Labor Day is just around the corner, and Chicago’s not even had a decent heat wave yet. (Plenty of rain, though.) So if you’re afraid you won’t get your fill of summer fun, don’t panic! The season’s not over yet. Check out our top picks for squeezing the most out of summer’s last blast.
Jammin’ at the Zoo
Grab a blanket and chill out on the lawn at the Lincoln Park Zoo for the final concert in this series. Friday’s show features blues singer/songwriter Keb’ Mo’ and jazz vocalist Madeleine Peyroux on the main stage. 6 p.m. Friday. $20-$25. 2200 N. Cannon Drive, 312-742-2283.
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Park Grill
Millennium Park is still primo for people-watching, and with Park Grill’s outdoor cafe, you can sip a brew while checking out the crowd. But time’s limited because once fall rolls around, the patio turns into a skating rink. If you’d rather chill on the grass, stop by the great lawn’s own mini-bar: It serves wine, beer and champagne. 11 N. Michigan Ave. 312-521-7275.
Kayak Chicago
Few things say summer more than boat rides and fireworks. Sign up for Kayak Chicago’s fireworks paddle and knock both off your summer “to do” list. Meet at North Pier (Illinois Street and Lake Shore Drive), and after a 30-minute lesson, paddle along the Chicago River before heading to Navy Pier to watch the fireworks from your boat. 8-10 p.m. Wednesdays; 8:45-10:45 p.m. Saturdays. Through Sept. 4. $30. 630-336-7245.
Brunch at Acqualina
Looking for great alfresco dining before the leaves start to fall? This newish Lincoln Square spot just introduced weekend brunch. Although its 16-seat outdoor patio is small, we think it’s the best way to enjoy its French and Mediterranean-inflected options such as lemon-and-rosemary panini with spinach and black-olive jam ($9). 4363 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-770-4363.
Ice cream shops
Before winter freezes over, get your last licks at Chicago’s newest ice cream shops. Find real soda jerks at Bobtail Soda Fountain (2951 N. Broadway, 773-880-7372) and Australian Homemade (3425 N. Southport Ave. 773-281-3830). Or try the low-fat soft-serve at Treats Frozen Desserts (3319 N. Broadway, 773-525-0900; 2224 N. Clark St. 773-472-6666).
Beach volleyball
The volleyball nets come down around the first of October, so you’ve got a little more than a month to hit the beach. Prefer watching? Catch the AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tournament at North Avenue Beach on Sept. 2-5. Olympians Misty May and Kerri Walsh are playing, and a beer garden will be set up within viewing distance of the court. 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Sept. 2; 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Sept. 3; 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Sept. 4; 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Sept. 5. $10-$50. 1600 N. Lake Shore Drive, 310-426-7171.
Single in the City Fun Run
Going out on a weeknight doesn’t mean you have to miss your workout. Around 50 people have been gathering for these weekly runs, and you can expect a big crowd at the last one. Head out on a 3- to 7-mile group run, then hit Piece for a free pint and slice of pizza. No reservations necessary–just meet at Running Away athletic shop. 6:30 p.m. Tues. Free. 1753 N. Damen Ave. 773-395-2929.
SummerDance Festival
This dance fest wraps up Sunday, so it’s your last chance to learn some new moves. Highlights include African dance lessons followed by music from Jaojoby Thursday and swing lessons followed by Burgess Gardner’s Well-Oiled Jazz Machine on Saturday. Check metromix.com for the full schedule. 6 p.m. lessons, 7:30 p.m. live music Thurs.-Sat.; 4 p.m. lessons, 5 p.m. live music Sun. Free. Spirit of Music Garden, Grant Park, 601 S. Michigan Ave. 312-742-4007.