The Taste blows through town this weekend, but there are still plenty of other things to do, including a special Friday happy hour plus shaved ice in the Loop, as well as a garden walk, Phish in Wisconsin and Hyde Park Art Center’s birthday.
Up north Phishing trips
Not everyone loves Phish, for sure. But those who love Phish *really* love Phish, so they’re the type of fans who might be willing to trek to Alpine Valley Music Theatre in Wisconsin to see the all-time jam band. Trey Anastasio and co. will be there for three nights this weekend, and although it’s a three-hour-plus round-trip, at least you know the group will make it worth your time. 7 p.m. Friday through Sunday, Alpine Valley Music Theatre, 2699 County Road D, East Troy, Wis., $45-$251; livenation.com
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’80 Years Young’
Head to Hyde Park this weekend to celebrate a special 80th birthday party for the Hyde Park Art Center. The daylong celebration will feature a bevy of activities, including free art-making opportunities, School & Studio drop-in demos, new exhibitions, Creative Wing Open Studios and music. The day begins with breakfast and yoga events. Free parking is available at Kenwood Academic Center north of Kenwood HS. 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, Hyde Park Art Center, 5020 S. Cornell Ave., free; hydeparkart.org
Cooler above the lake
While most people’s appetites will be at the Taste of Chicago this weekend, you can still find stellar refreshments in a festive atmosphere in the Loop — even if you’re not doing it at the Taste. For instance, at LH Rooftop all month long, the public can cool off with kakigori, a Japanese style of shaved ice, with flavors including black sesame, watermelon and more. Adding a spirit to create a kakigori cocktail is also an option. No matter the choice, LH always has a great view. 2-6 p.m. weekly Friday through Sunday through July 28, LH Rooftop, LondonHouse, 85 E. Wacker Drive, $10 kakigori, $4 alcohol add-in; londonhousechicago.com
Take a walk in the garden
For anyone who wants to get outside but avoid all that Taste traffic, street-festival season never takes a weekend off, thankfully. Fans of foliage might enjoy this weekend’s Bucktown Garden Walk, which features self-guided tours of gardens in the Bucktown area. For those who are foliage-neutral, the event is also a block party, so there’s plenty of food, drink and live music to enjoy as well. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Churchill Park, 1825 N. Damen Ave., free admission; bucktown.org/gardenwalk
On Tour through your tastebuds
Revival Food Hall brings some of Chicago’s best neighborhood food and drink to the Loop, all in one place, every day, and on certain Fridays, it brings in one of the city’s craft breweries for an extended happy hour. This Friday is one of those First-ish Fridays, this time featuring West Town’s On Tour Brewing. Pick up some special samples, other suds and brewery swag. Plus, the food vendors are open late if you’re hungry. 5-9 p.m. Friday, Revival Food Hall, 125 S. Clark St., prices vary; revivalfoodhall.com