TUE
7/18
Now, scoot!
Hey, scooterists: Are you in withdrawal in the wake of June’s Our Way of Thinking homage-to-mod weekend? Get a refill of Italian envy at Viva la Vespa! The bash features six new and vintage scooters on display, plus enter a raffle ($20) to win a 2006 Vespa-LX 50. With retro cocktails including $8 Harvey Wallbangers and Daisies, and $9 Savoy Hotel Rickeys. Raffle proceeds benefit The Cooley’s Anemia Foundation Chicago Chapter. 7 p.m. No cover. Fulton Lounge, 955 W. Fulton Market. 312-942-9500.
Alfresco appetizer
You know where you’ll be come 8:15 p.m.: The Outdoor Film Festival, natch. The annual series kicks off when Roger Ebert and Richard Roeper introduce “Rebel without a Cause” (read more in “Shorts attention span” on Page 17). But what to do before the to-do? Start your evening off with a first course of live jazz alfresco. Tuesdays on the Terrace at the MCA features the Fred Lonberg-Holm Valentine Trio; the gig’s free and ends at 8 p.m., which leaves you plenty of time for a short stroll down the lakefront to catch the Grant Park flick. 5:30 p.m. Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Ave. 312-280-2660.
Q the laughter
What’s the best way to end a scorching day spent hoofing it in the heat at the Gay Games (aside from an hourlong massage with a hunkette named Heidi)? How about a good laugh? Catch “Queer Queens of Comedy” Poppy Champlin, Sapna Kumar and Michele Balan when they take the stage at Zanies. 9:30 p.m. $21 plus a two-item food/drink minimum. 1548 N. Wells St. 312-337-4027.
WED
7/19
Pure and simple
Remember summer story hour at the library of your youth? This is kind of like that, except in place of carpet squares and snotty kids, imagine cold brews and bilingual wordplay. English- and Spanish-language reading series Palabra Pura features local and national poets and authors, plus an open mic. 8 p.m. No cover. California Clipper, 1002 N. California Ave. 877-394-5061.
In the doghouse?
Fido’s been feeling underappreciated lately. His star-crossed aura’s in the house of Pluto, and that makes for one pissy pooch. Not to mention that new kibble you’re trying to pass off as gourmet. Gross! Didn’t know your pet had so many issues? Get the goods on your mutt’s mind at Dog Happy Hour, featuring readings by animal psychic Denise Zak. With treats for him, and $3 bottles and $5 pitchers for you. 5 p.m. $4 donation. Proceeds benefit sitstayread.org. Joe’s, 940 W. Weed St. 312-337-3486.
THU
7/20
Guilt-free guzzle
The grass is green; the sky is blue; you bought a new T-shirt. There are plenty of ways to rationalize hitting the bar, but here’s one that won’t leave you scrambling to justify getting lightly juiced. The Children’s Memorial Hospital Benefit includes all-you-can-drink domestic beer, and select wine and cocktails, plus proceeds benefit hospital playrooms by adding toys and supplies. Hosted by the hospital’s Wish List Auxiliary Board. 6 p.m. $40. Bar Louie, 1704 N. Damen Ave. 773-645-7500.
