Between cold shoulders swinging at Dida Ritz, Rahm and the "Mob Wives", it seems like Chicagoans have had their fair share of rough times this week. We may not be a forgiving city, but what better way to forget than with a weekend jam-packed with events to remind you why the Second City is your number one. (The beer-filled excursions on this list might help with the forgetting, too.)
ALL WEEKEND
Chicago Beer Experience Tour
Chicago's beautiful neighborhoods can serve as the perfect backdrop for any activity--but drinking beer is definitely at the top of the list. Thankfully, there's the Chicago Beer Experience Tour, which will lead you on a guided tour of the city with an ale or two for the trip.
Where: 2917 N. Sheffield Ave., Chicago
When: 3 p.m. Friday, Apr. 6 and Saturday, Apr. 7
Price: $58.90
FRIDAY
Now You See It, Now You Don't
Things that will disappear at The Flatiron Project upon visiting their third annual art exhibition: picture frames, distinct canvases, visible wallspace. Things you will see: the fluid artwork of more than 60 local innovators winding the walls of a historic building.
Where: Flat Iron Arts Building, 1579 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago
When: 6 p.m. Friday, Apr. 6
Price: $5 suggested donation
We Are Wyld Stallyns: How Bill and Ted Save the World
What would Bill and Ted be like as adults? Would they still be metal enough to stop the evil band Creeping Rusty Meat from taking over the world? Find out with a new musical that continues the time-traveling tale where the movie left off.
Where: Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave.
When: 11 p.m. Friday, Apr. 6
Price: $15
SATURDAY
Short Shakespeare! The Taming of the Shrew
Shakespeare is great, but he could stand to be a little more concise. Luckily, the pros at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater have trimmed the fat in "Short Shakespeare! The Taming of the Shrew," which ends Saturday. Check out 75 jam-packed minutes at Navy Pier.
Where: Chicago Shakespeare Theater, 800 E. Grand Ave., Chicago
When: 11 a.m. Saturday, Apr. 7
Price: $16-20
Bunny Hop Pub Crawl
Easter can be draining: the family time, the pomp and circumstance. Loosen up beforehand at the Bunny Hop Pub Crawl, the seventh annual smorgasbord of food, domestic drafts and spiked punch at McGee's, Wrightwood Tap, Durkin's, Duffy's, Redmond's and Maeve, with trolley service in between.
Where: McGee's Tavern & Grille, 950 W. Webster Ave., Chicago
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, Apr. 7
Price: $20
SUNDAY
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
Easter is a colorful holiday, and few films live up to that expectation as well as Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Watch a screening of the classic original at the Music Box Theatre Sunday--we trust you'll stock up on appropriate snacks at the concession stand first.
Where: 3733 N. Southport Ave., Chicago
When: 2 p.m. Sunday, Apr. 8
Price: $12-14