Whether you win the big bucks or not tonight, there's no shortage of tempting excursions offering to separate you from your money this week. (We're talking about whatever money you've got left after paying your annual dues to the Lolla gods.) There are a host of great sights, sounds and snacks on the lineup this weekend: we'll call the hot, local eye candy circulating your free bonus.
FRIDAY
Rock And Roll Over
Love Kiss? How about Def Leppard? Well, neither of them will be at Rock and Roll Over at the House of Blues, but that doesn't mean you won't still be able to jam out to all the classics. Tribute groups representing both bands will be performing.
Where: House of Blues, 329 N. Dearborn St., Chicago
When: 8 p.m. Friday, March 30
Price: $9-15
SATURDAY
Chicago Beer Festival
Chicago's got so many breweries, brewpubs and bars you can hop from one to another for years and still not get every sample. Simplify your quest at the Chicago Beer Festival, where two shifts of guests can sample local, domestic and international beers.
Where: Union Station, 210 S. Canal St., Chicago
When: 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. or 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. Saturday, March 31
Price: $40
Joan Rivers: TV Taping
There are few comic greats that haven't had a stint at The Second City, and Joan Rivers is no exception. Join the brash icon at her triumphant midwestern return Friday, with two shows back to back at the Arcadia Theatre in St. Charles.
Where: Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles
When: 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Saturday, March 31
Price: $9-125
43rd Annual Chicago's Biggest Liar Contest
As a Chicago resident (and voter), you can bet you'll be lied to on the regular. At least for one night, let it happen with your consent: hit up the 43rd Annual Chicago's Biggest Liar Contest, where storytellers and essayists will spin fraudulent webs to compete for the top title--a cash prize and the vaunted Hogwash Cup.
Where: Herdegen-Brieske Funeral Home, 1356 W. Wellington Ave., Chicago
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, March 31
Price: $15
SUNDAY
Ever found yourself stranded when your smartphone died, taking your Google Maps with it? Find your self-sufficiency with the "Where Am I?" workshop at the Crabtree Nature Center. Armed with only a compass, learn how to find your way in the wilderness--natural or urban.
Where: Crabtree Nature Center, 3 Stover Rd., Barrington
When: 3 p.m. Sunday, April 1
Price: Free
THE WEEK AHEAD
THURSDAY
Smoke The Goat Out Of It!
After 67 years of watching the Cubs fall victim to the curse of the goat, the folks at Sheffield's and New Holland have had enough. Join them for a ritualistic end to Chicago's most famous curse, and enjoy an opening day filled with goat tacos, goat burgers, goat pastrami--and of course, plenty of beer.
Where: Sheffield's Beer & Wine Garden, 3258 North Sheffield Ave., Chicago
When: 10 a.m. - 2 a.m. Thursday, April 5
Price: Free