The sun is shining; the birds are chirping; you just scored some serious dough in the World Cup office pool. What’s there to have the blues about? Nothin’–except the 23rd Annual Chicago Blues Festival, which, really, is a reason to rejoice. This summer-in-the-city institution runs all weekend in Grant Park with headliners including Walter Wolfman Washington and the Roadmasters (say that five times fast) and Cece Winans; find a full lineup at metromix.com. 11 a.m. Friday-Sunday. Free. 300 S. Columbus Drive. 312-744-3370.
My fellow Chicagoans
Citizenship: Haven’t given it much thought since you stopped reciting the Pledge of Allegiance on a daily basis? At this Summer Kick-Off Party, brush up your community conscience and raise a pint or two to urban aid. The Citizen Bar rooftop bash benefits Innovations for Learning, Jobs for Youth and Urban Students Empowered, and includes $3 domestic beers, $3 imports and $5 cocktails. 4:30 p.m. Friday. $10. 364 W. Erie St. 312-640-1156.
No royal pain, no gain?
What, a handful of feeble, ill-fated relationships hasn’t sworn you off TV dating? If you’ve just gotta make your own mistakes, audition for the next season of “The Bachelor.” Producers of the ABC show are in town interviewing honeys hoping to hook up with this round’s hottie: a real, honest-to-goodness prince. Includes a cocktail reception from 10 t o 11 p.m. 10 p.m. Saturday. $20. RSVP to bapresents@yahoo.com or call 312-919-3761 for free admission. Transit, 1431 W. Lake St.
Pleased to meat you
Rather eat your weight in grilled meat than diet for love? Ribfest Chicago fires up its succulent, finger-licking foodie fest in Northcenter this weekend. That means ribs, ribs and more bibs from a bevy of neighborhood haunts (Celtic Crown, Smokin’ Woody’s), and live music from French Kicks, Manishevitz, The Changes, The M’s and more. Noon Saturday-Sunday. $5. Lincoln Avenue and Irving Park Road, 4000 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-525-3609.
Fair-weather friends
Heart art? Need Father’s Day gift ideas? Just wanna browse outdoor eye candy (and we’re not talking landscape watercolors)? Satisfy that shopping list of should-dos at a pair of alfresco artwalks. The 32nd Annual Wells Street Art Festival includes works by more than 300 artists, with live music and more. 10 a.m. Saturday-Sunday. $5-$7. 1300 N. Wells St. 773-868-3010. Or opt for the 57th Annual Old Town Art Fair, the country’s oldest juried outdoor art bazaar featuring a garden walk, live music and food vendors in addition to works by some 260 artists. 10 a.m. Saturday-Sunday. $5. Old Town Triangle Park, 1763 N. North Park Ave. 312-337-1938.
How Swede it is
Saw your fair share of Daisy Dukes in Old Town, but now you’re on the trail of other buns –of the cinnamon variety? Head northward –as in Nordic northward–to Andersonville for the ‘hood’s 41st annual Midsommarfest. The celebration of all things Swedish includes eats, vendor treats, a pet parade, and live music (Waco Brothers, J. Davis Trio). Find full lineups for all fests at metromix.com. 11 a.m. Saturday-Sunday. $5. Foster Avenue and Clark Street, 5200 N. Clark St. 773-665-4682.
Use brews as your muse
Sure, the event’s tagline, “Write ’til you puke,” recalls a few term-paper cram sessions you’d sooner forget, but this is one writer’s block party you’ll want to remember. The Drinking & Writing Festival goes on a bender with beer tastings, panels on brew quality and famous alcoholic authors, a book sale, live jazz and a writing competition. May we suggest the topic “What I drank on my summer vacation”? 2 p.m. Saturday. $15-$20. Hopleaf, 5148 N. Clark St. 773-968-2345.
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JWEHUNT@TRIBUNE.COM
