WED 6/21
For the players, it’s a meeting of the muscle, a sweat-and-grass burn-ridden roller coaster toward victory–or defeat. For you, it’s a chance to swill beer before noon and call in sick to the office. Hey, it’s hard work being a World Cup fan, but you can do your duty at Mother Hubbard’s. The bar opens early so diehard enthusiasts can catch every match on nearly 40 TVs; Wednesday’s face-offs include Portugal versus Mexico, or save your voice for Thursday when the US takes on Ghana. Toast the drama with $24 buckets of Bud, Bud Light and Michelob Ultra, and more. Doors 7:55 a.m. Through July 9. No cover. 5 W. Hubbard St. 312-828-0007.
Fireworkout
Think those pro athletes (we’re talking to you, Becks) make more bucks than they’re worth? Prefer to see stars in the sky than parading around the playing field? Leave soccer to the pros and get your own exercise–not to mention a view of some real heavenly bodies–on a Fireworks Paddle. Float down the river at dusk to catch the Navy Pier fireworks. Includes a lesson on safety and operation. 7:30 p.m. See metromix.com for schedule. $40. Kayak Chicago, 1501 N. Magnolia Ave. 630-336-7245.
Three-pint plan
Sure, hoofing your watery way through the city sounds inspirational, but what you’d really rather do this evening involves more heavy lifting (as in draft to mouth) than rigorous rowing. There’s no shame in choosing brew over crew; at Beerbecue, you can sip Fat Tire, Guinness and other drafts guilt-free while nibbling snacks on Rhapsody’s patio. 5:30 p.m. $35. 65 E. Adams St. 312-786-9911.
Get the facts
This weekend’s parade unfurls more than a few flags in support of Pride (see Page 55 for more), but it’s not all rainbows and sunshine in the community. Filmmaker Todd Ahlberg’s documentary, “Meth,” examines the current crystal meth epidemic; catch a free screening at Bailiwick Arts Center. 7 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday. 1229 W. Belmont Ave. 773-989-9400.
THU 6/22
Don’t be slimy
Those pickup lines of yours haven’t raised anything but eyebrows lately? Inject a little life into your dating dialogue with Jazzin’ at the Shedd. The weekly afterwork mixer features live music, drinks and appetizers, plus a chance to browse museum exhibits like the new “Lizards and the Komodo King.” But please, we beg you: Leave the lizard references alone. 5 p.m. $10, plus $6 extra for entry to “Komodo King.” Shedd Aquarium, 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive. 312-939-2438.
Romance alfresco
At the sight of those Shedd reptiles, you couldn’t help but grab the sleeve of the guy standing next to you–who turned out to be quite a looker. Get your newfound flirt buddy away from the claws of all those other animals and keep the canoodling going with a stop at Citizen Bar. The new River North nightspot’s hosting a Grand Opening Celebration in honor of its rooftop deck. 6 p.m. $10 suggested donation and bar sales benefit the Tsunami Foundation. 364 W. Erie St. 312-836-0001. Want a second shot of flirting alfresco? Check out our new Reader Review crew finalists on Page 47.
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jwehunt@tribune.com
