WICKER PARK — Don't believe the hype of "Back to School" ads and folks pitching fall events, summer is in full force, so if you need a few ideas for keeping it simple and enjoyable without leaving the neighborhood this weekend, read up.
Enjoy a Real Fruit Popsicle: The sandwich board sign at Cooking Fools lures passers-by into the friendly chef-driven shop which features premade and ready to go meals as well as frozen treats like strawberry and ginger soy milk popsicles, just one option among a burst of flavors. $2. Cooking Fools, 1916 W. North Ave.
$1 Bubble Teas and Acai Bowls: Bee & Tea, a new concept from the makers of the Forever Yogurt chain, adds hearty and sweet nutrient laden bowls starring acai berries. And to celebrate their one-year anniversary, all bubble teas are $1 from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday only, as well as 20 percent off food orders with a tea order. Bea & Tea, 1843 W. North Ave.
[Acai bowls at Bee & Tea/Provided]
Buy a Summery Men's Oxford!: The shuttered Homemade Pizza Co. around the corner from Damen on sleepier Wabansia, has welcomed a men's clothing store Frank & Oak. There's a new seasonal shirt introduced every 30 days to complement a trusty staple of core basics. Oh and they are still looking for a few good part-time staffers. Grand opening party is set for 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, 1953 W. Wabansia Ave.
[Frank & Oak, now open at 1958 W. Wabansia Ave., in former Hommeade Pizza spot/DNAinfo/Alisa Hauser]
Take Your Dog to a Portrait Sitting: A dedication for Project Onward's "Pay Attention!" — a new mural in Churchill Park's dog-friendly area alongside the eastern half of The 606 — will bring together artists from the nonprofit studio and gallery and the community. Dogs — or a photo of a dog if an owner does not expect their furry friend to sit for too long — can serve as inspiration for a free take-home portrait. Reservations required; sign your pup up for a 30-minute slot. From 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Churchill Park, 1825 N. Damen Ave.
[Scenes from Churchill Dog Park and field area, photo at far right by Dan Wurst]
Mmmm, Sour and Sweet Cherries: The Wicker Park Farmers Market keeps getting better every week, with a crepe and coffee stand, plus nearly 20 vendors (see the full list here) offering eggs and ham; local honey, bourbon-infused syrup, cheeses, fruits, vegetables, flowers and more. Get there early for the best picks. From 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., 1425 N. Damen Ave. in the park.
[Seedling fruit guys at the market, circa 2010 or '11]
Learn to Breathe: Early risers can join a free group breathing meditation session led by a guide from the nearby Vajrayana Kadampa Buddhist Center. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 9:40 a.m. near the park's Schiller Street entrance.
Pack a Picnic, Enjoy a Classical Concert: The Symphony Sounds quartet will be performing a free show in conjunction with the market. Concert runs from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (in field house if raining), 1425 N. Damen Ave.
Make Sunday's Dinner a Backyard BBQ: Chef Mark Hellyar of Momotaro will be manning the grill, serving up "Gaijin dogs" made with pork sausage; as well as pork shoulders with lettuce; watermelon with Okinawa sea salt and sansho pepper; bacon wrapped cherry tomatoes and more. Cost is $20 for a plate and a cocktail featuring CH Distillery's newest product, Boomer, a mushroom vodka. From 4 to 9 p.m. Sunday, Sportsman's Club, 948 N. Western Ave.
[Back BBQ at Sportsman's Club]
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