While you’re over there lamenting about the end of summer, we are over here all like, ‘Did someone say carnival mega pass? And dogs?’
Okay, we admit it. It’s chilly. But buck up Chicago. We’ve got another solid month of summer under our wings and this baby is going to soar. It’s time to buckle down and check off all the things you promised yourself you would do this summer, but have still somehow managed not to do.
This weekend we bring you dog Luaus, movie viewings with Jake Johnson himself (swoon) and an English Bulldog meet and greet. There’s a lot to do this in Chicago this weekend. So read our CHIdeas and map your course.
Friday 8/21
The Super Spectacular Fun Time Writer Boot Camp Weekend Challenge
It’s like a Tough Mudder for writers. And there’s your first simile. Writers will be put through several exercises to challenge their creativity. They will receive honest and constructive feedback from one of Chicago’s most prolific writers. And they will resurface as Saul Bellow, kind of. Register here. (photo) // Fri. 6 p.m. – 10 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., Sun. noon – 8 p.m., $100, Benton House, 3052 S. Gratten
Wine and photography
Wine & Critique is back. Submit your photos to be critiqued by professional photographers and your peers. Bring wine or an appetizer. Check here for more entry regulations. You can also submit your work to a monthly W&C photo contest. Both are open to the public. Entries must be received by Friday at noon. This month’s theme is “Wine & Critique.” That’s so meta. (photo) // 6:30 p.m. – 10 p.m., FREE, B.Y.O.W., Chicago Photography Center, 621 W. Belmont, photo: Flickr, Andy Rennie
Origamithon
Do you know origami? Do you like to fold things? They need you. Groups are gathering to make Senbatsuru, a string of one thousand paper cranes. Senbatsuru is a symbol of peace and the string is meant to bring peace and education to Chicago’s youth. The cranes will be made from the pages of abandoned books stored at the Japanese Culture Center. (photo) // noon – 2 p.m. or 2 p.m. – 4 p.m., FREE, Japanese Culture Center, 1016 W. Belmont, photo: Flickr/ vintage19_smomething
Saturday 8/22
carnival
Waayy up I feel blessed… that there are carnivals on this earth
While some are fear mongering about the end of summer, we’re over here thinking about carnival mega passes. For $55, you can enjoy four days of unlimited bliss at Blessed Sacrament Parish Chicago Carnival. That’s unlimited rides and tilt-o-whirls until you vomit. Enjoy. For more information, visit Blessed Sacrament Parish Chicago. (photo) // Sat. 5 p.m., Sun. 1 p.m., $55 for the mega pass, 3500 block of South Hermitage
Here’s your reason to celebrate
Albany Park is one of the most diverse neighborhoods in the U.S. Celebrate Albany Park’s diversity at their 2nd annual Albany Park World Fest. Experience culture and tradition from around the globe. All proceeds will benefit Albany Park Neighbors. (photo) // Sat. noon – 10 p.m., Sun. noon – 9 p.m., $5 suggested donation, Lawrence & Kimball
Digging for Fire
Film enthusiasts are meeting at Music Box Theater Saturday to see Joe Swanberg’s Digging for Fire staring Chicago-native Jake Johnson (Drinking Buddies featuring Chicago’s Revolution Brewing, anyone?). Both Swanberg and Johnson will be there to meet the audience members and answer questions following the movie. (photo) // 7 p.m., $10 G.A., Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport
Razors & Pies
Veteran improvisers are performing a unique rendition of Sweeney Todd where they re-improvise based on audience suggestions. ISP improvisers are known for their impeccable improvisational skills. Things will certainly get funny, and they might just get weird. Purchase tickets here. And use code ISPFRIENDS for $5 off. (photo) // 7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., $15, Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont
Sunday 8/23
doggy-style-lei
Aloha. That’s a fantastic lei
Red Door Animal Shelter, a no-kill shelter for cats, dogs and rabbits, is hosting their annual fundraising walk. This year the walk will be a Luau Party with brunch, raffles, music, games and a costume contest. B.Y.O.D.— but all animal lovers are welcome, even if you’re sans dog. (photo) // 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., $25, Indian Boundary Park, 2410 W. Lunt
Everything’s spinning. I seriously can’t tell if you’re on or off the wagon
The Public House is hosting A Drinker’s Guide to the History of Alcohol in Chicago this Sunday. The interactive sketch show will include trivia, sketch comedy and, of course, cocktails. The show will follow Chicago’s eventful alcohol history from prohibition and speakeasies to colorful characters such as Al Capone and Moonshine Mary Wazeniak. (photo) // 6:45 p.m., $15, The Public House Theatre, 3914 N. Clark
Your majesty
Time is running out to attend the Bristol Renaissance Faire. Which means time is running out for you to walk around in costume and have a falcon land on your hand. You have to travel for this one, but it may be worth it. Knights and maids walk around gallantly and the entire scene is like something out of the, well, renaissance. For this weekend’s faire schedule, click here. (photo) // 9:30 a.m., $17, Bristol Renaissance Faire, Off I-94 at the IL/ WI border, photo: via Shoot to Thrill Photography Here’s my money. Here are the adoption papers. And here is my first born PAWS Chicago, the city’s largest No Kill Humane organization, will be bringing Chicago’s homeless animals to businesses in Roscoe Village on Sunday. The event will feature Chicago English Bulldog Rescue (CEBR) and their adoptable/ adorable baby bullies. If you’re thinking about adopting a dog, it’s a great time to meet the puppies and talk to volunteers. Check out PAWS Chicago for more information. (photo) // noon – 4 p.m., FREE conversation, Belmont & Damen, Roscoe Village
We’re always finding new events on EveryBlock. It’s a great way to get your finger on the pulse. Check it out.