Who needs more than back-yard barbecues, a pesky Monday off from work, and perhaps a parade or two to make commemorating fallen troops on Memorial Day a great success? Not anyone we know. But since when were we interested in needs — versus wants — here anyway? We want you to want more from your Memorial Day weekend, and we want to tell you how to get what you want.
KANE COUNTY COUGARS MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND
6:30 p.m. Fri., 6 p.m. Sat.-Mon.; game tickets vary from $9-$12. Elfstrom Stadium, 34W002 Cherry Ln., Geneva; 630-232-8811. What’s a more all-American way to spend your weekend than with the national pastime? The Cougars take on the Cedar Rapids Kernels, and post-game activities include fireworks (Fri.-Sun.), a skydiving show (Sat.) and a performance by the Jesse White Tumblers (Sun.).
SECOND ANNUAL MEMORIAL DAY ROCK AND ROLL FEST
6 p.m. Sun.; $7. darkroom, 2210 W. Chicago Ave.; 773-276-1411. Not the sporty type? Spend a carefree Sunday night by partying hearty with a fun rock show featuring bands such as the Great Crusades, the Dark Horse Project, Seth, Unicycle Loves You, Pale Blue Dot and Ruben Waters Loves You.
RED, WHITE AND BREW-HAHA
9 p.m.-midnight Fri., 8-11 p.m. Sat., 7:30-11:30 p.m. Sun.; $15-$20. Durkin’s Tavern, 810 W. Diversey Pkwy.; 773-868-8073. Give the grill a rest before summertime action and let someone else throw this party. Admission includes a buffet, vodka lemonade cocktails, domestic drafts, selected mixed drinks, wine and soda. And, lest we forget a very important state, Sunday’s buffet features Hawaiian fare.
MEMORIAL DAY PARADE — DOWNTOWN CHICAGO
Noon Sat.; free. State and Randolph Streets; 312-744-3315. Salute participating veterans’ groups and enjoy some cool beats courtesy of a multitude of marching band members.
MEMORIAL DAY ‘CAMO’ PARTY
9 p.m. Sun.; no cover. minibar, 3341 N. Halsted St.; 773-871-6227. Suit up in your coolest camouflage outfit for a shot at winning dinner at Winebar Chicago (3339 N. Halsted). Plus, enjoy giveaways, $6 Stoli red, white and blue martinis, deejay tunes and the knowledge that you don’t have to work the next morning.
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Compiled by Fauzia Arain
