Best Betspick

Our top picks for today's events and more coming up

By Rebecca Palmore

June 29, 2009

Best Bets
The Fifty/50

>> FRI 7/3  | Jump to: SAT 7/4 | SUN 7/5 | MON 7/6 | TUE 7/7 | WED 7/8 |

>> Show me this weekend's festivals

What: 4th of July deals
Where: Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery

Add a shot of Celtic kitsch to your weekend at this new addition to the local sports pub scene. Specials include $1 sliders, $1 orders of fries, $3 Bud bottles and $4 Shiner Bock drafts. 11 a.m. Friday-Sunday. Cost: No cover.

What: More 4th deals
Where: Between Boutique

Head to Wicker Park for $2 PBR cans and $5 blueberry coolers (fresh berry “soup” with ice-cold shochu), among other specials. 6 p.m. Through Saturday.

What: Naked July: Art Stripped Down
Where: National Pastime Theater

A fleshy theme holds this monthlong arts fest in place. Don’t miss “Living Canvas: Nocturne,” a modern fairy tale in which fully nude actors are cloaked in digital projections. 10 p.m. Friday-Saturday. Click here for the full schedule.
Cost: $20 per show; passes available.

What: Red, White and Brew
Where: The Smoke Daddy
Get $3 PBR bottles and food specials all weekend, including mac ‘n’ cheese ($4). The Homewreckers kick off three nights of music at 10 p.m. Friday. Opens 11:30 a.m. Through Sunday. Cost: No cover.

What: ‘Blackbird
Where: Victory Gardens Theater at the Biograph
“CSI” star William Petersen stars in the Midwest premiere of David Harrower’s intense drama about a forbidden affair and the awkward reunion 15 years later. 8 p.m. Through Aug. 9. Cost: $20-$48.

What: July 3 cruise  
Where: Mercury Skyline Cruise Line

The Independence Eve fireworks display highlights this special three-hour cruise. BYOB (cans only, no glass). 8 p.m. Cost: $40.

What: Pre-4th of July party
Where: Theory

Get a head start on the holiday with $3.50 Miller Lite steins, $7 Belvedere cocktails and half-price appetizers (5-8 p.m.). 11 a.m. Through Friday. Cost: No cover.

What: Free! SummerDance
Where: Grant Park

A dramatic note sets the tone on Thursday with Argentine tango; on Friday, get flirty with East Coast swing; steppin' takes the Saturday focus; and seductive rumba wraps things up on Sunday. 6 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; 4 p.m. Sunday. What: 40-ounce week
Where: The Fifty/50

Answer your big thirst with a big bottle, on sale for $5 (regularly $8) through Sunday. A different malt liquor takes the spotlight daily. 4 p.m. Cost: No cover.

>> See all Friday events


>> SAT 7/4
  | Jump to: FRI 7/3 | SUN 7/5 | MON 7/6 | TUE 7/7 | WED 7/8 |

>> Show me this weekend's festivals

What: Free! Life in the Fast Lane: Biker Block Party
Where: 3309 W. Van Buren St.

Whether your passion lies with stripped-down Harleys or vintage Vespas, spend the 4th of July with other bike enthusiasts. Food and drink vendors are on site; traffic restricted to motorcycles. Noon.

What: Hot dog-eating contest
Where: Purgatory Pizza

Celebrate America by testing the will of your digestive system. Bragging rights and prizes go to the winner. Specials include $1 dogs, $4 Miller Lites and $4 Effen lemonades. 1 p.m. Cost: $5 entry fee; RSVP by noon to compete.

What: Independent’s Day: Re-birth of a Nation  
Where: Schubas

Slam poet Kevin Coval hosts a politically minded benefit for Young Chicago Authors with hip-hop act the Tomorrow Kings, DJ Itch 13 and live art by Novem. 4 p.m. Cost: $5 suggested donation.

>> See all Saturday events


>> SUN 7/5  | Jump to: FRI 7/3 | SAT 7/4 MON 7/6 | TUE 7/7 | WED 7/8 |

>> Show me this weekend's festivals

What: Pig Roast Luau  
Where: Fizz Bar & Grill

Sleep in, then pig out at this Hawaiian party featuring $3 Bud Light bottles, $6-$13 tropical drinks and plates of roasted meat for $10. 3 p.m. Cost: No cover.

>> See all Sunday events



>> MON 7/6  | Jump to: FRI 7/3 | SAT 7/4 | SUN 7/5TUE 7/7 | WED 7/8 |

What: Frida Kahlo birthday
Where: Zocalo

Whether you’re passionate about art or dining deals (or both), pay your respects at this River North eatery with $5 margaritas, a $10.95 lunch buffet (11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.) and half-price apps (5-7 p.m.).

What: Free! Joel Gott signing
Where: Whole Foods Market Lincoln Park

The hotshot winemaker and restaurateur (he won a coveted James Beard Award in 2006) signs bottles of his wine. 4-6 p.m.

What:
Free! Movies in the Parks
Where: Various city parks

Monday’s schedule includes the campy musical “Little Shop of Horrors” (Lincoln Park, 2045 Lincoln Park West) and sports film “The Longshots” (Jackson Park, 6401 S. Stony Island Ave.). 8:30 p.m.

>> See all Monday events


>> TUE 7/7
  | Jump to: FRI 7/3 | SAT 7/4 | SUN 7/5 | MON 7/6WED 7/8 |

What: Clam Bake  
Where: Fulton’s on the River

On the heels of the summer’s biggest barbecue weekend comes the second installment of this all-you-can-eat supper on the restaurant’s veranda. Includes two Hoegaarden drafts. 5 p.m. Cost: $22.

>> See all Tuesday events


>> WED 7/8  | Jump to: THU 7/2 | FRI 7/3 | SAT 7/4 | SUN 7/5 | MON 7/6 | TUE 7/7 |

What:
Free! Thai Festival Chicago 2009  
Where: Daley Plaza

Food vendors, a beer garden, arts and crafts, boxing demos, and dance performances highlight this daytime cultural festival. 10 a.m. Through Friday.

What: Dirty Bingo
Where: Cans Bar and Canteen

Raunch is tempered with reason—this is a benefit, after all—at this monthly game night (also in residence at Victory Liquors, 2610 N. Halsted St.). $10 includes 10 Bingo boards and one drink. Includes prizes. 8 p.m. Cost: $10.

>> See all Wednesday events


Check back daily for more of our top picks. Want to submit an event listing? Click here to access a form.

[Rebecca Palmore is the Metromix events producer] rkpalmore@tribune.com 

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