Get Lit: Grown-Up Book Fair
Indulge your literary impulses at Get Lit: Grown-Up Book Fair! Mix and mingle with fellow bookworms, share your favorite titles, and discover new ones. From cozy mysteries to epic adventures, there’s something for every reader to discover and enjoy!
BURST INTO BOOKS
Burst Into Books is a Chicago-based nonprofit organization dedicated to building strong families through literacy, cultural arts, and community engagement. Founded by educator and author Jurema Gorham, the organization provides year-round programs that promote reading, creativity, and connection — including early literacy initiatives, youth writing and art workshops, parent engagement sessions, and the annual Words of Wonder Literary Festival. Through storytelling, education, and collaboration, Burst Into Books empowers children and families to read, imagine, and grow together.
COLLABORACTION
Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2026, Collaboraction is an award-winning Chicago theater company that uses immersive, socially conscious performance to spark change and build equity. Across all platforms, Collaboraction uses its KEDA methodology – Knowledge, Empathy, Dialogue, and Action – to spark changes in behavior and attitudes that manifest social change. Collaboraction’s work includes NBC Chicago’s three-time Emmy Award-winning The Lost Story of Emmett Till: Trial in the Delta, the resulting live stage play film, Trial in the Delta: The Murder of Emmett Till, live productions of Crime Scene, Moonset Sunrise, A Blue Island In the Red Sea, its annual Peacebook and Sketchbook festivals, and its youth ensemble, The Light.Collaboraction is led by Darlene Jackson, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director; Anthony Moseley, Chief Programming Officer and Artistic Director; and a dedicated board, company members and staff. For more information, visit collaboraction.org or follow Collaboraction on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok and Bluesky.
CHICAGO LITERARY SALON
The Chicago Literary Salon is an intimate dinner party series where books become the catalyst for meaningful conversation. The Salon hosts thoughtfully designed, small-scale literary events that bring authors and readers around the same table. Evenings unfold over cocktails and a shared meal, with guided discussion, audience participation, and in-depth conversation that invites guests into the dialogue rather than positioning them as passive listeners. Most salons are anchored by a featured book and author, though select evenings spotlight dynamic panels and broader literary themes. Rooted in Chicago and inspired by the timeless tradition of literary salons, we believe great stories deserve beautiful rooms—and conversations that linger long after the last page is turned.
GOBLIN MARKET
Established in October 2023, Goblin Market proudly stands as Chicago’s first manga-focused shop. We’re not just a store; we are a community-driven space that celebrates the magic of storytelling and diversity. Our shelves aren’t limited to manga. We embrace the entire world of storytelling, offering a curated selection of comics, graphic novels, and prose novels focusing on horror, scifi, fantasy, LGBTQ+, and independent works. We also carry Chicagoland’s largest selection of small press roleplaying games. As a queer-owned and Arab-owned business, we understand the importance of representation. Goblin Market boasts an extensive LGBTQ+ selection, and we source queer and international stories from around the world.
PLOT TWIST USED BOOKS
At Plot Twist Used Books we believe in the power of words, ideas, & expression. We are dedicated to creating a space where book lovers will find a home and offering a curated range of used books that encourages dialog, fosters critical thinking, and celebrates diversity. Shop. Read. Connect. www.plottwistusedbooks.com
SHADY REST VINTAGE & VINYL
Shady Rest Vintage & Vinyl is a proud minority- and women-owned business in the heart of Pilsen’s 18th Street retail corridor. We sell a curated mix of used records, vintage books and comics, cameras, and audio components. Shady Rest is a hub for disk, collectors, photography hobbyists, and hi-fi enthusiasts, but we aim to serve everyone who walks through our doors. Our inventory is procured second-hand, individually and with care – so customers relish in the discovery of finding something truly singular and special.
TRASH PEOPLE
Trash People are a community-driven crew organizing clean-ups in neighborhoods like Logan Square, McKinley Park, West Town, Lakeview and Humboldt Park. They’re also behind The Volunteer Fair—connecting nonprofits with new volunteers—and The Parlor, a project giving pre-loved pieces a second life.
This is 21+ event. Attendees must show a valid photo ID at the door to enter.
Get Lit is your way to enjoy evenings in the Loop. Meet friends and fellow book nerds for an early evening treat. Each month, the AWM serves drinks, games, special experiences, and fun activities to get you lit! Funds raised at this event go towards the AWM’s Write In Youth Education Program, which serves middle and high school students from under-resourced schools. See our other upcoming GET LIT events here.
Are there events for sober adults who do not drink alcohol?
Hi Laura,
Yes! Check out our event calendar here. We have plenty of author talks and other events where we do not serve alcohol. We also offer a range of non-alcoholic options at our Get Lit events, including a mocktail version of the signature cocktail as well as non-alcoholic beer. Thanks for reaching out and I hope this helps!