WED 5/21
Today’s letter: Q
Sweet-talking dolls from Sesame Street they’re not. The foul-mouthed puppets in “Avenue Q” offer an adult take on make-believe. The R-rated, Tony Award-winning puppet musical follows the hopes and dreams of a bright-eyed — and broke — college grad who moves to New York City, where he and his new friends struggle to find jobs, dates and the meaning of life. 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Through June 7. $25-$75. Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph St. 312-902-1400.
Hound idea
When it comes to relaxing, Fido always has the right idea. Follow his lead at Doggie Dining, where a leisurely dinner on the patio (leashes required) allows both two- and four-legged individuals a chance to stop and smell the roses (among other tempting scents). A special dog menu features biscuits, chicken risotto and more. 5:30 p.m. Daily through September 30. Prices vary. Scoozi!, 410 W. Huron St. 312-943-5900.
‘Now’ playing
The documentary film “Darfur Now” shares the stories of six people from across the globe, including actor Don Cheadle, who are trying to end genocide in Sudan. Wednesday, the film makes a stop at the University of Chicago as part of a U.S. college tour. Donations are accepted for the screening, which includes access to an afterparty at the Abby Pub (3420 W. Grace St.), where Cool Kids perform live with Million $ Mano, Willy Joy and All Natural. 6 p.m. Kent Hall, University of Chicago, 1020 E. 58th St. 773-478-4408. Info: darfurnowtour.com
THU 5/22
We heart art
Make a date with your creative side at ArtSmart, an after-work mixer offering a peek at new exhibit “Manifest Destiny, Manifest Responsibility,” featuring works from Georgia O’Keeffe, Charles Demuth, Arthur Dove, Marsden Hartley and Maurice Prendergast. Includes organic fare, one cocktail and a raffle. 5:30 p.m. $10. Loyola University Museum of Art, 820 N. Michigan Ave. 312-915-7630.
FRI 5/23
Talking trash
Use your extra-long weekend to lend a hand at Shedd’s Beach Sweep Party. At noon, pitch in by picking up trash on 12th Street Beach, just south of Adler Planetarium (1300 S. Lake Shore Drive). Next, cut loose with a few games of volleyball on the sand. Includes refreshments, snacks and eco-friendly party favors. Free. Registration: listentoyourlakes@sheddaquarium.org. Roosevelt Road and Lake Michigan.
SAT 5/24
Give us the works
Fireworks season at Navy Pier means cruises touting stellar views of the twice-weekly displays are under way. Our pick for a night of illumination: Fireworks from a Tall Ship. The Lake Michigan cruise is BYOB/BYOF and, if you feel like pitching in, includes a chance to help raise and lower sails on board the 77-foot schooner Red Witch. 7:30 p.m. Through Aug. 31. $55-$65. Burnham Harbor, 1559 S. Lake Shore Drive. 312-404-5800.
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rkpalmore@tribune.com
