Cost: $20 in advance, $25 at the door

Organizer: Drinking & Writing Brewery

What to expect: This 6th annual event at the Hopleaf, organized by the Drinking & Writing Brewery, will be focused on the writing (and drinking) of our fair city. Admission includes 10 beer sample tickets, a complimentary beer glass, the "2 Drink Minimum Writing Contest" and appearances from local writers and drinkers.

Why to go: This year's featured writer is Mike Royko, and his son, David, will be on hand to read from his upcoming book, Royko in Love: Mike's Letter to Carol. Other speakers include Northwestern University's Bill Savage, urban social scientist Denese Neu, Haymarket Pub & Brewery founder and brewer Pete Crowley, Hopleaf Bar owner Mike Roper, and Drinking & Writing's Sean Benjamin and Steve Mosqueda. Expect brews from Rock Bottom, Goose Island, Metropolitan, Three Floyds and Half Acre.

Centerstage Reviewer: Ben Rubenstein