Tue
6/12
Barbie dolls
Your love of brisket is only trumped by your love of beer, and your well-seasoned love of barbecues trumps them both. Line up for sizzling grub and lots of suds at the Second Annual Beerbecue Bash, featuring grilled orange polenta and portobella mushrooms, honey-barbecue glazed salmon and other dishes, plus 5-ounce beer pours. 5:30 p.m. $35. Rhapsody, 65 E. Adams St. 312-786-9911.
Stormy weather
The two-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina isn’t far off, but we’re still feeling its effects. Local publisher Featherproof Books’ new design tome, “Degrees of Separation,” explores the emotional impact of Hurricane Katrina on 24 displaced New Orleans-area designers. A book-release party celebrates the work, a collection of 32 removable Katrina-inspired postcards. Book sales at the party benefit the American Institute of Graphic Arts New Orleans Design Education Fund. 8 p.m. No cover. Lion Head Pub/ The Apartment, 2251 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-348-5100.
Lookin’ for love
This weekend’s Pride Fest will offer a smorgasbord of barely clad cuties, but perhaps you’d prefer to BYO date — maybe even one with brains to match the brawn — to the party. Meet other smart GLBT singles at Dating for Queer Nerds. Flex your brains over board games and trivia competitions. Then rub elbows with a cutie as you snag giveaways and sip a cocktail. 7 p.m. $20-$25. Guthries Tavern, 1300 W. Addison St. 312-351-3285.
Wrap it up
Artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude like to keep their work under wraps, literally: The husband-and-wife team is known for controversial projects such as wrapping fabric around Germany’s Reichstag building and adding more than 7,500 metal and fabric “gates” to New York’s Central Park. Meet the duo for a discussion on freedom of expression and take a peek at their works-in-progress at an artists’ talk. Registration required. 6 p.m. $5-$15. Harold Washington Library Center Cindy Pritzker Auditorium, 400 S. State St., Lower Level. 312-222-3026.
Wed
6/20
Flip for it
Ready for wild Wonderland adventures? Lookingglass Theatre and The Actors Gymnasium take Lewis Carroll’s classic tale to new heights with an acrobatic performance of “Lookingglass Alice.” Juggling, balancing and other feats chronicle Alice’s crazy journey through the mirror. Lauren Hirte stars. 7:30 p.m. Through Aug. 12. $20-$58. Lookingglass Theatre in the Water Tower Water Works, 821 N. Michigan Ave. 312-337-0665.
Thu
6/21
Take the stage
So what if your pipes are as rusty as a garden hose? Croon for a cause at the Second Annual Live Band Karaoke Event as The Hootenanners back you up with live music. Includes appetizers, Heineken beers and raffle prizes. Proceeds benefit Gilda’s Club Chicago. 6:30 p.m. $35-$40. Duffy’s Tavern and Grill, 420 1/2 W. Diversey Pkwy. 312-464-9900 ext. 31.
