tonight, The Ludington Building, 1104 S. Wabash Ave., 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., free more ›

Last week, MAKE: A Chicago Literary Magazine celebrated the release of their 10th issue. It’s one of their biggest issues yet. The magazine contains pieces of fiction, poetry, essays, art and reviews that touch on this issue’s “At Play” theme. And since MAKE is celebrating five years, this issue also has short pieces on the number five from over forty past contributors. The “five” special section is folded through the issue, which is designed by Johnathan Crawford. more ›

The guidelines on the MAKE site request one submission per person and ask that writers use the online database to submit their work. The editors care more about reading work from writers who have “strong, inspired voices, frenetic imaginations, and a sense of humor” than a repertoire of published work. In other words, writers of all levels are encouraged to give it a shot. We asked director Sarah Dodson is there was anything the MAKE editors really did not want to see. She told us that even though they have read thousands of submissions over the years, the only thing they’re against is an incomplete submission. “We are looking for work that has been well crafted and thoroughly considered. It should feel like a finished piece to the author before it is submitted,” Dodson said. more ›

Columbia College, 916 South Wabash Building, room 150, 7 p.m., free more ›

Oh come all ye tinkerers, nerdy and philanthropic, come ye oh co-ome ye to American Maker. more ›

The extra big coffee isn't able to cure our case of the Mondays, but tonight's MAKE Magazine release party might just be the thing to help you ease into the week. Tonight's party at The Hideout celebrates the release of Issue #6 of the bi-annual Chicago-based literary mag, and they kickoff the week in style. more ›

We’ve got a couple of great readings this week, so check them out, won’t you please? more ›