WICKER PARK — Happy Friday!
Here are a few ideas for things to do over the weekend in the Wicker Park and Bucktown area — in addition to the Air & Water Show at the lakefront and Sangria Fest in nearby Humboldt Park.
Indulge In New BBQ Offerings. On Thursday, Pork & Mindy's chef Jeff Mauro introduced new menu items, including a spinach salad, vegetarian Buffalo cauliflower sandwich, a crispy pork "sangwich" smothered in spicy apricot habanero mayo and a loaded "Three Big Pigs" stacker that Mauro jokes "could feed an entire family." Hours are 11 a.m.- 11 p.m. Fri-Sat; 11 a.m.- 9 p.m. Sunday, 1623 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Participate In An Anti-Crime Walk. Hosted by members of a Bucktown neighborhood watch group and police, the walk begins where a group of three friends were robbed earlier this week. Wear bright clothes; dogs welcome. From 8-11 p.m. Friday, starts at corner of Cortland Street and Honore Avenue.
Division Street Burlesque Parade. Environmental Encroachment's raucously fun marching band will toot their horns and lead a parade of burlesque dancers (Hot Tawdry, Shummy La Roux and more) from Phyllis' Musical Inn, west down Division Street, to Fifolet Cajun. The dancers will perform inside Fifolet. The parade begins at 9:30 p.m. at Phyllis' with an arrival time around 10:15 p.m. at Fifolet Cajun. Free, but the venues require a cover/donation and are 21-up. Starts at 1800 W. Division, ends at 1942 W. Division St.
Grab Some All American Laughs. Theatre-Hikes' "The Complete History of America (Abridged)" will take attendees from the Ice Age into the present day and incorporate audience participation, physical jokes and intellectual humor. Free, 11 a.m. Sunday, corner of Schiller/Damen in the park, 1425 N. Damen Ave.
Chill On Royal Grocer's Patio. After much anticipation, Royal Grocer & Co. opened on Thursday at the corner of Damen and Charleston avenues. Weekend hours are 4 p.m.- 2 a.m. Friday (dinner from 5 -11 p.m.); and 10 a.m. - 3 a.m. Saturday and Sunday (Brunch from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.; dinner from 5-11 p.m.) at 2118 N. Damen Ave.
Marvel At Rainbo Club Sign. The old bricks on the exterior of dive bar Rainbo Club have been replaced and the bar's iconic neon sign — removed for a few weeks — has been cleaned and re-installed. Head to the corner of Damen and Division, look a bit south for the sign and keep walking, or go inside and grab a beer. Hours are 4 p.m. - 2 a.m. Friday and Sunday; 4 p.m. - 3 a.m. Saturday
Be First To Try Cafe Robey New Menu. The public restaurant anchoring the 69-room Robey hotel plans to launch chef Kevin McAllister's new dinner menu on Sunday night and new brunch and lunch options on Monday. Sunday dinner hours are 5-10 p.m., at 2018 W. North Ave.
Shop At Sara Rose. Clothing, accessories, beauty, home and paper goods pop-up Sara Rose moved into the shuttered BCBG storefront near The 606. Hours are 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m - 6 p.m. Sat; 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. Sunday, 1714 N. Damen Ave.
Potluck BBQ and "Pool" Party. Easy Bar and Founders Brewing Company will host a patio party with a kiddie pool and grilled menu items like hot dogs. Guests are welcome to bring their leashed furry companions too. Founders beer specials from $6 to $7 include Green Zebra Watermelon Gose, Mosaic Promise, Rubaeus, and Centennial IPA. Starts at 5 p.m. Sunday, 1944 W Division St.
Score Fresh Food. Enjoy produce, cheese, meats and specialty items like bagels, crepes and Nitro coffee at the Wicker Park Farmers Market. Hours are 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, 1425 N. Damen Ave.
Indulge in French Toast Flights. All Kanela Breakfast Club locations will serve a $12 "French Toast Flight" Special in honor of the 59th annual Chicago Air and Water Show. The flight will feature four different flavors: lemon poppy seed, red velvet, banana nut, and orange bread. From 7 a.m. - 3 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, 1408 N. Milwaukee Ave. and the new spot at 2127 W. Division St.
French toast "flights" in honor of the Air & Water Show at all Kanela locations. [Provided]
