THIS WEEKEND:
ART ATTACK
The American Society of Artists hosts two free-to-browse fairs this weekend. Peruse paintings, graphic art, photography, jewelry and more at the Ninth Annual Arts & Crafts Expressions (8 a.m. Thursday-Friday at Canal and Madison Streets) and The Fifth Annual An Arts Adventure (9 a.m. Sunday at State and Superior Streets). 312-751-2500.
BONUS: Three days to find a tasteful replacement for your stale beer bottle collection.
38TH SHEFFIELD GARDEN WALK AND FESTIVAL
You spend hours trolling for the best alfresco patios; now take stock of the gardens these historic homes boast. Includes peeks at more than 100 private spots, live music, food and drink vendors, a silent auction and more. Noon Saturday-Sunday. $6-$10. Webster and Sheffield Avenues. 773-929-9255.
MUSIC HIGHLIGHTS: Cowboy Mouth, Better Than Ezra
FIFTH ANNUAL SUMMER ON SOUTHPORT
You’re no stranger to quaffing suds in Lakeview, but now you can take a stand–literally–in the street to declare your fest allegiance to this relative newbie. Includes live tunes on three stages, food, craft vendors, an art show and more. 10 a.m. Saturday-Sunday. $5 donation. Southport Avenue, from Byron Street to Waveland Avenue. 877-244-2246.
MUSIC HIGHLIGHTS: Mike & Joe, The Samples, Elevation
WICKER PARK SUMMERFEST
The people-watching index is high, and the cuisine goes above and beyond your 3 a.m. ‘hood standby of Flash Taco fare. Hear live music on two stages–not the usual fest suspects, by the way–and sip a brew, score a bevy of eats, and browse arts and crafts. 11:30 a.m. Saturday-Sunday. $5 donation. Damen and North Avenues. 773-384-2672.
MUSIC HIGHLIGHTS: Robert Walter’s Super Heavy Organ, The Gris Gris, DeVotchka
THE SILVER ROOM’S SOUND SYSTEM BLOCK PARTY
Lucky you: Wicker Park hosts not one but two weekend fests. This fourth annual bash features DJs and dancing, food, mural artists, vendors, live music and more. Performers include DJ Ron Trent, Fate of Five, Yaw, All Natural, Yuri Lane, Avery Young and others. Noon Saturday. Free. Evergreen and Milwaukee Avenues. 773-278-7130.
BONUS: Head inside the Silver Room for a dual cool-down and shopping spree.
ON THE RADAR:
49TH ANNUAL VENETIAN NIGHT
About 30 lighted boats participate in this year’s parade with the theme “Rockin’ All Over the World.” A fireworks display follows. 8:30 p.m. parade; 9:30 p.m. fireworks. July 29. Free. Monroe Harbor, Monroe Street to Roosevelt Road along Lake Michigan. 312-744-3370.
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RKPALMORE@TRIBUNE.COM
