3 days, 7 ways to play
PICK OF THE WEEK
Sunrise bikefest
Rolling out of bed takes on new meaning at Bike the Drive. Dawn marks the start of the seventh annual event, when cyclists take over Lake Shore Drive for a 15- or 30-mile ride. The loop course — closed to cars — extends north to Hollywood Avenue and south to 57th Street. Hit the drive between 5:30 and 9 a.m., then relax in Grant Park’s Butler Field for live music by American English and breakfast ($7). 5:30 a.m. Sunday. $35-$50. Columbus Drive and Jackson Boulevard. 312-427-3325 ext. 251. Advanced registration required for reduced admission: bikethedrive.org
PARTY PICKS
Hot party
It’s a crustacean nation at Blue Bayou’s Rockin’ Crawfish Boil. Gorge on all-you-can-eat crawfish flown in straight from Louisiana at the fifth annual two-day bash. Includes tunes by Hurricane Gumbo (4 p.m. Saturday), burlesque by Michelle L’Amour (11 p.m. Sunday) and more. 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. $25. 3734 N. Southport Ave. 773-871-3300.
Down and dirty dozen
This Sunday, prep for the dance floor?not the Monday grind?at Crimson Lounge (above). WBBM (96.3-FM) DJ Dougie Stylz hosts a Memorial Day party with 12 DJs, including Billy the Kid and Josh the Funky1. 8 p.m. No cover. 333 N. Dearborn St. 312-923-2473.
BEST OF THE REST
Leather chaps
Looking for alternatives to standard Memorial Day fare? The 30th Annual International Mr. Leather contest and market might be your ticket. About 50 international leathermen compete in Sunday’s title event (6 p.m.). Additional highlights of the four-day fest: a live performance by Erasure’s Andy Bell (Sunday), a daily leather market (opening Friday), a physique competition (Saturday) and afterparties at House of Blues (Sunday) and Excalibur (Monday). $165-$190 for weekend pass; $30-$60 for day pass; party prices vary. Hyatt Regency Chicago, 151 E. Wacker Drive. 773-907-9700. Full schedule: imrl.com
March to May
Love a parade? We do — especially when it starts after breakfast. The mammoth Chicago Memorial Day Parade features 10,000 participants, making it one of the country’s largest. See floats, marching bands and more travel south on State Street from Wacker Drive to Van Buren Street. Noon Saturday. Free. 250 N. State St. 312-744-3315.
Four score
Tee up and work a tennis ball along a makeshift course through Ukrainian Village alleys at the Chicago Urban Devils Golf Enthusiasts’ League (CUDGEL) Memorial Day Weekend Event. Dress to impress: The third annual adventure includes a costume contest and prizes. BYO club, partner and cash for refreshments at Cleos (1935 W. Chicago Ave.) and Happy Village (1059 N. Wolcott Ave.) along the way. 1 p.m. Sunday. $5. Tuman’s, 2159 W. Chicago Ave. Registration required by Saturday: brandishyourclub@gmail.com
Antiques road show
The indoor-outdoor Randolph Street Market Festival (right) begins its monthly run Saturday with antiques and vintage collectibles from more than 200 dealers lining Randolph Street from Ada Street to Ogden Avenue. Shop for vinyl, global goods, gourmet foods, classic bicycles, locally designed fashions and more. 10 a.m. Saturday; 9 a.m. Sunday. $10 includes repeat entry all weekend. 1400 W. Randolph St. 312-666-1200. Go to metromix.com to see photos from last year’s market and find out how to catch a free ride to the fest.
