Gina DiPonio

175 Days to Love Chicago: Chicago Tribune Printers Row Lit Fest – in explorechicago.org

175 Days to Love Chicago: Chicago Tribune Printers Row Lit Fest

May, 2012

You’re in for mystery, romance, humor and so much more when storytellers, book peddlers and the literarily inclined take over the South Loop for the always captivating Chicago Tribune Printers Row Lit Fest! With over 100 events and 200 stalls to explore, there’s something for everyone at our page-turning 175 Days to Love Chicago pick for Sunday, June 10.

Come out and celebrate Chicago’s thriving lit scene as the local community and beyond engage their imaginations and each other at the Chicago Tribune Printers Row Lit Fest. This year, nearly 250 authors will be presenting on 7 stages. See and meet authors like Sapphire, Tracy Letts, Li-Young Lee, Dan Rather, Rachael Ray and Rick Bayless, and that’s just on Saturday! Some of Sunday’s highlights include learning to cook vegan Indian dishes with Anupy Singla and listening to Sara Paretsky in conversation with Haki Madhubuti. Throughout this two-day fest, head to The Mash Stage to hear “the voice of young Chicago”; the Trib Nation Stage to get behind the newsprint with Chicago Tribune writers and editors; and The ‘Good Eating’ Stage for chef demonstrations and more! The youngest readers in the crowd can hear and see live stories infused with movement and music at Lil’ Lit Park. Watch unforgettable acts like Cirque Shanghai, El Payo Flamenco Ensemble and Justin Roberts and the Not Ready for Naptime Players perform on Saturday. Then experience more playful tales with “The Wonderful World of Puppets” by Mark Nichols of The Puppet Place, “Everyday Music” by Sandy Lucas and “Revenge of the Dinotrux” by Chris Gall and more on Sunday. Also, be sure to save plenty of time for pleasant perusing of the new, old, rare and soon-to-be-relished books and journals laid out on display in the sidewalk and street stalls, and enjoy this chance to stroll and mingle with the literary-minded in a city so worth writing about.

Come away with your own story to tell when you attend the FREE Chicago Tribune Printers Row Lit Fest at Dearborn St. & Polk St. (Hours: Saturday, June 9, 10 am – 6 pm, with Lit After Dark from 6 – 10 pm; Sunday, 10 am – 6 pm). Free tickets are required for some events. Read the full extent of literary listings at chicagotribune.com/printersrow.

175 Days to Love Chicago celebrates Chicago’s 175th birthday with an exciting 175-day series of programs, promotions and fun history. Launching on the 175th anniversary of the city’s incorporation on March 4 and continuing through August 26, 2012, this cultural calendar offers visitors and residents exciting opportunities to explore Chicago every day. From special events to special packages at local hotels, the campaign showcases the breadth and vibrancy of Chicago’s cultural landscape. For more information, visit http://www.explorechicago.org/175days.