk 2-4pm*Individual registration required for both events**Please be advised that while we strive to ensure easy access for all, due to the naturally varied topography or downtown areas, portions of any location walk may be inaccessible to those with mobility concerns. Start the day in PROCAM Chicago’s studio with this hands-on demo class from 10am-12pm, then hit the streets with Heather and ballerina models downtown Aurora to capture amazing urban photos from 2-4pm.PM Photo walk 2-4pm Register Now *Individual registration required for both events*HEATHER LARKIN is a SIGMA America Ambassador, portrait photographer, and “flower portrait photographer” located in Athens near Atlanta, Georgia. Heather has been shooting professionally since 2003, and is internationally known for creating colorful, authentic images for clients around the world. Her business, Fairyography, has been featured on The Today Show, SIGMA USA, Professional Photographer Magazine, Canon Cameras, Clickin Moms, Scary Mommy, Online Athens, Southern Distinction Magazine, and more. Information Source: PROCAM EVENTS | eventbrite

Welcome to the Kira J Chicago Book Signing event! Join us on Sat, Oct 05 2024 at 3:00 PM at Da Book Joint for an exciting opportunity to meet and greet with the talented author, Kira J. Get your copy of her latest book signed and enjoy an afternoon filled with literary fun. Don't miss out on this chance to connect with fellow book lovers and support a local author. See you there! Information Source: Kira J | eventbrite

Balkan Comedy Night Chicago Balkan Comedy Night features the best and brightest Balkan-American comedians from around the United States. Each comedian brings a unique flavor from the various countries in the Balkan region. The show features performances from Arijana Ramic, George Dulcich, Luka Loncar, Lulu Jovovich, Stanko Zovak, Vic Gjonaj along and headliner Ryan Radusinovic. The show will be hosted by Srdjan General. Doors Open at 6pm and the show will start at 7pm. The show is in English with Balkan references and can be enjoyed by anyone who appreciates learning about new cultures. Information Source: Ryan Radusinovic | eventbrite

The Chicago Girls Who Walk Demo with Brooks will take place at the Benjamin Franklin Monument in Chicago, located at 72 West La Salle Drive, IL 60614. The event is scheduled for October 5, 2024. Attendees can enjoy this event for free, making it an accessible opportunity to experience the latest offerings from Brooks. Come and join this exciting demonstration to discover the perfect gear for your walks and connect with like-minded individuals in the Chicago area.

The 8th open-to-the-public Chicago Sports Summit will spotlight sports, business, and science topics. Speakers include MSA faculty member Adam Cook and former MSA student Brad Bauer. There are 50 tickets available for MSA students offered on a first come, first service basis. All proceeds benefit orthopedic research at RUSH. Information Source: MSA Student Leadership Council | eventbrite

Create your Own Mosaic Art from ScratchJoin us for a fun and educational evening out where you create your very own mosaic art!In this mosaic creation class you'll have the opportunity to express your creativity and make a unique craft to take home. You will learn the art of mosaic-making, where small pieces of colorful tiles, stones, and other materials are arranged to form a larger image or design. The class will be led by Epic Art House instructors who will guide you through the process step-by-step. You will learn how to choose colors and materials, how to cut and arrange the pieces, and adhere them to create a stunning piece of artwork. Create something new with your hands, leave with a new appreciation for mosaic art.All of the necessary materials will be provided, including a wide range of colorful tiles, stones, and other mosaic pieces. Participants are also welcome to bring their own materials if they have something special in mind. At the end of the class, you will will have a beautiful and unique mosaic creation to take home. This beginner-friendly class is open to all ages and skill levels. It's a great way to have a fun night out, hang out with friends, go on a date, and learn a new skill at the same time. What to BringAll materials will be provided by Epic Art House. We will have materials like colored glass, the mix material, and a wood frame. Come ready to learn, laugh, and spend time together learning a new craft. Hosted by Epic Art HouseWe are a community-driven organization dedicated to fostering connection & creativity in Chicago. We carry out this mission by offering events, classes, and other programs to all ages, skill levels, and backgrounds. Epic Art House is a safe space for exploration, creativity, and community. Address 1850 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60647 Information Source: Epic Art House | eventbrite

Free and open to the public. Art as Civic Ritual is a Long-Table discussion, a participatory, non-hierarchical conversation for, with, and among the public about art making as a ritual for civic work, and a process for radical democracy. Featured guests -- artists, activists, and civic leaders Tonika Lewis Johnson, Faheem Majeed, Bindu Poroor, and Gibran Villalobos join the conversation to thicken and galvanize our dialogue. Art as Civic Ritual is presented as part of “Exorcism = Liberation”, a public art project by Puerto Rican-born, Brooklyn-based artist Yanira Castro / a canary torsi that investigates our relationship to land, self-determination, migration, and climate disaster. Through collective citywide experiences in New York City, Chicago, and the Connecticut River Valley of Western Massachusetts, the project invites the American public to imagine alternative futures through the lens of Puerto Rican culture and the U.S.’ ongoing colonial history. “Exorcism = Liberation” utilizes familiar forms of political media campaigns to immerse the public in sonic experiences, distributing stickers, posters, handmade banners, lawn signs and pins through local community and art organizations. “Exorcism = Liberation” is an act of intervention, a rehearsal for collective action during a critical American election. To learn more about the project visit exorcism-liberation.net. “Exorcism = Liberation” is stewarded locally by @esschicago in Chicago. The project is made possible by the generous support of @creative_capital, a 2024 NYSCA/NYFA Interdisciplinary Artist Fellowship, a Foundation for Contemporary Arts Emergency Grant, and @lmcc_nyc’s Arts Center Residency. Information Source: 21c Chicago | eventbrite

Pottery Night at Epic Art House is one of our community's favorites!Whether you're impressing that special someone or out for a night on the town with friends, stop by for a good time as we have messy fun with the pottery wheels creating amazing works of art! We'll spend 2 hours together creating, learning, and building memories. Each student may choose 1 creation to be fired and schedule a glazing time to glaze finish their masterpieces at no additional cost. One ticket per person. Perfect for Friends, Family, or that Special Someone Our Night Pottery Workshop is a community favorite. Whether you're learning how to create your first ceramic piece or piece 100; you're welcome. Epic Art House is a community-driven organization dedicated to fostering connection & creativity in Chicago. What to BringWe suggest wearing some clothes that you don't mind getting a little dirty. Sometimes the clay can splash onto shoes and clothing.All clay and tools will be provided. So don't worry about that.Beginner FriendlyNever worked with clay before? Don't worry! Our Night Pottery Workshop is beginner friendly. Our amazing teacher will get you started from scratch. All the tools and materials are provided. You will also be able to collect your fired items later in the week. About our TeachersEpic Art House teachers are incredibly talented individuals with a love for helping other find their full potential. They will help you learn a new skill, increase the knowledge you already havve, and have a great time during the entire process. Chrissy.In my art I strive for light and levity. An important part of myself is humor and laughter. The subjects of my art are things that provoke joy in me. I love to share this experience through my art. I continue to experiment with mediums of acrylic, ceramics, and tie dye Arushi M.Arushi is currently studying fashion and textiles at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. She has worked in ceramics since she was in middle school, both on the wheel and hand building, and is eager to teach any and all levels of students. Information Source: Epic Art House | eventbrite

Chicago is obsessed with pickleball, and we're no exception! Join us for our new regular Singles Friday Night Takeover at SPF with Toss & Spin - a fun evening of activity, suitable for complete beginners and experienced players alike! This new monthly event aims to bring together our communtiy of singles in a fun and casual environment. Come along to make new connections for friendship or more! Ticket Options: Complete beginner? Join us for a 7pm or 8pm beginner class led by expert instructors from Toss & Spin. These tickets include full access to all other venue activities before and after your class, including open court time from 9pm onwards! Novice or Experienced? Select a 7pm or 8pm Open Play session led by Toss & Spin for a series of mini games with different partners. These tickets include full access to all other venue activities before and after your class, including open court time from 9pm onwards! Not sure you want to play, or pickleball sessions sold out? Select our General Admission ticket! This includes access to all of the off-court activities throughout the evening, as well as open pickleball play from 9pm onwards. Hosted at the hottest new pickleball & indoor activity venue, SPF Chicago, attendees will be able to enjoy a full bar when not playing, including a delicious range of mocktails & cocktails. Food will also be available to purchase throughout the evening. Tickets also include: All equipment for pickleball & off-court activitiesAccess to all off-court activities throughout the evening, including Bocce, Ping Pong, Cornhole & more!Open court time for all attendees from 9pm until close - play as long as you like!Complimentary drink for first 100 guests courtesy of our friends at Long DrinkAccess Notes: SPF is an accessible venue, with the majority of the venue based on the first floor.Due to the nature of our social events, they can become loud. Quieter spaces are available throughout the venue; please ask a host if you need to find a quieter location and we'll be happy to help.Masks are available on the doorWe offer sliding scale tickets at all of our events. Please email us at hello@meetirlco.com if you need to make use of this option.Please email us at hello@meetirlco.com if you have any specific accessibility needs or questions, and we'll do our very best to accommodate. Information Source: meet irl | better dating | eventbrite

Welcome to the Latin American Guitar Festival! Get ready for a day filled with mesmerizing melodies and rhythmic tunes from talented guitarists across Latin America. Join us for a celebration of the rich musical heritage of this vibrant region. Immerse yourself in the soulful sounds of traditional and contemporary Latin American music. Whether you're a seasoned guitar enthusiast or just looking for a fun day out, this festival is perfect for all music lovers. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to experience the magic of Latin American guitar music live! Information Source: Latin American Guitar Festival | eventbrite

Chicago's most anticipated autumn event, the Scarecrow Festival 2024, is just around the corner! From October 11th through the 13th, the iconic venue, The Scarecrow, will be transformed into a festive wonderland filled with whimsical creations. It's a three-day extravaganza that'll have attendees on cloud nine, reveling in the magic of this unique celebration. The festival promises to be a feast for the senses, with an array of activities available for visitors of all ages. Picture this - the air is crisp, the leaves are turning, and the streets around The Scarecrow are lined with the most artistic and imaginative scarecrows you've ever laid eyes on. Each one is lovingly crafted by local artists and community members, embodying the spirit of the season and showcasing the creativity of the Windy City. But it's not just about the scarecrows! The festival also offers a myriad of other delights. Live music will fill the air, local food and craft vendors will offer their wares, and special events will keep the excitement going well into the night. So mark your calendars for Scarecrow Festival 2024, and get ready to fall head over heels for this enchanting autumn tradition in Chicago. Before hitching your wagon to this spooky soiree, bear in mind that details are subject to change, so it's worth double-checking the specifics as the dates draw near. But rest assured, The Scarecrow Festival 2024 is shaping up to be an event that's not to be missed, so stay tuned for more thrilling updates as they materialize." "Remember, this isn't just an ordinary meet and greet with stuffed straw figures; it's a cultural happening that's woven into the very fabric of Chicago's community tapestry. And while the scarecrows might be the silent stars of the show, it's the attendees who breathe life into the festival year after year. Let's keep our fingers crossed for clear skies and crisp weather as we count down the days to Scarecrow Festival 2024!

PARKING: Please park on 29th street for fastest route the yoga site. --Turn towards the tennis/Basketball courts-- continue to drive down 29th street and locate a free street parking space. --The entrance to the park where we will be doing yoga, will be on the right side of the street. --Once entering the park continue towards the path that leads to the feild on the left. What to Expect: - Pink Yoga Attire:Tohighlight our ultimate feminane self we encourage all participants to wear pink yoga attire. This is a small gesture with a big impact 40 Min Yoga 15 Min Sound Bath Meditation All Yogi's Recieve : 93 Boyz Product Sample Charcutorie Journal Champange - Guided Yoga Practice:Our experienced yoga instructor, Jordan Carr will lead you through a rejuvenating yoga session suitable for all levels of experience. Whether you're a seasoned yogi or a beginner, you'll find comfort and inspiration on your mat. - Sound Bath Meditation and Mindfulness: Connect with your divine feminine energy through meditation and mindfulness exercises. It's a time for reflection, healing, and gratitude. - Community and Support: Meet fellow participants who share your passion for yoga and desire to reconnect with yourself. Strengthen the bonds of our community as we come together for a common cause. Come, Flow, and Reconnect with your divine femine energy Join us for a day of unity, strength, and love. Together, we can create a sea of pink to raise awareness. October is breast cancer awareness and infant and pregnancy loss awareness month. As women we need oppurtunity to awknowledge, heal, and reconnect with our selves. Rain or Shine-- No Refunds Champagne and Charcoutrie Reception Information Source: Haus Of Namaste | eventbrite

Experience the thrill of the Fox Trot Run 5K/10K/13.1 CHICAGO/EVANSTON, taking place at Elliott Park in Chicago on October 12, 2024. This small, private group run welcomes all ages and paces to enjoy a beautiful route alongside other passionate runners and dedicated run pacers. With a maximum of 15-20 participants per wave, runners can savor the camaraderie while achieving their personal best. Participants can choose from 5K, 10K, or 13.1 Half-Marathon distances, with wave sign-ups closing quickly. In case of sold-out waves, a virtual run option or waitlist is available. The event guarantees a stress-free experience, with no timing chips required. However, coordinators are on hand to assist with timing using assigned bib numbers. Registrants will receive a Swag Bag including a Running T-Shirt, Finisher's Towel or Giveaway, and a Finisher's Medal. Optional upgrades include Technical Running Shirts for a nominal fee. Moreover, participants can access the RUNNA Coaching Program with a free trial using the code "BESTRACES" to enhance their training regime. Packet pickup is hassle-free, as swag items are directly shipped to the provided US mailing address. Additionally, a Training Pack & Free Giveaways are included in the registration. For those interested in multiple races, a Race Bundle discount is available, with the chance to earn a Custom Runner's Trophy by completing three runs. Furthermore, the event extends support to the community by offering stipends, scholarships, or free entries to those in need, such as at-risk youth and marginalized individuals. Organizations or Non-Profits seeking assistance can reach out for more details at contact@thebestraces.com. For those looking to contribute, Team Glo Volunteers are encouraged to join in organizing fulfilling experiences for all participants.

Please join us in person on Saturday, October 12th at 7:00pmcentral to help celebrate the paperback releases of Ross Gay's Inciting Joy and The Book of (More) Delights. We are beyond excited to finally host Ross in person and hope you all can make it! AboutInciting Joy: Essays: In these gorgeously written and timely pieces, prizewinning poet and author Gay considers the joy we incite when we care for each other, especially during life's inevitable hardships. Throughout Inciting Joy, he explores how we can practice recognizing that connection, and also, crucially, how we can expand it. Taking a clear-eyed look at injustice, political polarization, and the destruction of the natural world, Gay shows us how we might resist, how the study of joy might lead us to a wild, unpredictable, transgressive, and unboundaried solidarity. In fact, it just might help us survive. In an era when divisive voices take up so much airspace, Inciting Joy offers a vital alternative: What might be possible if we turn our attention to what brings us together, to what we love? AboutThe Book of (More) Delights: Essays: In this second intimate collection of short, lyrical, genre-defying essays, again written daily over a year, one of America's most original and observant voices celebrates the ordinary, helping us see our extraordinary world anew. Among Ross Gay's funny, poetic, philosophical delights: bonding with a pipsqueak of a puppy, observing how his mother bakes eighteen kinds of cookies before her grandchildren arrive, noticing the tenderness he feels when he sees an adult wearing braces, and the recognition that for him the preamble is often more delightful than the thing itself: Putting on your socks and tying up your shoes, and, if you're the type, filling up your water bottle and doing some light stretching, but skipping the walk entirely. For Gay, practicing delight is an act of defiance in an often unjust world, as necessary as breathing. Even as he acknowledges racism, consumerism, ecological devastation, and our individual sorrows--he shows us that the un-delights make the delights even more so. As always, Gay revels in natural world--a hummingbird carousing in the beebalm, the garlic that grows abundantly in his garden (along with collards and kale leaves and purple osaka mustards, pineapple sage, sweet potatoes, etc.), a field of sunflowers turning toward the sun, the shared bounty from a neighbor's fig tree--and the trillion mysterious ways this glorious earth delights us. About Ross Gay: Ross Gay is the New York Times bestselling author of the essay collections The Book of Delights and Inciting Joy and four books of poetry. His Catalog of Unabashed Gratitude won the National Book Critics Circle Award and the Kingsley Tufts Poetry Award, and was a finalist for the National Book Award; and Be Holding won the 2021 PEN America Jean Stein Book Award. Gay is a founding board member of the Bloomington Community Orchard, a non-profit, free-fruit-for-all food justice and joy project and has received fellowships from Cave Canem, the Bread Loaf Writer’s Conference, and the Guggenheim Foundation. He teaches at Indiana University. About the event: This is a free, in person event and registration is required. Please click on the link below to register for free. Ross will be happy to sign/personalize copies of his books after the event! Can't make it to the event? Signed copies will be available in store and online after the event. Information Source: Exile in Bookville | eventbrite

CHICAGO MARATHON SHAKEOUT!!! Come join NC based content creator and back of the pack runner, The Realistic Runner, and the FUN athletic apparel brand, Sprints Running, for an EPIC shakeout run and walk during marathon weekend! We are absolutely PUMPED to partner together and create a place for all paces during marathon weekend. Also as a huge thank you for supporting both communities and celebrating the weekend festivities, Sprints will be GIVING AWAY A HAT TO EVERYONE THAT COMES OUT!! Here's what you can expect Saturday morning: Pre-shakeout meet and greet! Every great run starts with music and new friends!HYPE from The Realistic Runner and Sprints before running + walking!!An amazing 3 mile run and 1 mile walk on Lakefront Trail where we will stop for a mid-run picture and high fives!Post-run/walk celebration at locally owned PiniPico Coffee for discounted coffee and food, hats, giveaways, and hanging out!!We can't wait to see y'all and celebrate through movement!!! Information Source: The Realistic Runner | eventbrite

The 2024 Chicago Marathon Charity Block Party is set to take place at the Charity Block Party venue located at Adams & Loomis, Chicago, IL. This exciting event is scheduled for October 13, 2024. Participants and spectators can look forward to a dynamic and engaging experience filled with fun activities, entertainment, and opportunities to support various charitable causes. Join the community in celebrating the Chicago Marathon while contributing to meaningful initiatives at this vibrant block party in the heart of the city. Mark your calendars and be a part of this impactful event in Chicago.

Register TODAY! Pre-registration is required and space is limited. Let's. Get. SPOOKY! Time to dust off your movement-friendly costume, gather your witches and get ready for our Halloween-inspired playlist! We've got new routines as well as old favorites and we can't wait to dance with you and your ghoulish squad on October 13th ✨We always have poms to borrow, but feel free to BYOP 😉We will also have poms to purchase for $30-$35 ❤️We suggest you bring water and a towel and wear supportive clothing and shoes. Masks are optional. 🔥Register TODAY! Pre-registration is required and space is limited. We are so excited to dance with you! See you at 10:30AM at Visceral on October 15th! Information Source: POMSQUAD Fitness™ | eventbrite

Join us for a movie and a chat! Watch the hit blockbuster Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, followed by a lively conversation. This program is part of Chicago Public Library's 2024 One Book, One Chicago initiative focused on Gabrielle Zevin's bestselling novel Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow. Presented in conjunction with our special exhibit Level Up: Writers & Gamers, we'll discuss how the themes explored in our exhibit relate to the film and the novel, as well as how roleplaying games like D&D connect to modern video games. This screening is free to attend. About the film: A charming thief and a band of unlikely adventurers undertake an epic heist to retrieve a lost relic, but things go dangerously awry when they run afoul of the wrong people in this hilarious and action-packed adventure. Level Up: Writers & Gamers, where the magic of game writing awaits! Embark on a thrilling adventure into the world of game writing and explore the role of narrative and storytelling in gaming, from the 1970s to today. Timed to coincide with the 50th anniversary of fantasy tabletop role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons, Level Up enriches your understanding of writing through fun and interactive formats, inspires young people to try a new form of writing, and encourages exploration of the worlds created through games. Take a deep dive into the world of game writing, and learn about topics such as Live Action Role Playing, Decision Trees/Choice Making, Character Creation, Notable Events in Gaming History, Game-Adjacent Writing, and more. Through a timeline and a series of interactive features, including a mock basement game room where you can play games, you’ll have an active role in the story of Level Up. Explore Level Up: Writers & Gamers today! More about Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow: On a bitter-cold day, in the December of his junior year at Harvard, Sam Masur exits a subway car and sees, amid the hordes of people waiting on the platform, Sadie Green. He calls her name. For a moment, she pretends she hasn’t heard him, but then, she turns, and a game begins: a legendary collaboration that will launch them to stardom. These friends, intimates since childhood, borrow money, beg favors, and, before even graduating college, they have created their first blockbuster, Ichigo. Overnight, the world is theirs. Not even twenty-five years old, Sam and Sadie are brilliant, successful, and rich, but these qualities won’t protect them from their own creative ambitions or the betrayals of their hearts. Spanning thirty years, from Cambridge, Massachusetts, to Venice Beach, California, and lands in between and far beyond, Gabrielle Zevin’s Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow examines the multifarious nature of identity, disability, failure, the redemptive possibilities in play, and above all, our need to connect: to be loved and to love. Information Source: American Writers Museum | eventbrite

Lakeview Run Club Post-Marathon Party! Join us in celebrating our runners, volunteers, spectators, and the city of Chicago overall! Friends, family, fans, and athletes are all welcome to join us for food, drinks, music, and a great time! Must show ID and Eventbrite ticket upon arrival to venue. Please see Ben, Ana, or KJ with any questions. $20/TICKET Includes: Chicago-style Hot Dog Bar & heavy appetizers - catered by Chef Pat & Co Sounds by Telestereo - LVRC Member Tyler! Raffle Prizes and Giveaways - stay tuned to hear from our sponsors! Photo Opportunities AYCD Packages and Cash Bar available to purchase PS - Don't forget about our Marathon Aid Station or Cheer Zone! Information Source: eventbrite

Emerita Professor of English and African American Studies Marilyn Sanders Mobley visits the American Writers Museum to discuss her recent book Toni Morrison and the Geopoetics of Place, Race, and Be/longing, which Henry Louis Gates, Jr. calls a powerful and learned meditation, and one that deserves a prominent place in the field of Morrison studies. Published by Temple University Press, books will be available for purchase and Mobley will sign them following the program. This is an in-person program at the American Writers Museum. This program will also be livestreamed, and you can register for the link to the online broadcast here. More about Toni Morrison and the Geopoetics of Place, Race, and Be/longing: Toni Morrison’s readers and critics typically focus more on the what than the how of her writing. In Toni Morrison and the Geopoetics of Place, Race, and Be/longing, Marilyn Sanders Mobley analyzes Morrison’s expressed narrative intention of providing spaces for the reader to help us understand the narrative strategies in her work. Mobley's approach is as interdisciplinary, intersectional, nuanced, and complex as Morrison's. She combines textual analysis with a study of Morrison's cultural politics and narrative poetics and describes how Morrison engages with both history and the present political moment. Informed by research in geocriticism, spatial literary studies, African American literary studies, and Black feminist studies at the intersection of poetics and cultural politics, Mobley identifies four narrative strategies that illuminate how Morrison creates such spaces in her fiction; what these spaces say about her understanding of place, race, and belonging; and how they constitute a way to read and re-read her work. MARILYN SANDERS MOBLEY is Emerita Professor of English and African American Studies at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. She is the author of Folk Roots and Mythic Wings in Sarah Orne Jewett and Toni Morrison: The Cultural Function of Narrative and a spiritual memoir, The Strawberry Room, and Other Places Where a Woman Finds Herself. Information Source: American Writers Museum | eventbrite