‘Vigil’ by acclaimed author George Saunders kicks off the new Campus Reading Program
May 13, 2026
This week, catch the second weekend of “Love & Information” at the Wirtz Center, hear a showcase of the jazz vibraphone and cheer on women’s lacrosse in the NCAA tournament. Here’s what to add to your calendar. As always, all are welcome!
Feminist fiction, past and future
The Women’s Center and Northwestern University Press host feminist writers Elizabeth Crane and Gina Frangello for a candid conversation with author Megan Stielstra about sex, relationships, #MeToo and their own legacies. NU Press recently published Crane’s new collection of short stories exploring themes of aging, sex and friendship and reissued early works by both Crane and Frangello. Book sales and a reception will follow the talk.
The event is at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, May 6, in Alice Millar Chapel, 1870 Sheridan Road, Evanston. More info.
The future of democracy
Democracy is in crisis around the world, and polling data shows most people think the current system of electoral democracy needs major changes. Josh Lerner, co-executive director of People Powered, a global hub for participatory democracy, previews the future of democracy in a conversation with Vijayendra (Biju) Rao, distinguished practitioner-scholar in residence at the Buffett Institute. Lerner will share how movements around the world are shifting to new models of democracy that extend beyond elections and how to accelerate this change.
The talk is at 4 p.m. on Thursday, May 7, in the Reading Room, 720 University Place, Evanston. Register here.
Get a scoop
Students and Evanston residents are invited to meet new neighbors and build community at an ice cream social hosted by Off-Campus Life. The first 300 participants can enjoy ice cream from Evanston’s C&W Market and Ice Cream Parlor.
The social runs from 5:30–7 p.m. on Thursday, May 7, at Firefighter’s Park, 2040 Maple Ave., Evanston. More info.
Comedy and tragedy
In “David’s Red-Haired Death,” two women find that they have everything in common until the death of a brother drives them apart. The red-haired mythology that glorifies and empowers the two women leads them into a big love, but it can’t lead them safely out again. Part stand-up comedy, part tragedy, the latest entry in the MFA Collaboration series explores the heaviness of the things we carry.
Performances are at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, May 8, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 9, and 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 10, in the Hal & Martha Hyer Wallis Theater, 1949 Campus Drive, Evanston. Buy tickets.
Toward the championship
After earning the No. 1 seed in this year’s NCAA tournament, women’s lacrosse will face off against the winner of the May 8 game between Notre Dame and James Madison as the Wildcats look to return to the championship.
The game is at 1 p.m. on Sunday, May 10, at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium, 2235 Campus Drive, Evanston. Buy tickets.
Celebrating literature
Northwestern’s English department hosts the 18th annual Writers Fest, featuring renowned writers offering public readings. This year’s installment kicks off with a reading by author Leni Zumas, followed by readings by Aminatta Forna and Marsha de la O on the festival’s subsequent days.
Zumas’ reading is at 5 p.m. on Monday, May 11, in room 208, Deering Library, 1937 Sheridan Road, Evanston. See the full event lineup.
Good vibes
The Jazz Ensemble is joined by Bienen alum Thaddeus Tukes ’16 for a program showcasing innovators of the jazz vibraphone, with music by Lionel Hampton, Milt Jackson and Gary Burton.
The concert is at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 12, in Galvin Recital Hall, Ryan Center for the Musical Arts, 70 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston. Buy tickets.
