While Grant Park swarms with Lolla-goers, there are plenty of other things to do in Chicago this weekend: a beer-meets-barbecue challenge, the Bears’ training-camp practices, Jeff Fest, special Hebru Brantley prints and a comedy show with good drinks.
Da return of da Bears
The Chicago Bears’ training camp is entering its second week as the team prepares for the expectations and excitement of the upcoming season, when they’re expected to be among the contenders in the NFC. Fans can make the hour-long drive south to Bourbonnais to watch sessions open to the public Thursday and Friday, as well as August 5-6 and 10. There’s plenty of time to catch on-field action, as well as activities and autograph sessions for kids. Alternatively, the team holds its first practice at Soldier Field this weekend, when the Family Fest brings an evening full of giveaways, activities and more to the city. Training camp 7:30 a.m.-noon Thursday-Friday, Olivet Nazarene University, 1 University Ave., Bourbonnais, free; Family Fest 5-9 p.m. Saturday, Soldier Field, 1410 Museum Campus Drive, $10; chicagobears.com/fan-zone
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Buddy up
Brewers and pitmasters get the “buddy system” treatment at this weekend’s Old Irving Park Beer & BBQ Challenge, where 23 pairs of suds and smoke will compete for the title of best pairing. The local lineup includes breweries from in and outside of the city limits, including favorites like Off Color, Revolution, Mikerphone and BuckleDown., and the same is true of the barbecue lineup, featuring names like Up in Smoke and Chicago Culinary Kitchen. To raise the stakes, each brewery will offer two beers with the protein pairings, so guests can try up to 46 different sips and 23 different types of ‘cue. Bring an empty stomach. 1-5 p.m. Saturday, St. Viator Elementary School, 3644 N. Kedvale Ave., $65-$100; beerbbqchallenge.com
Laugh it up; drink it down
Look, you’ve always gotta endure a drink minimum at comedy shows, but here it’s at least two drinks, so why not make sure they’re halfway decent? CH Distillery serves up some strong libations and equally potent jokes for its Cocktails & Humor showcase event, which features stand-up performances from Meghana Indurti and Sarah Perry, as well as evening headliner Abi Sanchez. Think of it as a chance to live, laugh and loosen up. One programming note: all seating becomes “standing room only” upon beginning of the show. 7 p.m. doors, 7:30 p.m. show Saturday, CH Distillery, 564 W. Randolph St., $20; eventbrite.com
Name is Fest. Jeff Fest.
Jeff Fest will host three days of festival fun this weekend, with activities that are friendly to the whole family, as well as plenty of food, drink and live music. A dedicated Kid’s Zone ensures that younger guests won’t be bored, and there’s a dance floor where everyone can groove. Sounds include tribute bands for the Who, Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, and more. 5-10 p.m. Friday, 2-10 p.m. Saturday and 2-9 p.m. Friday, Jefferson Memorial Park, 4822 N. Long Ave., free; facebook.com/events
Get it while you can
Throughout the month of August — or, more likely, while supplies last — you can purchase hand-embellished prints by beloved Chicago artist Hebru Brantley for his NO ID event. The embellishments come on both archived and new editions of different prints, so you’ll definitely be able to find something special for your collection. Attendees of this weekend’s opening reception will have the first opportunity to buy. Brantley will not attend the reception, and the event is BYOB, with complimentary snacks, non-alcoholic beverages and live music from DJ Sean Doe. 7-10 p.m. Saturday, Rotofugi Designer Toy Store & Gallery, 2780 N. Lincoln Ave., reception is free, print prices vary; rotofugi.com
— Adam Lukach