Because every man has the right to enjoy the weekend, but not every man is great at planning it, we’re breaking you off with some sterling recommendations on how you should spend your precious time off. So go ahead and punch out — we’ve got your punchlist.
Activate
The best way to punch out for the weekend? Chicago’s favorite downtown art party in an alleyway. Activate takes over Couch Place Alley on Friday, and this go-round they’re celebrating the opening night of the Gene Siskel Film Center’s Black Harvest Film Festival by screening scenes from this year’s selection. Expect some Purple Rain. RSVP here.
Friday, 8/5, Couch Place Alley, 5 p.m.-10 p.m., www.loop.com/activate
The Plant Chicago
Closed Loop Food Fest
Chicago isn’t particularly known as a farming hub, but did you know we have one of the largest vertical urban farms in the country? It’s called The Plant, and it’s worth supporting. And you can do so on Saturday at the Closed Loop Food Fest, where you can take part in mini workshops on composting, aquaponics and mycology, while enjoying food truck grub and live music.
Saturday, 8/6, The Plant Chicago, 1 p.m.-6 p.m., www.theplantchicago.org
Brunch On This!
Head to the Nosh & Booze pop-up in the West Loop, from the same crew who brought you AMK Kitchen. Menu’s right here. You’ll take a Mad Cap Mimosa with the Fried Chicken Benedict. Then a nap. Nosh & Booze, 838 W. Randolph St., www.noshingaround.com
Turok: First Flight
Cirque du Soleil returns with a brand new spectacle inspired by James Cameron’s Avatar. They’re popping up the big top at the United Center for a limited time only. Take the kids. Take a date. Hell, take yourself.
All weekend, through 8/7, United Center, www.cirquedusoleil.com
Deschutes Street Pub
What’s better than drinking a cold beer on a hot summer day? Drinking a cold beer on a hot summer day at Deschutes’ family-friendly pop-up pub. The Portland brewery returns to Logan Square this weekend with a massive street pub in tow, and they’re bringing along 50 taps and food from Revolution Brewing and The Radler.
Saturday, 8/6, Logan Square, 2 p.m. – 10 p.m., www.deschutesbrewery.com
Chicago Hot Dog Fest
Hot dogs. All of them. Go straight for the Fatso’s stand. While there will be plenty of encased meats to enjoy, music from JC Brooks and the Uptown Sound seals the deal.
All weekend, 8/5-7, The Chicago History Museum (Stockton & Lasalle), www.chicagohotdogfest.com
Main Photo: Jennifer Catherine Photography
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