MON 7/9
Just beachy
If you thought the best workout at the beach was tap dancing over hot sand, Beach Yoga will amp up your routine with some sweat under the setting sun. Instructor Niema Wilson teaches the all-level hatha yoga class. Be sure to BYO mat or blanket so those piggies stay cool. 6 p.m. Through Aug. 13. $16 per class. Registration required: yoganowchicago.com. Oak Street Beach, 1000 N. Lake Shore Drive. 312-280-9642.
Read alert
Whether it’s the bills, the job or thinking about a new romance, we’ve all had sleepless nights. Hear stories about other insomniacs at Stories on Stage: To Sleep, Perchance to Dream, directed by Judy O’Malley. Actors read “Acquainted With the Night” by Sharon Schwartz, “When the Year Grows Old” by Amy Bloom and “The Late Show” by David Sedaris. 7:30 p.m. $20. Tickets: step penwolf.org. Steppenwolf Theatre Company, 1650 N. Halsted St. 312-335-1650.
Your daily groove
Mondays don’t have to be a drag. Yes, you still have to get up and go to work, but after you drag yourself home it’s easy to add a little spice to the start of your week. Just head to Salsa Mondays, presented by Hot Salsa Kitchen and Hot On-1. Kick off the night with a dance lesson from Rick Mangram, then shake it to salsa and mambo beats by DJ Dwight Burr. 7:30 p.m. $5 requested donation. Images International Cuisine and Lounge, 3908 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-348-7444.
The Maine event
Fresh-caught lobster — is there anything better? No, but here’s your problem: You really can’t afford it — until now. Shaw’s Crab House hosts a Lobster Festival that lets you enjoy some prime tail (of lobster, that is) without going into major debt for the pleasure. A $34.95 three-course menu includes 1 pound of Maine lobster with sides, clam chowder or lobster bisque and key lime pie. Other menu items available. 5 p.m. Through July 31. Prices vary. 21 E. Hubbard St. 312-527-2722.
TUE 7/10
Hearing aid
If performance art usually leaves you scratching your head and looking for the nearest exit, sound artist Carol Genetti is here to offer assistance. Her work Carol Genetti: SEND HELP features looped vocals from eight cassette players (remember those?) sounding out each letter of the phrase “send help,” paired with Genetti’s choreography, performed by local dancer Asimina Chremos. Part of the Museum of Contemporary Art’s Here/Not There series. 7 p.m. Free. 220 E. Chicago Ave. 312-280-2660.
WED 7/11
Water sparks
Last week’s slew of fireworks displays didn’t sate your appetite for sparks? Keep the party going at a Fireworks Paddle with Kayak Chicago. Don’t know your port from your aft? The 6-mile float includes a lesson on the basics of kayak safety and operation. As a reward for your hard work, you get to watch the Navy Pier fireworks display from the Chicago River — without crowds and traffic. 7:15 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays through Sept. 2. $50. Kayak Chicago, 1501 N. Magnolia Ave. 630-336-7245.
