The best fests
Weekends are for hitting as many raucous street fests as possible. But who says Monday can’t get in on the party? Halsted Tastes Better features tasty eats from restaurants including Ann Sather, Firefly, Horizon Cafe, Kit Kat Lounge and Yoshi’s Cafe, among others, plus live music and cocktails. Admission includes 12 food and drink tickets. Presented by the Northalsted Area Merchants Association. 6 p.m. $25-$30. Halsted Street and Aldine Avenue. 773-353-5939.
Let’s get physical
Recent temps have made us sweat just waiting for the train. Too bad it’s not appropriate to strip down in public — unless you plan to Exorcise Your Pride, that is. Hosted by burlesque performer Bloody Belle, this precursor to the annual Dyke March (Saturday in Andersonville) features beats by DJs Gay Terrorist, Nikki J and CC Bloom and — so we hear — a typically stripped-down crowd of pre-Pride Fest revelers. 9 p.m. No cover. Produced by Chances Dances. Subterranean, 2011 W. North Ave. 773-278-6600.
Crunch time
Life rarely gives you a chance to play catch-up. Not so with the 365 Days/365 Plays Mid-Way Celebration. Each of 29 companies involved in producing Suzan-Lori Parks’ 365 Days/365 Plays series of shorts revisits one play from the pack. Bonus: Parks makes an appearance at the party. 7 p.m. Free. No reservations accepted. Complete schedule: 365chicago.org. Claudia Cassidy Theater, Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph St. 847-475-1875.
Thai’d up
You’re no stranger to Thai cuisine, especially with your combined love of pad thai and speed dialing. Slow down and enjoy a little more of the culture at the Thailand Festival 2007. The Royal Thai Consulate General hosts the annual fest featuring dance performances, Thai boxing demonstrations and food and merchant vendors. 10 a.m. through Wednesday. Free. Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington St. 312-664-3129.
M-m-m-m-my Sharona
Although we hate to admit it, there was a time when we could recite nearly all of “Reality Bites” verbatim. But Janeane Garofalo is more than Gen X angst. Catch the comedian, named one of Comedy Central’s 100 top stand-ups of all time, along with actor and comedian Patton Oswalt during their one-night stint at Lakeshore Theatre. Act fast: the first show already is sold out. 10:30 p.m. $35. 3175 N. Broadway. 312-559-1212.
Good for you
Think home-cooked healthy cuisine sounds about as delicious as marinated cardboard? Think again. The SELF Dishes Cooking Event shows how delish healthy can be with a 90-minute hands-on cooking class and a three-course meal (think marinated steak kabobs and mini-yogurt coffee cakes). Also includes a cocktail reception and a gift bag. 6 p.m. $100. Registration required: tasteofdishes.com/events.php. The Chopping Block, 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza, Suite 107. 312-644-6360.
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metromix@tribune.com
