More Top Picks Backgammons
player ready...1. Hit up a serious barbecue festival
West Town is gonna smell really good this weekend: The Windy City Smokeout, a massive barbecue festival, is back. Pitmasters from around the country descend on the fest to fire up their meaty offerings. Between chowing on barbecue and sipping beers from local breweries like Moody Tongue and Aquanaut, take in live country music acts too. $30-$45; VIP options start at $89. 2 p.m. to late Friday, July 15; noon to late Saturday, July 16, and Sunday, July 17, at 560 W. Grand Ave., www.windycitysmokeout.com
2. Party with rosé, not quite all day
Evanston wine shop and tasting room Wine Goddess celebrates drinkers’ continuing obsession with rosé at its third annual Pink Wine and Swine Party. Wine Goddess staff will liberally pour the pink stuff as Homestead Meats stokes the grill with wine-friendly pork dishes. Local band Whiskey Hollow will provide the entertainment. $40. 3-6 p.m. Saturday, July 16, at 702 Main St., Evanston, 847-475-9463, www.winegoddess.com
3. Kick Sunday Funday up a notch
New at Balena, Sunday Supper is a family-style dinner that will highlight different regions of Italy, changing focus each month and debuting with a lineup of dishes from Puglia. Enjoy four courses, with wine pairings available. $44 per person; $20 for kids 12 and younger. Reservations available 4:30-8 p.m. starting Sunday, July 17, at 1633 N. Halsted St., 312-867-3888, www.balenachicago.com
4. Go back to (wine) school
Explore the myriad expressions of wines of the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal, if you’re not up on your geography lessons) at Eno Wine Room. The small-format “enoversity” class will cover everything from summer-friendly albarino to trendy sherry. Cheese, charcuterie and chocolate will also be served. $55. 3 p.m. or 6 p.m. Sunday, July 17, at 505 N. Michigan Ave., www.enowinerooms.com
5. Explore Chinatown’s best eats
Celebrating its 38th year, the free-admission Chinatown Summer Fair crams a lot of activity into one colorful Sunday. Try food from renowned neighborhood restaurants in between martial arts demonstrations, the popular Lion Dance Procession and classical Chinese dance and music. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, July 17, at the Chinatown Gate, 2200 S. Wentworth Ave.
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