Cost: Free

Organizer: Columbia College Chicago Fiction Writing Department

What to expect: A week-long slew of readings, panels, conversations with authors, book signings and performances across the city.

Why to Go: This year's theme is "Genre Bending: The Faces of Fiction," with appearances from Joyce Carol Oates, Aleksandar Hemon, Achy Obejas and more.

Centerstage Reviewer: Ben Rubenstein