There’s a high-quality lineup of things to do in Chicago this weekend, including a Met-Gala-inspired, inclusive party, a live performance of a “bad movie”-mocking podcast, free opportunities from both the Lyric Opera and Adler Planetarium, plus *plenty* of food parties.
Chicago Lyric Opera
Check out a free concert under the night sky from the renowned Chicago Lyric Opera this weekend, and don’t forget to bring a picnic basket. The Lyric Opera offers periodic free performances in Millennium Park, and it’s a festive intersection of two Chicago institutions. This edition of the program features a performance from the Lyric Opera Orchestra and Chorus, led by music director Sir Andrew Davis. 5 p.m. gates, 7-10 p.m. show, Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph St., free; lyricopera.org/millenniumpark
Beer and BBQ Bash
More than 20 different breweries and cideries from Chicagoland will be pouring this weekend as part of Lucky Dorr’s second-annual Beer and BBQ Bash. The neighborhood craft beer bar will celebrate with various cuts of ‘cue, while the beer roster looks impressive too, including local favorites like Half Acre, Maplewood, Pipeworks, Whiner and more. All food and drink are included in the ticket price. 6-10 p.m. Friday, Lucky Dorr, 1101 W. Waveland Ave., $60; eventbrite.com
Met Gala-themed ‘Threads of a Riot’ party
Vogue down your own red carpet at the Peach event series’ Met Gala-imitating “Threads of a Riot” party, an inclusive, LGBTQIA+ event based on the gala’s own 2013 “Punk” theme. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Saturday-Sunday, 2810 N. Milwaukee Ave., $10-$15; thepeachparty.com
FEAST festival
The tagline for FEAST reads, “a festival where everyone eats,” which is true for both the event, as well as the larger goal of FEAST: to bring awareness to the city’s food deserts and help combat them by cultivating sustainability and community. This weekend marks the second edition of the annual event, featuring plenty of food, a fashion show from The Look Authority, art activations and a laundry list of live performances by local musicians. Get a little food for your body and your spirit. 1-7 p.m. Saturday, Homan Square, 3517 W. Arthington St., free; facebook.com
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Free admission to Adler Planetarium
Starting this week, on every Thursday and Friday throughout the month of September, Illinois residents can enjoy free admission to the Adler Planetarium. Valid Illinois ID required. Friday; Sept. 12-13, 19-20 and 26-27, 1300 S. Lake Shore Dr., free; adlerplanetarium.org
Hispanic Heritage Night by the White Sox
The White Sox will celebrate Hispanic Heritage Night when they play the Los Angeles Angels Friday. The first 1,800 fans get passes to join a parade on the field. Plus, local mariachi group Mariachi Monumental De México will perform the anthem. 7:10 Friday, Guaranteed Rate Field, 333 W. 35th St., prices vary; mlb.com
‘How Did This Get Made’ live
Part “Mystery Science Theater 3000,” part Hollywood insight, and part beautiful bewilderment, the “How Did This Get Made” podcast features comedians/actors Paul Scheer, June Diane Raphael and Jason Mantzoukas dissecting and poking fun at outlandish films while also speculating about how the movie was ever greenlighted in the first place. The live version of the show will break down the classic ’90s sports-crossover film, “Space Jam.” 10 p.m. Saturday, Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., $48.50; ticketmaster.com