Just because Labor Day marks the de facto end of summer doesn’t mean you should spend it sulking. You get a three-day weekend, the beach is still open and the forecast calls for sun. So send off summer the same way you ushered it in — with a bang. Lucky for you, our party picks let you keep on moving all weekend long.
Juke It Palooza
Where: Smart Bar (3730 N. Clark St. 773-549-0203)
When: 10 p.m. Friday
Why: Because you love fancy footwork, that’s why. This fast-paced house music and dance style was born on the South Side, and that’s more or less where it’s stayed. Better juke it on the North Side while you can.
Bonus: DJ Godfather headlines.
Cover: $10 after 11 p.m.; no cover before 11 p.m.
Labor Day Weekend Extravaganza
Where: Sound-Bar (226 W. Ontario St. 312-787-4480)
When: 9 p.m. Sunday
Why: Bhangra sensation Juggy D comes all the way from the U.K. to perform live, and that means you can say fun things like “Get Juggy with it” all night long. The bash throws in hookahs, a live belly dance performance and DJ Sultan’s Persian beats for a wild ride.
Cover: $20; tickets at desiparty.com
Labor Day Bash
Where: Climax Lounge (324 W. Chicago Ave. 312-280-9800)
When: 9 p.m. Sunday
Why: No party in town is going to take you higher, period. Sex it up on the dance floor while DJs Nathan Scott and Jerzy spin house, dance and mashups, then rub elbows with other VIPs while you bask in the cool glow of this sultry new lounge. Best of all: It’s free.
Cover: none
Hot Mix 5 Reunion
Where: House of Blues (329 N. Dearborn St. 312-923-2000)
When: 9 p.m. Sunday
Why: Five reasons: Farley “Jackmaster” Funk, Mickey “Mixin'” Oliver, Scott “Smokin'” Silz, Kenny “Jammin'” Jason and Ralphi “Rockin'” Rosario. Without these pioneering DJs, there would be no Chicago house music scene today. Saturday’s show is sold out, so catch ’em Sunday.
Cover: $45-$50; 312-559-1212 or ticketmaster.com
Labor of Love: Global Adrenaline’s 10-Year Anniversary Festival
Where: Enclave (220 W. Chicago Ave. 312-654-0234)
When: 5 p.m. Sunday
Why: If you’ve been dreaming of spending a long weekend with a sexy adult film star, here’s your ticket. Jenna Jameson hosts this party, and frankly, that’s all you need to know. But if you do need another reason (or several), this indoor-outdoor bash throws in live tunes, games and carnival-themed eats.
Cover: $30; no cover with RSVP: going.com/jennajameson.
Seventh Annual Labor Day DayRa Sunset Boat Ride
Where: Lumen (839 W. Fulton Market. 773-549-0101)
When: 5:30 p.m. Sunday meet at Lumen; cruise at 7:30 p.m.
Why: You want to close out the summer with a bang, don’t you? What better way to do it than with a fireworks cruise? Watch the Navy Pier display from Lake Michigan and have a blast sipping from an open bar, nibbling appetizers and dancing to house beats by DJs Gene Farris and Uncle Milty. When your ship returns to shore, head back to Lumen for an afterparty.
Cover: $65-$80; tickets at music-101.com
Labor Day Barbecue
Where: Fizz Bar & Grill (3220 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-348-6000)
When: 2 p.m. Monday
Why: Two words: Free food. You work hard for the money all year, so isn’t it about friggin’ time you got a free lunch? There’s no catch, but bringing new school supplies to benefit Chicago Public School students is recommended.
Cover: none
American Holiday
Where: Delilah’s (2771 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-472-2771)
When: 9 p.m. Sunday and Monday
Why: Indecisive Delilah’s can’t decide who’s more American — Bo Diddley or the New York Dolls. And you know what that means: More partying for you! DJ Pete Nathan gets the holiday rolling Sunday with classic R&B 45s; return Monday for all-American punk rock tunes and videos.
Cover: none
———-
metromix@tribune.com
