WICKER PARK — Temperatures could reach 80 degrees Friday, so get out and enjoy these events in the Wicker Park area, which we've listed chronologically — in case you like lists.
1) Walk For Prince. Over 500 people have RSVP'd to A Night of a Thousand Princes-Purple Walk, a gathering of fans ready to dress in purple, raspberry berets etc. and march in honor of the late pop singer. Free, starts at the park's fountain, 1425 N. Damen Ave. at sunset Friday. The walk will traverse neighborhood streets from 8 to 10 p.m.
2) Laugh Off the Work Week. "House of Laughs" at Access Chicago Realty's headquarters is a monthly show featuring a rotating roster of talent. Friday's event is hosted by standup comic Matty Ryan. Free, 21-and up; RSVP required. From 7:30 to 10 p.m. Friday, 2256 W. North Ave.
3) Score Original Art. It's "First Friday" in Wicker Park's Flat Iron Building, where dozens of artists and visiting artisans will open their studios to collectors and shoppers. New stained glass pieces by Charlie Rees will be featured in studio 207. From 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, 1579 N. Milwaukee Ave. Free, with suggested $10 donation.
4) Cheer on Your Favorite Horse. Several bars are hosting parties for the 142nd running of the Kentucky Derby, a 20-horse race that begins at 5:34 p.m. Saturday (and will last a couple minutes). If you are in a pinch looking for a suitable hat, Frill at 1727 W. Division St. has plenty of women's styles.
The Bedford's "Run for the Roses" party offers free wine tastings from Heritage Wines and Southern Wine & Spirits, $11 Blackberry Mint Juleps and free bourbon shots to anyone showing up in derby attire, according to its Facebook page. From 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., 1612 W. Division St.
At Paramount Room, there will be a late brunch, prizes for best hat and mint juleps. Sing along to "My Old Kentucky Home" at 5:27 p.m. before the race starts. Starts at 5 p.m., 415 N. Milwaukee Ave.
The Southern's party includes an all-you-can eat buffet with hot browns, fried chicken, mac and cheese, "Derby and Devil's Food Cake" made with Woodford Reserve, prizes for Best Dressed Man and Woman and more. Tickets are $25; from 4 to 7 p.m., 1840 W. North Ave.
5) Celebrate Free Comic Book Day. Across the city on Saturday, 17 shops will be giving away 50 types of specially made comic books — including new issues of "Archie," "Bob's Burgers," "The Tick" and Marvel's "Civil War" — for free to comic book fans (while supplies last.) Locally, check out Challengers Books & Comics, 1845 N. Western Ave. and Brainstorm Comics, 1579 N. Milwaukee Ave. Hours vary.
6) Buy a Plant. The huge Wicker Park Garden Club Plant Sale will offer vegetables, herbs, flowering annuals, hanging baskets and a special "Plant and Grow" area for kids. Proceeds from the sale will go to the maintenance of volunteer-tended park gardens. 1425 N. Damen Ave., Sale hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 1425 N. Damen Ave.
7) Impress Your Mom with Your Frugal Ways. In honor of Mother's Day, Wicker Park's Furious Spoon will serve free bowls of ramen or rice dishes to all moms. Limit of one bowl per mom. Hours are 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Sunday, 1571 N. Milwaukee Ave.
For more neighborhood news, listen to DNAinfo Radio here:
