THIS WEEKEND
27th Annual Chinatown Summer Fair
Stock up on incense, “mystery gifts” (you know, the ones wrapped in newspaper), trinkets, kitchen gadgets and more as shops air their wares for your perusal. Don’t miss live music and dance performances, food vendors and beer. 10 a.m. Sunday. Free. Chinatown, 2200 S. Wentworth Ave. 312-225-6198.
Entertainment highlight: Lion dance at 12:30 p.m.
BenFest
No need to wait ’til the monthly bingo match, folks: This fest has your number with three nights of bingo and casino games, live music, beer and food vendors, and arts and crafts. 6 p.m. Friday; 3 p.m. Saturday; 1 p.m. Sunday. $5 donation. St. Benedict Church, 2215 W. Irving Park Rd. 773-868-3010.
Music highlights: American English, Ross Bon’s Mighty Blue Kings
Old St. Pat’s World’s Largest Block Party
Don your cleanest “Kiss me, I’m Irish” T-shirt for this block bash, rumored to be a historic hookup spot (wink, wink). The 22nd annual event features live music on two stages, food, beer and wine, and a raffle. Includes five drink tickets. 5 p.m. Friday-Saturday. $35-$40. Tickets: worldslargestblockparty.com. Madison Street at Des Plaines Avenue. 312-648-1021.
Music highlights: Cake, Rusted Root
13th Annual Rock Around the Block
You’ve rocked a Lake-view block or two in your day. But how many bands were you able to wrap your ears around after the first stop? Get your groove on with more than 30 groups on three stages, including metromix Rock ‘n’ Vote finalist Otter Petter. With arts and crafts, food vendors and street performers. Noon Saturday-Sunday. $5 donation. Lincoln Avenue at Addison Street. 773-665-4682.
Music highlights: Jon Langford, Mr. Blotto, Hairbanger’s Ball
L.A.T.E. Ride 2006
You’ve pedaled far earlier into the dawn, but this 25-mile Long After Twilight Ends jaunt through downtown and North Side ‘hoods offers a few extra perks: live music at midnight, a post-tour breakfast, wacky contests, snacks and more. Ride begins at 1:30 a.m. Sunday; registration pickup and activities start at midnight. $40. Proceeds benefit Friends of the Parks. Buckingham Fountain, 500 S. Lake Shore Drive. 773-918-7433.
Bonus: Skip the gym for the rest of the week, guilt-free.
ON THE RADAR
Wicker Park Summer Fest
Outdoor festival features live music on two stages. Hear DeVotchka, The Gris Gris, Mofro and more. Also, sample local cuisine, and browse arts and crafts. 11:30 a.m. July 22-23. $5 donation. Damen and North Avenues. 773-868-3010.
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RKPALMORE@TRIBUNE.COM
