This weekend, check out Lit Cleveland's free mixer at Platform Beer Company, shop early at the Flea’s Holiday Kick-Off Market, get some food for thought at Creative Mornings, attend 78th St. Studio’s Third Fridays and more.

Lit Cleveland Mixer
Thursday, November 19th, 6-9 pm
Platform Brewery, 4125 Lorain Ave.
Free

Writing is often a solitary act. But, who said that this means writers don’t know how to have a good time. Literary Cleveland is hosting a mixer to bring together writers and readers over excellent local beer while also shining a spotlight on local writers performing their work.

Poets Kisha Nicole Foster and Christine Howey will read, Guide to Kulchur and Canopy Arts Collective will provide a pop-up book cart and button-making activity, and Platform is donating a portion of beer sales to Lit Cleveland. An open mic will follow the readings. The event is hosted by Literary Cleveland, a new organization whose vision is to create a strong community of writers and readers in Northeast Ohio through classes, workshops, readings and other events.

Lit Cleveland launched in August directly following the successful Cleveland Inkubator writers’ conference. Although the groups is only four months old, it already has over 100 founding members.

“We’re a small group of writers, teachers and community members who are already making a big impact,” says founder Lee Chilcote. “We’ve already reached upwards of 500 people through our programs, including the Cleveland Inkubator, and raised nearly $8,000 in individual membership donations – and we’re just getting started.”

To date, Lit Cleveland has offered classes and workshops in developing nonfiction pitches, poetry writing, personal essay writing, songwriting, creative nonfiction, and storytelling. The group is also hosting monthly author talks at the Happy Dog. Several Lit Cleveland workshops are free, thanks to support from the Cleveland Public Library. These workshops provides a diverse array of beginning writers with an opportunity to develop and get feedback on their work in a supportive setting.

“The community response has been incredible,” Chilcote adds, noting that the early support of Lake Erie Ink and the Cleveland Public Library was crucial. “There are so many writers and readers in our community who want to connect, learn and share their work. We’re filling a gap and addressing an important need.”

You can show your support for Literary Cleveland here.

The Cleveland Flea Holiday Kick-Off Market
Tyler Village 1140 E 36th St.
Friday, 5- 10 pm
Saturday, 10 am - 7 pm
Sunday, 10 am - 5 pm
$8 - $20 (the entire Holiday Market is a ticketed event)

This holiday season, shop early and shop local! The Holiday Kick-Off Market opens with a Friday night preview, featuring food by Trentina, cocktails by The Spotted Owl and music by folk trio TriHearn.

Do you absolutely detest waiting in line? A limited number of line-jumping, guaranteed admission Saturday Morning tickets are available in advance. The ticket allows you to walk right into day-one of the Holiday Market and it also doubles as a general admission ticket. A Weekend Bundle Ticket ($8) is good for general admission on both Saturday and Sunday. Keep in mind that lines and wait times will get long during peak shopping hours.

Creative Mornings CLE: Nov 20th
Friday, November 20th. 8:30 - 10 am
Kalman & Pabst Photo Group 3907 Perkins Ave.
Free (registration required)

Scott Ashley is a powerhouse in the world of design. He is the Senior Workplace Strategist for Vocon, one of the country’s largest and most well recognized firms. He has more than 15 years of experience working with leading corporations, retailers and office furniture manufacturers to create workplaces that embody their organizations’ cultures, promote collaboration and meet the varying needs of their multi-generational employees. Learn about how this position requires the use of the latest technological tools. And, as always, complimentary breakfast and coffee will be provided.

Talk Talk Talk
Friday, November 20th. 7 pm
Cleveland Public Library - Louis Stokes Wing Auditorium 525 Superior Ave.
Free

Join CPL and LAND studio for a free night of compelling, funny and diverse story telling. The lineup consists of three of today’s most interesting storytellers: Tig Notaro, Elna Baker and Shannon Cason. The event will be moderated by Kevin Allison of the RISK! Live shows and podcast. Adults only, please.

November THIRD FRIDAY @ 78th Street Studios
Friday, November 20th. 5 - 9 pm
78th Street Studios 1300 W 78th St.
Free

Another month, another night of exciting art openings! Witness the opening of Pugsley's Room: an eccentric store filled with art, oddities and curiosities. Make sure not to miss I would have you be a conscious citizen of this terrible and beautiful world, an exhibition at FORUM artspace created with the intent of confronting inequality and social judgment. Enjoy sounds by Syndicate for the New Arts contemporary music ensemble, a contemporary music ensemble committed to showcasing the works of Rust Belt composers. They’ll be performing on the third floor of 78th Street Studios at Survival Kit Gallery alongside many other exciting openings.

City Ballet of Cleveland Sugarplum Tea
Saturday November 21st. 2 - 4 pm
Acacia Reservation
Call to reserve tickets (216.848.9088)

Make the Nutcracker part of your holiday tradition! Take your little one out to the scenic Metroparks reservation for refreshments with the costumed characters of the Christmas classic. The event is sure to inspire you to reserve tickets to City Ballet’s The Uniquely Cleveland Nutcracker being performed at Tri-C’s Eastern Campus Saturday and Sunday, December 5th and 6th.