From doing what dad loves on Father’s Day to browsing through artwork in Grant Park at the Gold Coast Art Fair, here’s what we’re up to this weekend.
More Top Picks Segway Minipro
Alley of adventure
Head to the Sullivan Center Alley (entrance on Monroe Street between State Street and Wabash Avenue) for the first ACTIVATE event of the summer, “Playground: Rec Room of the Block,” this Thursday, June 15 from 5-10 p.m. Hosted by the Chicago Loop Alliance, ACTIVATE transforms iconic Loop alleys into pop-up urban experiences that feature art, music and more. The kick-off event “invites the public to discover the pulse of daily life that the alley embodies,” and will feature a breakdancing battle with live DJs, professional ping-pong players, a pop-up barber shop and a skate jam. The event is free, but you can RSVP in advance to receive a complimentary drink ticket. RSVP: loopchicago.com/activate
Celebrate your father
Dad jokes aside, your old man is probably pretty cool, so show him a little appreciation this Father’s Day (Sunday, June 18). Whether you barbecue in the back yard, crack a cold one in his honor or send him golfing for the afternoon, there is plenty of quality time to be had with dads this weekend in Chicago.
A little bit country
Throw on a pair of cowboy boots for a party at Houndstooth Saloon (3369 N. Clark St. 773-244-1166) this Saturday, June 17. Celebrating its 11th anniversary, the Wrigleyville country sports bar will have music and drinks on offer for all to enjoy. Sip on 11-cent Smirnoff vodka cocktails and $1.11 Bell’s Brewery drafts from 6:30-8:30 p.m. while you enjoy the music of Morgan Station, who will take the stage for a live country music set from 6-9 p.m. If that’s not celebration enough, a DJ will spin country and southern rock anthems well into the night (3 a.m. to be exact), and there’s no cover charge to attend.
Have a laugh on the ladies
Have a laugh at the Chicago Women’s Funny Festival this weekend, June 15-18. The sixth-annual fest, happening at Stage 773 (1225 W. Belmont Ave.), is a celebration of women in comedy and will feature performances of everything from musical improv to stand-up to sketch comedy. With over 80 shows to choose from, fest highlights include Kristen Toomey, Her Story Theater, Matt Damon Improv and Strip Joker. Individual tickets are $15, but fest passes are available for $37.50 (Thursday), $47.50 (Friday), $57.50 (Sunday) or $100 (Thurs.-Sun.). Tickets: stage773.com/ChicagoWomensFunnyFestival
Good as gold
More Top Picks Best Leather Phone Cases With Wallet
Celebrate the summer season with an art-filled weekend at the Gold Coast Art Fair this Saturday and Sunday, June 17-18. Head to Grant Park’s Butler Field (337 E. Randolph St. 312-742-3918) for the 60th annual fair, which will feature artwork from more than 300 artists, live music, interactive art projects, food and beer. With artwork of all mediums on display, you can browse or buy anything from handcrafted jewelry to paintings to clothing.