Is there anything better than a June weekend? The farmer's markets are open, there are festivals galore and you don't even need to bring your parka (we hope). Check out some of our picks for weekend fun here.
Friday
Pay tribute to the iconic “Alien” films and the rock band Queen at “Alien Queen: The Concert.” This musical comedy/parody sold out back in May, prompting an encore performance. Show up early at Metro to enjoy a pre-show set from DJ duo The TTTTotally Dudes and a burlesque performance from Battlestar Fantastica.Doors at 8 p.m., Show starts at 9 p.m.; $15 3730 N. Clark St.; 773-549-0203
Saturday
The Maloof Road Tour kicks off its multi-city skating show with a day of trick contests, live music performances and a tasty barbecue at Uprise Skate Shop in Wicker Park. Bring your board and compete to win cash and other prizes.1 – 6 p.m.; FREE1820 N. Milwaukee Ave.; 773-342-7763
Fans of “The Bachelor” and “Bachelor Pad” can meet former contestant Nikki Kaapke at the official launch party for her new cooking business, The Dekadent Diva. This black-tie affair at Manor will feature a book-signing for Kaapke’s “Glamorous Cooking for the Simplest of Chefs,” appearances from at least 10 former “Bachelorette” and “Bachelorette” contestants, music, cocktails and more.6 – 11 p.m.; $125 per individual, $200 per pair642 N. Clark St.; 312-475-1390
Join in the protest of oil consumption – and the push to make Chicago more bike-friendly – by participating in this year’s World Naked Bike Ride. Riders should meet at the “O” sign posted downtown before setting out on this bare-all bike ride.Meet up from 6 – 8 p.m., Ride from 8 – 11 p.m.; FREE1025 W. Randolph St.
"The Pope of Trash" himself, Baltimore-bred queer cult filmmaker John Waters, will be on hand for two programs at the historic Music Box Theatre. At 5:30 p.m., Waters will kick off the theater's new screening series titled and modeled after the Robert K. Elder book "The Film That Changed My Life" by hosting a special screening of the classic "The Wizard of Oz." Elders will also be on hand for the event. Later in the day, Waters will introduce a 10:30 p.m. screening of his 1974 hit "Female Trouble," featuring Divine, Mink Stole and Edith Massey.5:30, 10:30 p.m.; $20 - $25 advance ("Wizard of Oz" only), $12 ("Female Trouble" only), $27 (both)3733 N. Southport Ave.; 773-871-6604Sunday
Soccer fans will descend upon Soldier Field this Sunday for the CONCACAF Gold Cup double-header match between El Savador vs. Cuba and Mexico vs. Costa Rica. Tickets are hard to come by at this point, so check Craigslist and other ticket vendors for last-minute opportunities.5 p.m.; $28 – $98 1410 S. Museum Campus Dr.; 312-235-7000
All Weekend
There are several festivals to choose from this weekend, but it would be a shame to miss the Chicago Blues Festival. It’s the largest free blues festival in the world, after all, not to mention the amazing performances from blues greats like Rocky Lawrence, Eddie Cotton and Nora Jean Bruso that are planned.Fri. – Sun., 11 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.; FREEGrant Park: Jackson Blvd. and Columbus Dr.; 312-744-3316
Also coming with a "highly recommended" stamp of approval is this weekend's 46th annual edition of Midsommarfest. Beginning Saturday morning, vendors and adorable Andersonville residents alike take over the streets, drink direct-from-the-pineapple piña coladas with bendy straws and take in the sights, sounds and tastes of the festival.Sat. - Sun., 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.; $5 suggested donationClark St. between Foster and Catalpa; 773-728-2995