WICKER PARK — Happy Friday!
The weekend weather is projected to be sunny and in the 70s.
Here are a few ideas for things to do in Wicker Park, Bucktown and West Town.
Wicker Park Fest. Some 70,000 revelers are expected to flock to Milwaukee Avenue for the annual fest. Catch bands on three stages, including headliners Guided by Voices and Doomtree (View the lineup and all fest details here), family-friendly kids fest in the Walgreen's parking lot at Wolcott/Milwaukee, food, art shows, drinks and vendors. Pro tip: Because North Avenue and Paulina Street gates can get very crowded, you can also enter and leave the fest from gates at Honore, Evergreen, Wolcott and Wood. Suggested donation is $10. Hours are noon to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; in the 1300-1500 blocks of North Milwaukee Avenue.
Support Young Authors By Listening to Them. An outdoor open mic featuring young Chicago authors will be happening Friday night in Wicker Park's namesake park. Sign-up is at 5:30; open mic runs from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Friday, 1425 N. Damen Ave.
Shop At Una Mae's. Clothing brand Brixton hosts a party with DJ sets, raffle giveaways, sale items and desserts courtesy of Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams. Free, from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, 1528 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Cheer On the Dogs. If you have not already registered your pup to march in the first ever West Town Dog Parade, it's too late. But what parade doesn't need bystanders? Plus, a post-parade party in Smith Park will offer vendors and booths. Set to begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, the 1.1-mile parade route starts at 1800 W. Rice St. in East Village's Commercial Park and ends at 650 N. Campbell Ave. in West Town's Smith Park.
Proudly Devour Wings. MAK's got a 29-cent wing “Flappy Hour” — in celebration of National Chicken Wing Day on Saturday — so if you get 5 wings, it’ll be $1.45 (not including tax or required drink purchase). From 5-7 p.m. Saturday, 1924 W. Division St. Elsewhere, Fifolet Cajun will honor the food holiday by giving guests a free order of cornbread when they buy a plate of alligator wings ($11), from 3 p.m. Saturday til the wings run out, 1942 W. Division St.
Check Out Cool Art. Street artist Don't Fret and Kate Brankin from the collective known as Dark Times are hosting an art party in a Wicker Park apartment. The gathering runs from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday; its exact location will be revealed on the artist's Instagram.
Try To Win Lollapalooza Tickets. The Boundary, 1932 W. Division St. is giving patrons the chance to win a free pair of tickets to Lollapalooza. From Friday through Sunday, anyone who buys Red Bull gets entered into a raffle.
Go to the 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.
Sip Papaya Sangria at Dove's. A new summer cocktail menu launched earlier this month, at 1545 N. Damen Ave.
Wind Down At The Winchester. Join chefs Nicole Bayani and Tom Ven Lente for a back patio BBQ combing the talents of Presidio and The Winchester. For $20 you'll get a plate of food from both chefs. Drink specials include $3 fernet shots, $5 beers and $8 Presidio punch. Starts at 5 p.m. Sunday, 1001 N. Winchester Ave. in West Town.
