Changing lanes
This town isn’t big enough for two Lucky Strikes and–with the addition of a Streeterville newbie, part of a national chain (see “Split Decision” on metromix.com)–the decade-old local company with outposts in Elmhurst, Hyde Park and Lincoln Park is getting a new moniker. Log your vote for the spot’s rechristening when you RSVP for the 10th Anniversary Party (namethatalley.com); you could win bowling for life. The fete’s got free pool and bowling, snacks and more. 7 p.m. Friday. No cover. RSVP required. The Lucky Strike, 2747 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-549-2695.
Sounds salsational!
The only dose of Latin culture you’ve had this summer was flipping past Univision in a serious bout of channel surfing? Ditch the airwaves and hit the lakeshore for rock en espanol, minus the commercial static. Viva! Chicago Latin Music Festival also features cumbia, merengue and more from acts like Grupo Control and Cabas; see metromix.com for schedule. 10:30 a.m. Saturday-Sunday. Free. Grant Park, 300 S. Columbus Drive. 312-744-3370.
Art attack
You may be awfully adept at peeling off beer bottle labels in unusual patterns, but we’ve got news for you: It ain’t art. Get exposure to real works (paintings, jewelry, music, spoken word and more) at the 20th annual Bucktown Arts Fest. 11 a.m. Saturday-Sunday. Free. Senior Citizens Park, 2238 N. Oakley Ave. 312-409-8305.
Tweed or not to tweed?
As much as we wish we could slow summer down, nature’s got other plans: Fall’s nearly here. The one thing that helps us cope with nine months of cold? A closet full of natty new clothes. If you don’t have the cash for a completely new wardrobe, head to the Billion Dollar Babes Sample Sale, and get 50-80 percent discounts on ladies’ designs from Tocca, Oliver Peoples and others. 8 a.m. Saturday. RSVP by Friday: bdbinvite.com. Skylight Gallery, 1956 W. Grand Ave. 323-933-8850.
Ale in the family
Kissin’ cousins may be frowned upon, but “kiss me, I’m Irish” seems to go over just fine. Combine the two (hey, relations eight-times removed by marriage is scarcely kin) with Chicago Celtic Cousins Night, an evening of mingling with local groups made up of peeps descended from six Celtic territories. With live music, all-you-can-eat barbecue (an extra $10) and games. 7 p.m. Saturday. No cover. Chief O’Neill’s Pub, 3471 N. Elston Ave. 773-473-5263.
Birthday presence
Love Whole Foods for its fresh produce, but can’t stomach the high price of organic goodies? Get a load for less at FlavorFest, celebrating the chain’s 25th birthday, with cooking demos (featuring chefs Charlie Trotter and Rick Bayless), free food and drinks, live music and vendor booths. Performers include 10,000 Maniacs; see metromix.com for schedule. 11 a.m. Saturday-Sunday. $5 donation. Jonquil Park, 1023 W. Wrightwood Ave. 773-868-3010.
Tri-ed and true fans
Call us lazy, but we’re not that interested in excelling in one sport, let alone three. (Unless you’re talking competitive eating, in which case we’re extremely athletic.) We are, however, willing to cheer on our more motivated fellow citizens. Watch 7,600 athletes swim, bike and run in the 2005 Accenture Chicago Triathlon, the world’s largest. Registration’s closed, but the spectacle’s free to watch. 6:15 a.m. Sunday. Monroe Harbor, 100 S. Lake Shore Drive, Monroe Street to Roosevelt Road along Lake Michigan. 773-404-2372.
Rockin’ reader
Whether you pitch your tent in the “Idol” or the “INXS” camp, just about everyone’s crazy for televised rock ‘n’ roll. Want a history on the background of broadcast beats? Local author and creator of the public-access cult hit “Chic-A-Go-Go” Jake Austen screens rare videos and reads from his new book, “TV-a-Go-Go: Rock on TV from American Bandstand to American Idol.” 8 p.m. Friday. Free. Quimby’s, 1854 W. North Ave. 773-342-0910.
Brews on board
The thrill is gone from drinking on dry land? Hit the water for a booze cruise that should put the sparkle back in your champagne. The Motel Bar’s Alcoholiday Rockin’ Boat Party kicks off at the lounge, heads to the lake for a three-hour tour (with open bar and buffet), then returns to the lounge for another round. 6 p.m. Saturday. $60-$65. 600 W. Chicago Ave. 312-822-2900.
