THU 7/6
Eye candy
Oversweating at Taste isn’t your fault, but overeating? Guilty. Before making Rounds 2 and 3 at the gluttonous gastro-fest, air yourself out (and relearn some lessons on the perils of stuffing) at a screening of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” in Sheridan Park. If sugarcoated scenes don’t curb your cravings, surely Johnny Depp’s impish take on Willy Wonka will. 8 p.m. Free. Sheridan Park, 910 S. Aberdeen St. 312-742-7529.
You snooze, you lose
Ate so much you’re poised to snooze ’til Easter? Before sawing logs, chew on “Performance of Sleep in One Long Act without Intermission.” The multimedia work is framed as a kids’ science show, but in place of bubbling beakers, two cheery hosts engage the audience in discussions on life, death, sleep and other dark subjects. They also shoot hoops, vivisect veggies and perform other bizarre acts. 7:30 p.m. Through July 30. $15. Live Action Cartoonists at Storefront Theater, Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph St. 312-742-8497.
Spittin’ image
Your dashing mug doesn’t grace the Millennium Park monoliths and spew elegant outpourings, but you can bet a few folks would bathe at your feet (well, chin) if it did. See enormous images of yourself dancing at a live, outdoor taping of underground cable-access fave, “Chic-A-Go-Go,” hosted by Miss Mia and Ratso. With DJ bradelectro and the photographic wit of Jim Newberry. Part of the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs’ ohm Curator Series. 7 p.m. Free. Gallery 37 Center for the Arts Rooftop, 66 E. Randolph St. 312-744-6630.
FRI 7/7
Eat and run
You’re a crab when you’re running late, but even you can’t outdo this group of competitive crustaceans. Bid on or sponsor daring decapods at the Eighth Annual Night at the Crab Races; proceeds benefit the Mercy Homes for Boys and Girls. Prefer to skip the track and race to your meal? Dine on a special menu of crab-themed dishes. With live music by the Jose Valdes Duo, tarot card readings and more. 6:30 p.m. Menu prices vary. Carmichael’s Chicago Steak House, 1052 W. Monroe St. 312-433-0025.
The treat trap
Is there anything we wouldn’t do for free cake? Nah, we’re pretty much the eat-now-ask-questions-later type. Here’s a deal that only puts your dinner plans on the line: Le Colonial wants you to Have Your Cake as part of its 10th anniversary celebration. Dine in for a free slice. 11:30 a.m. lunch; 5 p.m. dinner. Through Saturday. Menu prices vary. 937 N. Rush St. 312-255-0088.
SAT 7/8
Tong tuneup
Fourth of July turned Friday the 13th before you could rescue your dinner from the smoldering grill. Don’t turn in your tongs yet; take a Barbecue Cooking Class with Jimmy Bannos. The Heaven on Seven chef preps recipes from his cookbook “Big Easy Cocktails, Jazzy Drinks and Savory Bites from New Orleans.” Includes dinner, and unlimited beer, wine and hurricanes. 6 p.m. $75. Heaven on Seven, 111 N. Wabash Ave., 7th floor. 312-224-8858.
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RKPALMORE@TRIBUNE.COM
