WICKER PARK — The worldwide financial markets might be in turmoil but it's still the weekend, so if you are sticking around Wicker Park — or neighboring 'hoods like Logan Square and Lincoln Park — here are a nine fun things to do.
Show Off Your Talent. Bring your best song or funniest joke to an all-ages Wicker Mic talent show in the neighborhood's namesake park near the softball field. Or just watch. Free. Sign-up is 5:45 p.m. Runs from 6 to 8:45 p.m. Friday, 1425 N. Damen Ave. in Wicker Park.
Check out TWO Restaurant and Bar's New Outdoor Patio. Led by chef Kevin Cuddihee and known for its oft-changing menu, TWO will launch its outdoor patio beginning with dinner service at 5 p.m. Friday. The 32-seat patio is also dog-friendly, a spokeswoman says. TWO, 1132 W. Grand Ave.
Party Like a Robot. Is the machine uprising coming? Futuristic attire is suggested for a Robocalypse dance party and art auction to ring in Heaven Gallery's 16th anniversary. From 7 p.m. Friday to 1 a.m. Saturday. Tickets are a suggested $20, 1550 N. Milwaukee Ave., 2nd Floor.
Buy Neat Stuff. The traveling Renegade Craft Fair is hosting a pop-up at The Hideout featuring handmade crafts from 150 makers, music, DIY workshops, music and more. Pet friendly. Rain or shine. Free. From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 1354 W. Wabansia Ave.
Enjoy a Family-Friendly Block Party. The annual HI-Fest is back, with food, beer, folk dancing, Jesse White tumblers, a bounce house, classic car show and more. Free, from Noon to 10 p.m. Saturday at Holy Innocents Parish, 1500 W. Superior St.
Get Some Laughs. Female comedians will be convening again in Bucktown for Ladybits, a show offering improv, sketch, storytelling, stand-up, singing, burlesque, and more. Doors open at 7 p.m., the free BYOB show starts at 8 p.m. at 1728 N. Wilmot Ave.
Fest it Up in Logan Square. The 9th annual Logan Square Arts Festival offers bands such as Meat Wave and Blitzen Trapper, vendors, food and more. Suggested $5 donation, From Friday to Sunday, 3150 W. Logan Blvd.
Drink/Eat for Orlando On National Gay Pride Day. As part of a "F-- you, hate" fundraiser, Links Taproom will donate 100 percent of its craft beer, liquor, wine, and food sales sales to Chicago House and Social Service Agency and GLBT Community Center of Central Florida. The bar's owner, Michael Quinlan, has also agreed to match all of the day's profits, too. From 11:30 a.m. Sunday to 2 a.m. Monday, 1559 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Hop Around New Restaurants, Cafes, Bars. Distilled Chicago's grand opening party starts at 5 p.m. Friday. Enjoy $1 select drafts and half-off the house burger in the Velvet Room replacement at 1480 W. Webster Ave. In Wicker Park, falafel and hummus abound at Rumi, a 60-seat Middle Eastern Grill set to open on Saturday. Then, at 6 a.m. Sunday, Standing Passengers Coffee House and Gallery will debut in the former Ugly Mug at 1457 W. Chicago Ave.
Visit the Wicker Park Farmers Market: Score fresh veggies, meat, eggs, pastries, pasta, jam, bagels, honey, coffee from Ipsento, "agua frescas" from Dove's Luncheonette and crepes made on-site. The Wicker Park Farmers Market is from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Sunday through Oct. 30 in the park, 1425 N. Damen Ave. Check out the full vendor list.
