A hot dog cookoff, pet-friendly fun and more weekend things to do in Chicago, July 31-Aug. 2.
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EAT
Old Irving Park Beer & BBQ Challenge
St. Viator School & Parish Parking Lot
3644 N. Kedvale Ave. 773-545-2173
Feast on barbecued pork from 15 pit masters each paired with a beer from a local brewery at the second annual competition benefiting St. Viator. 1-5 p.m. Saturday. $50-$80. Tickets: beerbbqchallenge.com
Gapers Block Hot Dog Cookoff
3159 N. Southport Ave. 773-525-2508
Sample versions of Vienna Beef hot dogs prepared by chefs from Harmony Grill, Monti’s and others and then vote for your favorite. The third annual benefit for Reach Out and Read also includes a cash bar, bags, raffle and DJ. Noon-5 p.m. Saturday. $20. Tickets: lh-st.com
DRINK
Sip and Shop (Free!)
1419 W. Belmont Ave. 773-549-7526
Try on clothing from online store Sugar & Spikes Boutique at this monthly gathering, which includes wine and bites. RSVP here to be entered in a raffle for 25 percent off your total purchase. Noon-6 p.m. Saturday. Free.
Revelrie
1566 N. Milwaukee Ave. 773-278-1600
Catch sets from Jonathan Giles, Abby Stassen, Sean White and David Drake at the Wicker Park bar’s weekly comedy show. Drink specials include $6 French 75s and $5 for a shot and a can of Old Style. 8 p.m. Sunday. No cover.
DO
Bark After Dark (Free!)
Chicago and Damen Avenues
Bring your pooch to more than 10 West Town businesses offering treats for pets and people, sales and raffles benefiting Alive Rescue, Bialy’s Wellness Foundation and Bow Wow Revolution. You can also meet adoptable pets. 6-9 p.m. Friday. Free.
Stray Cat Strut
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1212 W. Carmen Ave. 773-784-5488
Don cat ears for the rescue group’s 10th annual pet-friendly 5K walk and fun run, which includes a T-shirt, gift bag, food, a raffle and guided tours. 9:30 a.m. Saturday. Register: treehouseanimals.org
Here, Chicago
1229 W. Belmont Ave. 773-975-8150
Listen to true tales from Landmarks Illinois president Bonnie McDonald, Second City company member John Thibodeaux and others and share your own six-minute story during the open mic. Admission is $1 if you bring a dish for the pre-show potluck. 7:30 p.m. potluck, 8 p.m. show. Sunday. $9. Tickets: herechicago.org
Echoes Of … A 10-Minute Play Festival
3914 N. Clark St. 773-230-4770
906 Theatre Company presents a showcase of 24 plays from playwrights throughout the country inspired by works of art ranging from “Hamlet” to “Sharknado.” 2-5 p.m. Sunday. $18. Tickets: pubhousetheatre.com
REDEYE TIP OF THE DAY
Whether you’re going to Lollapalooza or not, take advantage of the food and drink specials throughout the city.
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