WICKER PARK — Not planning to brave Air & Water Show crowds? Here are 5 ideas for stuff to do outside this weekend from our team of neighborhood reporters.
Enjoy Fresh Coconut Juice: If the lines for a patio table are long at Big Star, 1531 N. Damen Ave., you could buy an iced Vietnamese-style coffee at nearby Penny's Noodles while you wait, but be advised peddler Ulises Martin might point at your cup and shout "poison!" like he did to Wicker Park reporter Alisa Hauser on Thursday. Parked for the past few nights at the corner of Pierce and Damen, Martin sells whole coconuts for $5. He said he plans to be back Friday night, weather permitting, so look for him if you are craving coconut juice.
Rock Out to Shakespeare with Hot Dogs: Forget about packing a fancy picnic dinner for "Shakespeare's Greatest Hits," since there is a hot dog stand on the premises at Eckhart Park, the second-to-last summer stop on Chicago Shakespeare Theater's popular tour. "Shakespeare's Greatest Hits" will feature scenes and characters from the Bard's most indelible works, set to a score of today's popular music. Shows are at 6:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Free. Eckhart Park, 1330 W. Chicago Ave.
Get Artsy in Rogers Park: The Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest will feature more than 100 artists, open studios and entertainment. The festival is open throughout the weekend, so you'll be able to check out painting, theater, music and other forms of art every day. A kickoff party starts at 6 p.m. Friday. The festival is 6-10 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Free. North Glenwood Avenue and West Morse Avenue.
Clean Up, Clean Up, Everybody Everywhere: Shake off that hangover and help clean up your neighborhood as part of the 35th ward's first Clean and Green. Three 'hoods — Irving Park/Albany Park, Logan Square/Avondale and Hermosa — will have events kicking off with free breakfast. Patrick Henry School (4250 N. St. Louis), Woodard Plaza (Milwaukee and Kimball) and Nixon School (4150 W. Dickens), 9 a.m., cleaning starts at 10 a.m. at all sites.
Do Absolutely Nothing For The First Time All Summer: From street fests to Lollapalooza, you're hardly to blame if this summer has kept you firing from all cylinders. Before the leaves start to change and we're plunged into another snowpocalypse, take a few moments to breathe in air that doesn't hurt your lungs. Take a walk. Sit outside with a book from the library. Just lay on the beach for a few hours and catch up with a friend. We get so busy here in the bustling Chicago summer that it's worth it this weekend to just not do anything at all.
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