WICKER PARK — Happy Friday!
Here are a few ideas for thing to do in Wicker Park, Bucktown and West Town this weekend.
Indulge in Food and Art. The West Town Food Truck Social and Art Walk starts Friday night with trucks offering lobster, burgers, fried octopus, doughnuts, dog treats and more. The food truck social — next to Eckhart Park — is from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday. The Art Walk runs from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and noon to 8 p.m. Saturday, at shops and galleries along Chicago Avenue.
Score FREE Ramen. Kizuki Ramen in Wicker Park will give away free bowls of its Tokyo Shoyu Ramen to the first 100 dinner guests on a first-come, first-served basis. And on Saturday, there is a pre-Marathon eating challenge for the hungry and intrepid. The free bowls start at 4 p.m. Friday, 1482 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Look for New Kicks. The largest Adidas store in the world opened on Thursday in the former Reckless Records/Rodan space. There is apparel for men and women, backpacks, hats, and lots of spots to relax and lounge in while scoping out the scene. A dressing room even resembles a CTA "L" car. Hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, 1532 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Peruse Street Photography. "The Way We Live Now," a new show featuring photos by Kevin Nance, opens with a free reception 7 - 10 p.m. Friday at AdventureLand Works on Paper, 1513 N. Western Ave.
Try Plant-Based Lox. Vegan powerhouse Native Foods Cafe introduces a plant-based lox and bagel at all of its locations on Friday, including Wicker Park. An email sent to Native Foods rewards members says the lox is made with carrots and tastes like salmon. Hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, 1484 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Go To The Boombastic Annual Beat Party. The long-running Boombastic beat party in Wicker Park's park encourages people to bring their "Ghetto Blaster, Boombox, Transistor Radio or any portable device" to be tuned to a special radio station that will be amplified by the collective radio frequency. Free, noon to 8 p.m. Sunday, 1425 N. Damen Ave
Grab Some Laughs. Comic John McCombs will host an evening of stand-up comedy. Admission is $5. From 10 p.m. Saturday to 2 a.m. Sunday at The Den Theatre, 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Get A Caffeine And Ice Cream Fix. Conniption, the ice cream truck permanently parked behind brunch and burger spot Flip offers a coffee milkshake made with Edgewater-based Kyoto black coffee, for $6. Weekend hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 1141 N. Ashland Ave.
Stronger Wiser Everyday Pop-Up. Swing by the temporary "Boombox" storefront to shop for limited edition apparel, past collections and custom clothes from Stronger Wise Everyday. Weather permitting, there will be a block party on Saturday in the courtyard across from Tocco. Hours are 11 a.m. -7 p.m Friday; 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. Saturday and noon-6 p.m. Sunday, at 1262 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Pretend Its Your Birthday. In celebration of its 3rd anniversary in Wicker Park, Kanela Breakfast Club chef Alexandra Swieton will be making birthday pancakes using cake batter and topped with buttercream and rainbow sprinkles. The dish costs $13 and includes a complimentary "3" candle that you can blow out. Singing is optional. Hours are 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily, at 1408 N. Milwaukee Ave.
See A Play Critics Are Raving About. "United Flight 232" by The House Theatre re-enacts July 19, 1989, when a DC-10 headed for O’Hare with 296 aboard is paralyzed mid-air. The show, which draws on the interviews and research conducted by Evanston author Laurence Gonzales for his critically acclaimed book, Flight 232: A Story of Disaster and Survival, is getting rave reviews by critics across the city and is "a reflection on how to comprehend tragedy and celebrate human ingenuity in the face of overwhelming challenges," promoters say. Shows run at 8 p.m. Friday and Sat. and 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sunday. Buy tickets ($45) here. At Chopin Theatre, at 1543 W. Division St.
Massive Deals on Cycling Wear. Rapha Cycling Club will be clearing out past season inventory and offering clothing for as much as 70 percent off, plus two local DJ’s will spin in the store during the sale. Hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, 1514 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Shop At The Farmers Market. Peruse fresh veggies, cheeses, meats and specialty items, like bagels and crepes at the Wicker Park Farmers Market. Hours are 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, 1425 N. Damen Ave.
New All-Day Menu At The Robey. On Friday, The Lounge on the second floor of The Robey hotel introduces an all-day menu with grilled cheese and tomato soup, pasta salad, a turkey and cucumber sandwich on dark rye and many more options that can be washed down with "bottomless coffee" or other drinks. After chilling in the lounge, go to the public "Up & Up" rooftop bar and lounge, which features one of the city's best skyline views. The Lounge all-day menu is served from 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. daily. Up & Up hours are 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday - Saturday and 1 - 8 p.m. Sunday, 2018 W. North Ave.
