A Saturday night fest combining bacon and beer and Thursday comedy showcases are among the things to do this coming week.
*Beer & Bacon Festival, Edward Hospital Athletic and Events Center, 55 Phelps Ave., Romeoville; www.rvbeernbacon.com
Enjoy 20 craft beer stations, including Solemn Oath, Pollyanna, Flossmoor Station, Werk Force, Metal Monkey and Urban Legend, and 15 bacon stations with dishes by professional chefs from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $65 for general admission, including 16 beer tickets, or $100 for VIP with admission at 6 p.m., a fast pass, raffle tickets and a T-shirt. A portion of proceeds will go to PAWS Chicago.
*The Comedy Party, Rialto Square Theatre, 15 E. Van Buren St., Joliet; 815-726-6600; www.rialtosquare.com
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Comedians Pauly Shore, Bobby Lee, Tom Green and Harland Williams will perform at 7 p.m. April 7. Tickets are $35. Meet-and-greet tickets are $75 through Ticketmaster.
*Laugh Riot, 350 Brewing Company, 7144 W. 183rd St., Tinley Park; 708-825-7339; www.350brewing.com
Held at 6:30 p.m. the first Thursday of each month, the comedy showcase includes dinner and two beers for $25. Performing April 7 are Brian Hicks, Denise Ramsden, Patrick Bagdon and Jay Harris.
*Wines from Around the World, Asparagus Restaurant, 7876 Broadway, Merrillville, Ind.; 219-794-0000; www.asparagusresaurant.com
Wine tastings, featuring dry reds and whites, sweets and bubblies for 36 in total – are offered at 5:30 and 7 p.m. the first Thursday of each month. Tickets are $25. Reservations are required.
*Bird the Preserves, several locations within the Cook County Forest Preserves, 800-870-3666; www.fpdcc.com
The free series of bird-focused events will continue at 10 a.m. Friday, 7:30 a.m. Sunday and 10 a.m. April 6 at Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, 12545 W. 111th St., Lemont (630-257-2045); and with a 2-hour field trip at 8 a.m. Sunday at Brookfield Zoo, 3300 Golf Road, Brookfield (South Gate), and its Forest Preserve Nature Trail at Swan Lake (708-688-8475).
Vickie Jurkowski is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.