Enjoy African cuisine from Demera Ethiopian Restaurant at Taste of Uptown on Wed 10/12. Credit: Raul Pacheco-Vega

Nursing a presidential debate hangover? There are plenty of Trump-free happenings around town to take your mind off the impending election. Here’s some of what we recommend:

Mon 10/10: Young Chicago Authors is celebrating 25 years at the YCA BeerRaiser at Lagunitas Tap Room (2607 W. 17th) with food, poetry performances, and awards. All proceeds go to YCA. 5:30-8:30 PM

Mon 10/10: Writer, reviewer, and longtime Reader contributor Lloyd Sachs discusses his book T Bone Burnett: A Life in Pursuit at the Hideout (1354 W. Wabansia) accompanied by live performances from Steve Dawson, Kelly Hogan, and Nora O’Connor. 7 PM

Tue 10/11: CHIRP Radio hosts its storytelling series and podcast The First Time: First Gig tonight at Martyrs’ (3855 N. Lincoln). Proceeds from the show will go towards construction of the station’s first radio tower. 8 PM

Ali Clayton is one of the psat performers on CHIRP Radio's <i>The First Time</i>.
Ali Clayton is one of the psat performers on CHIRP Radio’s The First Time.Credit: Julia Mueller

10/11-10/16: At the Lit & Luz Festival writers from the United States and Mexico congregate for city-wide readings, discussions, and performances. Events include a collaborative performance at Co-Prosperity Sphere, a reading with Mexican author Guadalupe Nettel at the University of Chicago, and a discussion on the intersection of writing and translating at Sector 2337. Various times, venues. Free

Wed 10/12: The inaugural Taste of Uptown at Uptown Arcade (4830 N. Broadway) features samples of Ethiopian, Mediterranean, Mexican, and more cuisines. Participating businesses include Caravan, Heritage Outpost, and My Chocolate Soul. 6-9 PM

Wed 10/12: The 70s sci-fi film TeenAlien screens at Comfort Station (2579 N. Milwaukee) as part of Comfort Film’s Lost and Abandoned Halloween collection. 8 PM

<i>TeenAlien</i> screens at Comfort Station on Wed 10/12.
TeenAlien screens at Comfort Station on Wed 10/12.


Thu 10/13: Hyde Park’s Indie City Writers hosts Love, Horror, and Everything In Between, a reading of poems, stories, and essays at 57th Street Books (1301 E. 57th). This edition prompts the writers—including K.B. Jensen, Michael Mills, Kayla Gordon, and more—to read works labeled as romance, thriller, or somewhere in the middle. 6 PM

Isabella Rotman's <i>Not on My Watch</i> is part of "Graphic Relief."
Isabella Rotman’s Not on My Watch is part of “Graphic Relief.”Credit: COURTESY THE ARTIST


10/13-1/31: “Graphic Relief” is a new exhibit at Awakenings Foundation Gallery (4001 N. Ravenswood) devoted to an all-too-common form of sexual harassment, catcalling. The exhibit features work from Céline Loup, Ursa Eyer, Isabella Rotman, and more. Opening reception on Thu 10/13, 6-9 PM.

For more stuff to do this week—and every day—check out our Agenda page.