WEST TOWN — Happy Friday!
Here are some ideas for things to do over the sunny and cool weekend in the Wicker Park, Bucktown and West Town area.
Safety Walk With Local Police. The volunteer-run West Town Safety Committee will hosts its first "safety walk" with Ald. Joe Moreno (1st) and Near West District (12th) police officers. Wear bright colors and bring a flashlight. From 9:30-11:30 p.m. Friday, meet at the corner of Huron and Elizabeth streets.
Friday Night Scavenger Hunt. "Mansions, Merchants and Mystery: Hunting for the History of Wicker Park" will have you running all over town "to rediscover the history of Wicker Park "and put the alleged ghost of neighborhood founder Charles Wicker to rest, organizers say. Tickets are $35 and include a drink afterward. The hunt runs from 7-10 p.m. Friday, meet at Wicker Park Avenue and Honore Street.
"Beach Party" Without The Hassle of Driving To A Beach. Roots Handmade Pizza plans to transform its outdoor patio into a beach, with sandboxes and pools for kids and dogs. Activities include a balloon artist, temporary tattoos and photo booth, according to a flyer. Adult revelers can enjoy summery and citrus-focused craft beers, including Brewery Vivant Tropical Saison, Tyranena Three Beaches and Pollyanna Kiwi Allure. From noon-4 p.m. Saturday, 1924 W. Chicago Ave.
Celebrate Real Good Juice Co.'s Arrival. Cold-pressed juices, smoothies, Acai bowls and healthy treats like coconut jerky are among the offerings at the just-opened Real Good Juice Co. A grand opening party will feature samples, discounts and music. From 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. Sunday 1616 N. Damen Ave.
Gorge on Beer and BBQ. Neighborhood pub Floyd's will host a BBQ featuring plates of ribs, chicken legs, sausage, slaw and bread for $12, plus drink specials. From noon- 6 p.m. Saturday, 1944 N. Oakley.
Get Some Laughs. The Las Locas Comedy August Showcase brings together several Latina/Latinx comics such as Soli Santos, Tiera Diaz, Courtney Bianca, Elizabeth Gomez, who will perform in a showcase at Karen Marie Salon on Saturday night. Free, BYOB at 8 p.m. Saturday, 1859 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Dance and Sing With Mr. Dave. A show combining original songs and children's classics by Mr. Dave "will get the littlest kids singing, clapping, jumping and dancing," according to a listing on the Chicago Park District's website. The free show runs from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Sunday in the playground, 1425 N. Damen Ave.
Picnic At The Farmers Market. Pack a basket or buy ready-made food like bagels or 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, where members of the 1099 String Quartet will perform "Mozart in the Jungle." From 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Sunday, 1425 N. Damen Ave. in the park.
Admire New "Wall" at The Violet Hour. Wicker Park artist Keith Skogstrom unveils a new installation on Saturday called "J.A.C.K." on the exterior wall of The Violet Hour. Named after and inspired by his newly-born nephew, the intriguing piece uses maple plywood framed in solid maple and permanent markers. The wall will be completed by Saturday and stick around through Sept. 31, 1520 N. Damen Ave.
Check Out Newest Spot to Score Malts, Ice Cream. A trailer offering ice cream sandwiches, paletas and malts quietly opened a few weeks ago and is gaining a loyal following. Conniption's hours are 11 a.m - 11 p.m. Wed-Sun. but it could go as late as 1 a.m. depending on demand, co-owners say. Behind Flip on the back patio, 1141 N. Ashland Ave.
