On tap: The virtuosos of jazz tap dancing, including the legendary Jimmy Slyde and stars from Broadway productions, are converging on the city for a weeklong festival called Chicago on Tap, which runs from Monday through July 24. This unique event includes performances, master classes, and tap jams. For details, call 312-271-7928.
– Nancy Maes
Star light: Athletic night owls will take to their bicycles during the L.A.T.E. (Long After Twilight Ends) Ride ’94. Beginning when the moon is up, riders will cruise along the streets and lakefront until sunup. If you’re the nocturnal type, consider joining an estimated 5,000 bikers at Buckingham Fountain, Columbus Drive and Congress Parkway, at midnight Saturday for a late night 25-mile bike ride, hosted by WXRT Radio. While the stars twinkle and the Chicago skyline illuminates, riders can register for the ride for $25, which includes a t-shirt, rest and refreshment stops, repair and medical assistance, route map, sag wagon support and post-ride breakfast back at Buckingham Fountain. Proceeds from the ride benefit Friends of the Parks, a citywide parks advocacy group. For more information, call 312-922-3307.
– Shirley Henderson
Throw in the howl: Your dog could win an award at the Anti-Cruelty Society Dog Wash, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, 510 N. LaSalle St. Awards will be given for the smelliest dog, the dog that looks most like its owner and the funniest dog. Those champion dogs will be awarded special prizes, but all pooches will get a free beach towel and a free scoop of non-dairy doggy ice-cream. Trained volunteers will offer a full-service spray and wash for all relatively well-mannered canines, from great Danes to Chihuahua’s-all while owners sit back and enjoy free people treats. Washes are $10 to $20, depending on the size of the dog. Parking is $3 with validation in the lot at Grand Avenue and LaSalle Street. For more information, call 312-644-8338. No reservations required, just bark when it’s your turn.
– Steve Dale
Going Goya: Francisco Goya began his career as an 17th Century court painter and ended as a visionary who inspired countless modern artists. An exhibition that traces the whole of that development through about 80 paintings in small format opens Saturday at the Art Institute of Chicago. It is the final stop on a three-city tour and the only venue in North America. The show continues through Oct. 16.
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– Alan G. Artner