Hurry, toss some salt over your shoulder–it’s Friday the 13th! But don’t let superstition keep you at home this weekend. Instead, check out the fiercest fests in town–while avoiding black cats and broken mirrors, of course.
Friday the 13th bashes
Still spooked? Get over it by celebrating! McGee’s is hosting a buffet with food, beer and cocktails from 8:30 to 11 p.m. Friday. Then swing by Moda’s Reverse the Curse bash. The first round’s on them from 10 to 11 p.m., and the dancing goes on ’til 4 a.m. If that’s not lucky, what is? McGee’s: $13. 950 Webster Ave. 773-549-8200; Moda: $10-15. 25 W. Hubbard St. 312-670-2200.
Q101 Block Party
Why spend the weekend watching TV? Talk about a snooze fest! Instead, head to this second annual concert. Friday’s lineup includes The Presidents of the United States of America, Local H and Sponge. Modest Mouse, Death Cab for Cutie and The Walkmen will hit the stage Saturday. Loads of Bud Light and food will be up for grabs, so leave the cooler at home. 5:30-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday. $15. 1515 N. Halsted St. 800-511-1552.
Retro On Roscoe
It’s Roscoe Village’s annual blast from the past! The weekend fest will transport you to the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s with music (more than 40 bands) antique cars and old-school bikes. $5. Noon-10 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Roscoe Street at Damen Avenue, 773-665-4682.
Glamorama
If you’re still flitting around in spring’s girlie prints, then saunter over to Marshall Field’s fall fashion blitz. Check out designs from Marc Jacobs, DSquared2 and Michael Kors. Original diva Patti LaBelle will be belting out tunes, and rumor has it supermodel Jerry Hall might pop by the event. The postparty will have food and drinks, but darling, this is a fashion bash: Skip the munchies and head straight to the bar. 7:30 p.m. Friday. $50; $175-$500 (includes postparty). Benefits The Art Institute of Chicago. Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St. 312-902-1500.
Summer Olympics at Brasserie Jo
Watching the gymnasts’ floor routine will be a helluva lot more fun if you’re just a bit tipsy. This French joint is screening the Summer Games and serving specialty drinks. We’re going for the Gold Medal–champagne cocktail, that is. Second place isn’t so bad either: a Silver Medal rum martini. Free. 7-10 p.m. Through Aug. 25. 59 West Hubbard St. 312-595-0800.
Arlington Million
Do you feel lucky, punk? Well, do ya? Then drop some cash on this race. That’s right, you could win a million bucks. It promises to be a heart-pounding affair–and not just for the horses. $8. 10 a.m. Saturday. Arlington Park Racecourse, 2200 W. Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights, 847-385-7500.
Korean Street Festival
If your knowledge of Korean culture is limited to bi bim bap, we suggest heading to this fest. The ninth annual party will feature traditional dancing, martial arts, plays, music and, yes, tons of food. Free. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Kimball Ave. at Bryn Mawr Ave. 773-583-1700.
Chicago Summer Soiree
Looking for love in all the wrong places? Maybe you’d have better luck on TV. Casting agents for “The Bachelor” and “The Bachelorette” will be scoping out potential daters at the Field Museum’s annual fete. $45 in advance; $50 at the door. 7-10 p.m. Saturday. 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive, 312-642-5097.
Bud Billiken Parade
Sure she’s all over the gossip rags, but check out Brandy for yourself at this back-to-school parade. And if drill teams and baton twirling aren’t for you, there’ll be tons of giveaways. Who doesn’t like free stuff? Free. 10 a.m. Saturday. 39th Street and King Drive to 55th Street inside Washington Park. 312-225-3710.
