WICKER PARK — The weekend weather is expected to be cooler and more tolerable than the 4th of July holiday on Tuesday. Here are a few ideas for fun things to do in the Wicker Park area.
Indulge In Cake (In A Jar). Set to open on Saturday, Emeche Cupcakes will take over the "Boombox" storefront in the courtyard next to Tocco for all of July. Emeche specializes in vegan cookies and layered cakes, served in re-usable jars. Choose from banana pudding, chocolate crunch, caramel, brownie bites, and gluten-free birthday cake, coconut cake and double chocolate. Prices range from $3.50-6.50. Hours are Noon- 8 p.m. Wed-Sat.; 12-5 Sunday, at 1262 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Do Deadhead Brunch. DJ Luca Cimarusti will spin Grateful Dead songs on Saturday afternoon at the Empty Bottle between Dead & Company's two-night engagement at Wrigley Field, so roll out of bed and fuel up in the glow of peace, love and pancakes. The full Bite Brunch menu from next door will be available, a spokeswoman says. From Noon- 3 p.m. Saturday, 1035 N. Western Ave.
Celebrate 4th of July Early, Hawaiian Style. For those staying in the city, Frontier welcomes all to its beer garden for chef Brian Jupiter’s interpretation of a Hawaiian Luau. Enjoy banana leaf-smoked pork shoulder, pineapple chicken, Tiki cocktails, music and Hawaiian dancers. Tickets are $19 per person. From 3 p.m. - close, at 1072 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Shop At The Sunday Farmers Market. Enjoy fresh produce, cheese, meats and specialty items, like crepes, at the Wicker Park Farmers Market. Hours are 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, 1425 N. Damen Ave.
Buy Designer Outfits On the Cheap. The Luxury Garage Sale pop-up shop was supposed to end last Sunday, but decided to stick around through the end of July 15, staffers say. The pop-up store sells designer men and women's apparel, jewelry, vintage and boutique overstock with discounts as steep as 90 percent. Hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, 1422 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Search For Waldo. To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the classic children's book, "Where's Waldo," Volumes Bookcafe is partnering with two dozen local businesses who will "hide" the red-and-white striped Waldo within their shops all month long — and those carrying Find Waldo passports get a stamp for each Waldo they spot. Diligent seekers can turn in their passports for a grand prize drawing on July 29, where the top prize is a deluxe set of Waldo books. Passports can be picked up beginning Saturday at various locations, including Volumes Bookcafe, 1474 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Eat At West Town's Newest Burger Spot. Flip, in the former Authentaco, has "soft opened" according to Eater, which reported the entry on Thursday. Flip's double hamburgers are topped with caramelized onions, pickles and aioli. Flip also offers fried bologna via Paulina Meat Market and an all-day breakfast (tacos, biscuits and gravy, avocado toast, and French toast). Opening hours are 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sat-Sun and subject to change, so have a backup plan if closed, 1141 N. Ashland Ave.
Drink Cheap Pimm's Pitchers. Drown your sorrow over not being invited to a lake house or boat at nautical-themed Queen Mary, which is slashing the cost of its popular Pimm's pitchers. Normally $56, the pitchers (made with St. George Terroir Gin, Génépy, Blackberry, Cucumber, Blood Orange, Lemon Balm, Bitter Lemon Soda) will be half-priced during two happy hours. From 3-5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, at 2125 W. Division St.
Pimm's pitchers will be half-off this weekend 3-5PM Saturday and 3-5PM Sunday, photo credit Jackie Gillum h/t @QueenMaryTavern pic.twitter.com/1Qk6Hs6rPT
— Alisa Hauser (@DNA_WPB) June 30, 2017
