This annual event, running 9/8-9/10, showcases the work of emerging artists in Chicago’s Wicker Park/Bucktown area. Theater, performance, spoken word, literary readings, dance, music, film and video, and visual art are all represented in the 17th edition of the festival. Plays are presented at the Chopin Theatre, 1543 W. Division; Spa Soak, 1733 N. Milwaukee; Davenport’s, 1383 N. Milwaukee; and Wicker Park, 1425 N. Damen. Dance and literary readings are at the Vittum Theater, 1012 N. Noble. Music, film, and spoken-word events take place at various venues as listed below. Unless otherwise noted, admission to theater and dance performances is $10 per show or $15 for a day pass, film screenings are $7, and music and literary readings are $5. No tickets are sold in advance for these events. The visual arts component circles around three main venues. The Flat Iron Building, 1579 N. Milwaukee, shows work by 60 artists; Preferred Lofts, 1552-4 N. Milwaukee, hosts around 100; and Wicker Park Field House, 1425 N. Damen, hangs work by around 35 artists. The traditional “Curator’s Choice” exhibit can be found in the Around the Coyote Gallery, 19351/2 W. North. Maps are available at all of these locations. Admission to the main four exhibits is $7 for a day pass; hours are Friday 6-10 PM, Saturday 11 AM-10 PM, and Sunday 11 AM-6 PM. An all-access festival pass, including the opening party on 9/7, is $40. For information on the entire festival, call 773-342-6777 or visit www.aroundthecoyote.org.

DANCE

ATC Short Film and Video Screening Mary Scherer’s video The Index of Absence (40 min.) compiles minute-long statements by nearly three dozen people (including Chicago artists Deborah Stratman, Ann Harris, and Jason Lazarus), addressed to those in their lives that they have lost. Also on the program: short works by Colin Palombi, Scott Smith, and Dave Evans. a Rodan, 1530 N. Milwaukee, 6 PM.

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Vittum Theater Jake Randall.a 6:45, 7:45, and 8:45 PM.

THEATER

Something Good Michael McCrory directs a cabaret musical. a Davenport’s, 8 PM.