CAKE (Chicago Alternative Comics Expo) (June 6-7): At the Center on Halsted (3656 North Halsted), a weekend-long celebration event, featuring comics, workshops, panel discussions, and over 180 exhibitors from around the country. cakechicago.com
Printers Row Lit Fest (June 6-7): Takes place in the historic Printers Row neighborhood, on and around Dearborn Street, from Congress to Polk.The Midwest’s largest outdoor literary festival and book fair. printersrowlitfest.org
Chicago Women’s Funny Festival (June 18-21): At Stage 773 (1225 West Belmont). A celebration of funny women that includes anything from stand-up, storytelling, improv, burlesque, etc. chicagowomensfunnyfestival.com
Printers Ball (June 27): At the Hubbard Street Lofts (1821 West Hubbard), an annual celebration of literary culture and printmaking that brings together the individuals who play various roles in that community. printersball.org
The Northwestern University Summer Writers’ Conference (July 30-August 1): At Wieboldt Hall (339 East Chicago), a three-day summer institute dedicated to the creation and revision of novels, short-stories, nonfiction, and poetry. sps.northwestern.edu/program-areas/summer/institutes/writers-conference/index.php
—Amy Danzer