Featured Event

Chicago: City on the Make

For the masses who do the city’s labor also keep the city’s heart—Nelson Algren

Celebrate 75 years of Nelson Algren’s classic with literature, history, and music over three days at three taverns in three Chicago neighborhoods.

When & Where:
Friday, September 18, 2026 at 7pm at Bernice’s Tavern –
3238 S. Halsted

Saturday, September 19, 2026 at 1pm at the Old Town Ale House –
219 W. North

Sunday, September 20, 2026 at 5pm at The Hideout –
1354 W. Wabansia

Readings by: Gregori Gomez Aguayo, Tom Barnas, Colin Boyle, Liz Garibay, Meaghan Garvey, Norman Long, Lester Munson, Linze Rice, Dmitry Samarov, Mario Smith, Tim Tuten, and more.

History by: Bill Savage

Music by: Luc Mosley, Adam Shead, and Andrew Scott Young under the direction of Jefferey Thomas

Cost: $5 to $20 suggested donation. (Donation of $20+ includes a limited-run poster by Ethan D’Ercole).

Produced by Pocket Guide to Hell in partnership with the Beer Culture Center

Pocket Guide to Hell is a series of free and interactive public talks, walking tours, and historical reenactments that focus on Chicago’s past.

Produced since 2008, these events treat the past as a public space where all are welcome, have something to contribute, and can take what they need.

To request a walking tour, pitch a project, or join the mailing list, email pocketguidetohell@gmail.com

Paul Durica started Pocket Guide to Hell while a graduate student in the Department of English Language and Literature at the University of Chicago. He is currently the Director of Exhibitions at the Chicago History Museum. To learn more about Paul, click here.