Nothing says the American way like a long weekend and a cold drink. Whether your celebratory style screams barbecue or blowout, we’ve got the perfect way to kick off the summer.
Cactus Bar & Grill
Can’t wait until festival season heats up? Cut loose with perennial local favorite Liquid Soul’s DJ Eddie Mills and WGCI (107.5-FM) mixmaster DJ V-Dub at this indoor-outdoor bash.
Who: Fests in the city fans
Where: 404 S. Wells St. 312-922-3830
When: 10 p.m. Saturday
Cost: $20
Freestyle Bash 2008
Here’s a little holiday nostalgia: You might not recall David Torres of Nice & Wild, but try saying “Diamond Girl” without tapping your foot. Ditto for George Lamond (“Bad of the Heart”), Lil Suzy (“Take Me in Your Arms”) and others. The mid-’80s and early ’90s heartthrobs reprise their hits and old-school DJs, including Frankie “Hollywood” Rodriguez and Martin “Boogieman” Luna, bring the beats. Tim “Spinning” Schommer and Candi of WKSC (103.5-FM) host.
Who: Thirtysomethings strolling MTV lane
Where: Congress Theater, 2135 N. Milwaukee Ave. 312-559-1212
When: 9 p.m. Sunday
Cost: $35-$40
Sonotheque
Fancy yourself more of the multi-culti type? Groove to DJ Joe Bryl and friends’ mash of Brazilian, afrobeat, funk, nu jazz, hip-hop, house, drum ‘n’ bass and electronic. Includes $5 well drinks.
Who: West Town cosmopolitans
Where: 1444 W. Chicago Ave. 312-226-7600
When: 9 p.m. Sunday
Cost: $5. R.S.V.P. for free cover: info@sonotheque.net
Uncle Fatty’s Rum Resort
Show your patriotism with $5 red-white-and-blue frozen cocktails while you lounge on a sandy “beach” during the bar’s official grand opening. Festivities include free hot dogs, live music, tunes from DJ Scott Allen, mini-golf, shuffleboard and Cubs ticket giveaways.
Who: Would-be Parrotheads wasted away in Margaritaville
Where: 2833 N. Sheffield Ave. 773-477-3661
When: Noon Saturday-Sunday
Cost: No cover
Lava
Internationally renowned house DJ Derrick Carter stays in town for the weekend and spins … well, whatever he damn pleases. Think New Edition meets Bananarama meets Rosemary Clooney meets the “Ghostbusters” soundtrack. Resident DJs Steve Melvage and Brian Heath lend a hand. Drink specials include $3 PBR bottles.
Who: Chic music geeks
Where: 1270 N. Milwaukee Ave. 773-342-5282
When: 9 p.m. Sunday
Cost: No cover
Darkroom
Bid farewell to the pond-jumping David Golitko of Assassins and sibling band Marvelkind with performances by both bands. The annual event also features The Strange Young Lovers, DJs Brock and Alexander Bassett, and $3 Shiner Bock bottles.
Who: Indie club kids
Where: 2210 W. Chicago Ave. 773-276-1411
When: 8 p.m. Sunday
Cost: $12-$15
Citizen Bar
Start on your tan (or slather on the SPF 50) during a patio party featuring a DJ, an a la carte outdoor grill menu, $9 Maker’s Mark and Coke Slurpees, and $10 32-ounce Stoli Blackberi and lemonade cocktails. Menu items include Italian sausage and sweet peppers ($6), grilled chicken on brioche with basil pesto ($6) and complimentary corn on the cob.
Who: Urban sun bunnies
Where: 364 W. Erie St. 312-640-1156
When: 2 p.m. Sunday
Cost: No cover
Circuit Night Club
Wear fatigues and strap on your medals at the Sixth Annual Military Ball, a salute to the armed forces of the “don’t ask, don’t tell” variety — and the official after-party of the 2008 Grabby Awards for adult gay video. Music by DJs Mark Picchiotti and Teri Bristol with appearances by porn director ChiChi Larue and rentboy.com’s dancers. Partial proceeds benefit TPAN (Test Positive Aware Network).
Who: The Boystown boys of summer
Where: 3641 N. Halsted St. 773-325-2233
When: 9 p.m. Saturday
Cost: $20-$25
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