TUE 5/20
Going ape
Kick off your week with a big bang at the local premiere of “Otherwise Harmless,” an interactive, darkly comic journey through stages of human evolution. The show features scenes from an orphanage for popular girls, an exploding Montana farmhouse and an aerial ballet. Produced by Citizens Relief. 8 p.m. Through June 11. No cover. Hungry Brain, 2319 W. Belmont Ave. 773-477-6520.
Wine and roses
Brighten your day with a patio reception featuring vintner Van Williamson, then head indoors for a wine dinner with pairings from Edmeades Winery. The four-course meal includes scallops with herb salad and roasted beets; Australian lamb with caramelized fennel; and more. 6:30 p.m. $75. Room 21, 2110 S. Wabash Ave. 312-328-1198.
Drop zone
Tired of stitching and bitching? Take your knitting to the next level at a drop spindle spinning class for beginners. Learn how to make your own yarn with instructor Katie Kelsey of the Windy City Spinning Guild during the three-week session. Drop spindle provided. 6:30 p.m. Through June 3. $45 for a three-week class. Arcadia Knitting, 1613 W. Lawrence Ave. 773-293-1211.
WED 5/21
Mamma mia
If you’re a mom-to-be fed up with pickles and peanut butter, turn Hump Day into Bump Day at your local Baskin-Robbins store. Stop by for a free 3-ounce helping of soft-serve ice cream from the chain’s new line. NBC sports reporter Peggy Kusinski (also an expectant mother) makes an appearance at the Randolph Street location (100 W. Randolph St.). 11 a.m. Free. Store locations: baskinrobbins.com
THU 5/22
Holla back
Bid on dates with eligible singles at the Second Annual Holla for a Dolla. The benefit bash for the ALS Association of Greater Chicago includes a DJ, an appearance by WMAQ-Ch.5’s Ginger Zee, two raffle tickets and a silent auction. Bid on an electric guitar autographed by Eddie Vedder, Lollapalooza passes, rooftop Cubs tickets and more. 6 p.m. $20. Alhambra Palace Restaurant, 1240 W. Randolph St. 312-648-3092.
FRI 5/23
Recipe for disasterSee Mother Earth administer some tough love at “Nature Unleashed: Inside Natural Disasters.” Learn about the causes and aftermaths of earthquakes, volcanoes, hurricanes and tornadoes while discovering how science is helping to better predict and prepare for future events. During the exhibit, trigger an underwater earthquake and simulate a tsunami; create a virtual volcano; touch and examine real rock and lava specimens; and more. 9 a.m. Through January 4. $8 in addition to general admission, $10-$14. Field Museum, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive. 312-922-9410.
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metromix@tribune.com
