It’s almost late July, and by now, you’ve got your summer weekend routine pretty much down cold. But if you’re looking for a break from the usual street festival summer weekend, Chicago’s got a weird body-painting dance party until 4am and a crazy comedy show going down in a sushi restaurant, not to mention a Vegas-style pool party at The W and an authentic New Orleans crawfish boil on a rock venue’s rooftop. Sometimes it pays to do something different.
Friday
Jul 21
The Vic
It’s been a long month. Need a laugh? Go to this show to see the legendary cult-favorite Adult Swim comedy duo do their thing.
Friday
Jul 21
Exit
Party until 4am in the chain-link-fenced environs of the second floor of Exit with free UV-reactive body paint, manic DJs, and oddball art.
Friday - Saturday
Jul 21-22
Kamehachi
You haven’t lived until you’ve seen four improv warriors face off in painful comedic challenges that may or may not involve a giant egg-smashing chicken in a sushi restaurant.
Friday - Sunday
Jul 21-23
Kingsbury & Erie
Ever wonder how River North tastes? Come by and find out. Da Lobsta, Big & little’s, and El Hefe are all involved, as are a bunch of local bands, including one called Chick Norris.
Saturday
Jul 22
East Room
Spend the afternoon day drinking on the outdoor patio at what may be the coolest hipster-approved patio in the city, with the help of a free lineup of handpicked Midwest bands and HoZac Records DJs.
Saturday
Jul 22
W Chicago
So far we’ve been pretty lucky with the oppressive Chicago heat this summer, but it’s going to be a hot one this weekend. This ‘70s-themed beach party with live DJs and sexy lifeguards at The W is technically “no-swim,” but you can still cool off with the complimentary cocktails.
Saturday - Sunday
Jul 22-23
Sheffield & Webster
Tour 80-plus gardens and admire Lincoln Park architecture as you rock out to live bands including Foxygen and Lucky Boys Confusion in between refills of your beer-sampling glass at the Chicago Craft Beer Festival, which is held in conjunction with this event.
Saturday - Sunday
Jul 22-23
Harrison Field
Somehow this festival seems like it flew under the radar even though it brings fun acts like Houndmouth, Dr. Dog, and Greensky Bluegrass to a UIC athletic field. Enjoy a few Goose Islands and some Americana at the two-day event.
Sunday
Jul 23
Bottom Lounge
Color Me Social is throwing an authentic New Orleans-style crawfish boil on the roof of one of the city’s top music venues, along with live bands and a trivia contest.
Sunday
Jul 23
Ravinia
Andrew Bird’s beautiful music pairs perfectly with the beautiful surroundings of Ravinia, and punk rock marching band openers Mucca Pazza will make the experience even better.
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