WICKER PARK — Happy Friday!
Here are a few ideas for things to do this weekend.
Go to West Fest. Rock band Local H returns to headline the final night of West Fest, which kicks off Friday and offers a DJ stage, food and kids activities — plus a dedicated areas for dogs with an obstacle course. See the full music lineup. There's a $5 suggested donation for entry. West Fest runs from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday; noon to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, along the 1800-2000 blocks of West Chicago Avenue.
Share Your Talent. Entertain the crowd with your best song, poem or funniest joke at the monthly all-ages "Wicker MIC" in the park near the softball field. Or just watch. Sign-up is 5:45 p.m. show runs from 6 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. Friday. Free, in the park, 1425 N. Damen Ave.
Enjoy A Chill Friday Night Picnic. The Hideout's "picnic on a porch" weekly summer Friday series starts tonight with music from acoustic band Big Sadie. The bar's neighbor Local Foods will offer a variety of picnic baskets for sale beginning at 6 p.m. Friday, 1354 W. Wabansia Ave.
Celebrate A Decade Of Dark Matter. The West Town coffee company will ring in its 10th year with Djs, suds from more than 30 craft breweries such as 3 Floyd's, 18th Street Brewing, and bites from Sauce & Bread Kitchen, Ruth & Phil's Ice Cream and more. It's all free, with suggested donations to suicide prevention nonprofit Hope for the Day. From noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, 2405 W. Chicago Ave.
BBQ Like A Vegetarian. West Town's Green Zebra feels the pain that non meat eaters experience during the height of grilling season, so there is a special prix fixe BBQ dinner ($40 per person) offering lots of antipasti, barbecued carrots, charred broccoli, grilled corn, avocado slaw, hearty eggplant parmesan and more. View the menu. The deal ends Sunday, reservations suggested, hours vary, 1460 W. Chicago Ave.
Dine At Jane's For The Last Time. After 22 years, Jane's restaurant is closing. The final hours of operation will be 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. lunch and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. dinner on Friday; 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday; and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, at 1655 W. Cortland St.
Try On Shiny Silver Reeboks. A new Reebok gym/store will allow you to try on the brand's newest and limited-edition shoes (and take some fitness classes onsite). If you like the shoes, you can buy them and get two-day free delivery, plus $10 off, according to the store's associate manager Bria Cross. Hours vary during the "soft opening" but Cross says she'll be there on afternoons this weekend, 1702 N. Damen Ave.
Check Out The New Seek. This vintage shop raised almost $8,000 from 104 supporters to help pay for a big move... across the street. Explore owner Chris Hunt's new space, from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, 1433 W. Chicago Ave.
Picnic to Classical Music. Pack a basket or buy ready-made food like crepes at the Wicker Park Farmers Market (from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday; see the vendor list) and then settle in "Schiller Grove," on the southwest edge of the park. The 1099 String Quartet plays "Bach, Beethoven and the Boys" from 11 am. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday, in Wicker Park, 1425 N. Damen Ave.
Find A New-To-You Treasure. Garage Sale Finder's online search tool is great but nothing beats a creative and enticing sign, like this one spotted on a utility pole near Big Star. From noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 1947 W. Schiller St.
Search For Waldo. To celebrate the 30th anniversary of "Where's Waldo," Volumes Bookcafe is partnering with 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. 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 at various locations, including Volumes Bookcafe, 1474 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Eat A Split Rail Plate In Bar's Backyard. The summer-long backyard BBQ series at Sportsman's Club features a rotating roster of chefs taking over the grill on Sundays. This Sunday, Chef Zoe Schor of the recently opened Spit Rail will be behind the eats. For $20, you'll get a plate of her food and a beer. Doors open at 4 p.m. Sunday, until the food runs out. At 948 N. Western Ave.
