Whether you thought last year’s event was a bust or a ball, Looptopia is back for more this weekend. Modeled after “white night”-style spectacles in European capitals, this year’s fete features more than 100 acts spread out over 14 hours. Here are our picks to help you make it through the night.
MUSIC: Blue Ribbon Glee Club
This a capella choir is known for its high-octave renditions of punk and indie rock tunes. But did you know the group formed in an attic and is named for cheap beer? The band returns to Looptopia for a second year with takes on The Dead Kennedys, P.J. Harvey and others. 6:15 p.m. Friday. Free. Seventeenth Church of Christ, Scientist, 55 E. Wacker Drive.
MUSIC: DJ Jazznosis
DJ Jazznosis (a.k.a. Rob Thompson) has worked the beats at Circuit Nightclub, the HOB Foundation Room and Liquid Lounge. Catch him at Club Looptopia spinning hip-hop, drum ‘n’ bass and old-school house. 9 p.m. Friday. Free. Macy’s, 111 N. State St., 7th Floor.
SPECTACLE: ‘Kooza’ preview
Local artists, specifically trained for the occasion by Cirque du Soleil, preview the acclaimed acrobatic troupe’s new show (opening June 26) with a procession of kite-flyers, stiltwalkers and jugglers throughout the Loop. 5 p.m.-10 p.m. Friday. Free.
COMEDY: Architecture Improv
If you could use a good laugh, we’ve got your blueprint right here. This show stars four Second City comedians in architecture-inspired comedy based on audience suggestion. 7:30 and 9 p.m. Friday. Free. Chicago Architecture Foundation, 224 S. Michigan Ave.
COMEDY: Dog Eat Child
Sketch comedy group Big Dog Eat Child aims to establish the world’s record for longest continuous sketch with a six-hour show on Friday. The seven-person cast from Alsip takes turns performing a three-minute dating sketch repeatedly until midnight. 6 p.m. Free. Studio Theater of the Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph St.
DANCE: Be the Groove
This Chicago percussion and dance ensemble takes its hand-clapping, can-banging, foot-stomping beats to the street in a show that’s sure to fuel your Looptopia fire. 8 p.m. Friday. Free. Federal Plaza, 219 S. Dearborn St.
ART: Around the Coyote
The lauded Chicago gallery presents more than 80 visual artists and an onslaught of film, music, readings and more. Check out digital videos at the Chicago Cultural Center (77 E. Randolph St.) from 9:45-10:45 p.m.; live tunes, readings and more at the Fine Arts Building (410 S. Michigan Ave.) from 5 p.m.-3 a.m.; and visual art at Riverwalk Gallery (intersection of Wacker Drive and Wabash Avenue) from 5-11 p.m. Friday. Free; $5 donation at Around the Coyote Riverwalk Gallery.
JUST FOR FUN: Hide and Seek
Made it through the night? Chill out with a 5 a.m. game of Hide and Seek in Millennium Park. Simple rules ease sleep-deprived states of mind: Dress in costume if you want to hide; non-costumed folks must seek. Includes complimentary doughnuts at sunrise. Free. 201 E. Randolph St.
Looptopia 2008
When: 5 p.m. Friday-7 a.m. Saturday
Where: Events take place between Congress Parkway and Wacker Drive, and from Columbus Drive to Clark Street.
Cost: Most events are free; some charge a small fee.
Need-to-know: You’ll need to snag one of 7,000 free wristbands for access to indoor events after midnight; they’re available at info booths throughout the fest grounds. Alcohol is not permitted. Looptopia is a rain-or-shine event.
More info: looptopia.com
