Quit crying about your favorite TV shows being off for the summer. We know reruns suck, but that’s all the more reason to get out and enjoy the city this weekend. Here are some events to get you started.
Friday, May 20
Shame That TuneWhere: The Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia Ave.When: 6:30 p.m.Price: $5For this wacky live game show, contestants get up on stage to tell their most embarrassing tales from their junior high or high school diary. Then, the hosts come up with a song about their story on the spot based on predetermined musical genres. Hilarity will inevitably ensue.
Around the World in 80 SipsWhere: Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Ave.When: 8 – 10 p.m.Price: $75 – $95 General Admission, $125 VIPStep into the MCA for this exclusive event featuring more than 80 wines from around the world. Also included will be plenty of snacks as well, including charcuterie and artisanal cheeses pairings. VIPs get early entrance at 7 p.m.
Saturday, May 21
Secrets of the Grill Where: Stockton and Clark, north of LaSalleWhen: 1:45 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.Price: FREEDon’t miss this free seminar with Stephanie Izard, winner of “Top Chef” Season 4 and owner of Girl & The Goat, at this year’s Chill and Grill Festival in Lincoln Park. She’ll cover some of her favorite preparations of delicious summer ingredients.
Lottie’s 77th Anniversary PartyWhere: 1925 W. Cortland St.When: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.Price: No coverThis Bucktown pub will celebrate its long tradition of boozing and rocking out with an all-day party featuring $0.77 drafts, a free buffet, giveaways and live music from Pistols of Dawn, Grimm Taylor and more.
Windy City Rollers Double Header Where: UIC Pavilion, 525 S. Racine Ave.When: Games begin at 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.Price: $20 – $35Channel your inner girl power at this double-header bout between some of Chicago’s roughest and toughest roller derby teams. Keep an eye on The Fury, the team which is currently undefeated in the league.
Sunday, May 22
Pet Parade and Pet ExpoWhere: 3100 N. Ashland Ave.When: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.Price: $10One of the highlights of this year’s Mayfest is the Pet Expo, which includes a pet parade where owners are encouraged to dress up their furry friends in creative costumes. Awards will be given out in several categories, including “Best Dressed,” “Best Trick” and “Pet and Owner Look-Alike.”
Andrew Belle ConcertWhere: Lincoln Hall, 2424 N. Lincoln Ave.When: 7 p.m.Price: $12End the weekend on a chill note with the Andrew Belle concert at Lincoln Hall. This singer/songwriter, who won “Chicago Breakout Artist of the Year” from MTV, has drawn comparisons to The Fray and Coldplay with his low-key pop-rock melodies.