MON 8/20
Rewind!
Watching the “Monday Night Football” matchup between the Bears and the Indianapolis Colts can’t reverse the sting of the 2007 Super Bowl, but at least it means we’re starting anew. Catch the preseason action at a Bears vs. Colts viewing party with $5 apple martinis and cosmos, plus beats by DJ World. 6 p.m. No cover. Jimmy Figg’s, 162 N. Franklin St. 312-399-8124.
Game on
Yep, we had our trying days in grade-school gym class: getting tagged first, getting picked last. Lucky for us, the Red Rover Series focuses on more bookish pursuits. The 15th installment of the bimonthly reading series features poets Zach Barocas, Joel Bettridge and Lisa Janssen. After the reading, Barocas and Janssen discuss their respective publications, “The Cultural Society” and “MoonLit.” 7 p.m. $3. SpareRoom, 4100 W. Grand Ave. 773-645-1853.
No sweat
If you’d love to venture to the steamiest parts of Africa but Midwestern temps are all you can take, stay cool and let the continent come to you during Ibeji African Market Days. The three-day cultural celebration opens Monday with ceremonial dancers, drummers and musicians. The market features jewelry and crafts from throughout Africa and around the world. Noon through Wednesday. Free. Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington St. 773-761-7306.
Mr. Jolie
Before he was one half of a mega-couple and before he was a super-dad, Brad Pitt actually was known for being an actor. Catch two of his films, “12 Monkeys” and “Fight Club,” at Movies Under the Stars. The back-to-back screenings come with drink specials and cheap eats, including $2 Miller Lite and Miller High Life bottles, $5 Plymouth Gin cocktails and $7 sloppy joes. 7 p.m. No cover. The Motel Bar, 600 W. Chicago Ave. 312-822-2900.
Get girlie
If the only quality time you’ve had with your gal pals lately has involved gobbling down takeout while watching TiVo’d episodes of “Grey’s Anatomy,” make plans for this girl-friendly fete: Girls Night Out for the Kids. The benefit for the Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center includes appetizers, beer, wine and cocktails, tarot card readings, massages and belly-dancing lessons. RSVP recommended. 6 p.m. $125. Carnivale, 702 W. Fulton Market. 312-492-3730.
TUE 8/21
Pure vintage
Green wine doesn’t appeal to our rosy palates, but environmentally friendly vino? That’s different. Sample 30 wines from vineyards practicing organic and sustainable winemaking at Friday’s installment of the Third Tuesday Tasting at Randolph Wine Cellars. Includes light appetizers and discounts on featured bottles. 6 p.m. $30. Reservations recommended. 1415 W. Randolph St. 312-942-1212.
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metromix@tribune.com
