PICK OF THE WEEK
May day
Finally! Festival season is here. Chicago Mayfest officially kicks off the fun on Friday. The 13th annual Lakeview bash takes it to the streets with beer and eats, craft vendors and a packed lineup of cover bands under a big-top tent. Rock out to Hairbangers Ball (8 p.m. Friday), Elevation (4 p.m. Saturday) and Mike & Joe (8 p.m. Sunday) among others. Dogs can get in on the action too: Register your dashing hound at 11 a.m. for Sunday’s noon pet parade. 5 p.m. Friday; noon Saturday and Sunday. $5. Ashland and Barry Avenues. 773-665-4682.
PARTY PICKS
Hot tropics
Everything’s good when Kofi James, a Dominica native, fetes the release of his new album “New Name” at the Wild Hare. Feel the rasta love when James performs classic reggae tunes and tracks with backup by The Redemption Fire Band. 10 p.m. Friday. $12. 3530 N. Clark St. 773-504-4350.
Think Big
Think there’s no such thing as a free ride? Guess again. The Big Wheel Pub Crawl lets you fill up at the bar — not the gas pump — during a ride to eight Wicker Park spot, including Nick’s Beer Garden (1516 N. Milwaukee Ave.) and Lottie’s Pub (1925 W. Cortland Ave.). Take a break at 9 p.m. for races in Wicker Park (1425 N. Damen Ave.) and compete in a best-decorated Big Wheel contest. 4 p.m. Saturday. $20-$25. Start at Pontiac Cafe & Bar, 1531 N. Damen Ave. 773-633-3277. Registration: bigwheelpubcrawl.blogspot.com
BEST OF THE REST
No walk in the park
Tired of the treadmill? Work up a sweat alfresco at SELF Magazine’s 15th Annual Workout in the Park. Take 20-minute fitness lessons in yoga, Pilates, boxing and more. Pros are on hand with health advice, product samples and fashion tips. Rain or shine. 11 a.m. Saturday. $20-$25. Proceeds benefit Susan G. Komen For the Cure and more. Lincoln Park, behind Notebaert Nature Museum, 1728-1819 N. Stockton Drive. 212-679-2233. Tickets: selfworkoutinthepark.com
Beer me
For a brew-ha-ha unlike any other, hit the Beerfly Alleyfight, where 10 homebrewers pair their suds with a home-cooked dish while local artists perform beer-inspired works. Sample and judge the selections before prizes are awarded in each category. Artists include returning Beerfly player Eliza Burmester, dancer Mindy Meyers and others. 1 p.m. Saturday. $20. Rock Bottom Restaurant and Brewery, 1 W. Grand Ave. 773-968-2345. Tickets: drinkingandwriting.com
Zine scene
Alternative pubs get the spotlight at the Zines, Comics and Other Hip Lit Fair. On tap: author readings, book signings, indie press vendors and a chance to meet artists, authors and publishers in the industry. At 2 p.m., watch artists face off in a fast-paced comic art battle. Noon. Saturday. Free. Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Ave. 312-280-2660.
Service with a smile
What’s brewing at the Town Hall Pub? A hearty chucklefest. Stop by Sunday for a peek at weekly music and comedy show “Entertaining Julia.” Local funnylady Jena Friedman hosts the show, which features a weekly changing roster of comics, sketch troupes and musicians — all aiming to amuse the audience and Julia, Town Hall Pub’s bartender. This Sunday, catch hip-hop comedy duo The Adventure Club, singer-songwriter Anna Vogelzang and others. 8 p.m. No cover. 3340 N. Halsted Ave. 773-472-4405.
