As August winds to a close, Chicagoans may find themselves rushing through their summer bucket lists, or finally exhaling as the young ones return to the calm of predictable school schedules. Whether this weekend begs for low-key relaxation (just keep those bath salts in the tub) or more vigorous activity (brushing up on barre work for a pas de deux with Rahm?), a smattering of events in the city and suburbs promises to flesh out the skimpiest datebooks.
ALL WEEKEND:
Randolph Street Market
Home to the world-renowned Chicago Antique Market and Indie Designer Market, the vintage hotspot Randolph Street Market returns this weekend with a host of antiques and apparel from more than 200 dealers. The eighth annual European-style fair features food and beer vendors and themed mini-markets flooded with rare gems and quirky tchotchkes. Go ahead and splurge on that one-of-a-kind buckskin ottoman--the fair offers complimentary furniture delivery to homes within the city.
Where: 1340 W. Washington, Chicago
When: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sunday
Price: $10
Bucktown Arts Fest
The annual celebration of this Northwest neighborhood’s music, dance, art and culture turns 26 this year and will showcase close to 200 participating artists and performers. The volunteer-run arts festival will have a local vibe, with no corporate sponsorship. Plus proceeds benefit arts and community programming in the Bucktown and Wicker Park areas. But that doesn’t mean the fest will bring in a small crowd--the two-day showcase typically attracts more than 40,000 visitors.
Where: Senior Citizens Memorial Park, 2300 N. Oakley/2300 W. Lyndale, Chicago
When: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Sunday
Price: Free
SATURDAY:
The Great Midwest Pole Dancing Competition
Got some serious vertical skills? If so, sign on up for the Great Midwest Pole Dancing Competition sponsored by X-Pole. If not, leave it to the professionals and enjoy the show. Scoring will be based on musicality, tricks, spins, floor work, creative costuming and grace. The winner will earn the title of the Midwest Pole Performer Of The Year.
Where: Tinley Park Convention Center, 18451 Convention Center Drive, Tinley Park
When: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Saturday
Price: $45
Chicago Wingathon of Winged Destruction
The third annual Wingathon of Winged Destruction is, surprisingly, not just about the buffalo wings. It's also a celebration of heavy drinking, inimitable gluttony and obscene partying. Six Chicago eateries will be throwing their wings into the ring to be judged on taste, texture, sauciness, eatability and "overall wingocity." Scorecards will be distributed at the beginning of the tour and completed submissions will be entered into a raffle at the end of the night.
Where: The Fifty/50, 2047 W Division St, Chicago
When: 1 p.m. - 8 p.m. Saturday
Price: $30 entry only, $60 VIP package
Food Truck Social
Tired of roaming the streets, aimlessly searching for your favorite food truck? Let Time Out Chicago shorten your quest with their Food Truck Social, bringing together some of Chicago's top mobile-dining fixtures to a single hotspot. Enjoy roadside snacks from Sweet Miss Giving's, Haute Sausage, The Wagyu Wagon and more -- all to the tunes of a live music lineup booked by Empty Bottle.
Where: 700 N. Ashland Ave, Chicago
When: 12 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Saturday
Price: $5 suggested donation
SUNDAY:
Corks and Crayons Benefit
Munch on healthy snacks while helping a nonprofit teach others to do the same at the Corks and Crayons benefit. Edgewater's Uncommon Ground will provide a sampling menu and host an auction to raise money for Purple Asparagus, a non-profit organization that teaches children and their families how to eat healthily in a way that reduces their negative impact on the environment.
Where: Uncommon Ground, 1401 W. Devon Ave, Chicago
When: 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. Sunday
Price: $60
Chicago River Museum
Ever wonder about the inner workings of the Michigan Avenue bridge? Enjoy a no-cost peek into the McCormick Bridgehouse and Chicago River Museum Sunday with a free admission day sponsored by Wendella boats. Learn about the bridge's inner mechanical workings and enjoy a 360-degree view of the city skyline.
Where: 376 N. Michigan Ave, Chicago
When: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday
Price: Free
Flickr photo by litonali.