WED 6/11
Local drama
Theater on the Lake ushers in summer with eight theatrical reprisals, starting with Greasy Joan and Co.’s “The Misanthrope,” a humorous update of Moliere’s classic critique of social corruption. The season continues with works by the Pegasus Players, Schadenfreude, The Neo-Futurists and more. See metromix.com for a full schedule. 7:30 p.m. Through Saturday. $17.50. Theater on the Lake, 2401 N. Lake Shore Drive. 312-742-7994.
Basket case
Want to show off your natty new picnic basket? Pack it up for Millennium Park, which is hosting the 74th annual Grant Park Music Festival. The free classical music series offers urbanites after-work rest and relaxation to the tune of the Grant Park Orchestra and Chorus and a roster of international guests. The series kicks off Wednesday with works by Barber and Brahms. Carlos Lakmar conducts. Bonus: Alcohol is allowed (no glass bottles). 6:30 p.m. Jay Pritzker Pavilion, 201 E. Randolph St. 312-742-7638.
THU 6/12
Take a spin
Dancing in the mirror/your skivvies/the dark takes a back seat for the season when the Chicago SummerDance Festival steps onto the scene. Shake it alfresco-style at the 12th annual, 11-week series with an opening concert by Afro-Caribbean band Plena Libre. Arrive at 6 p.m. to learn some moves with dance pros from AfriCaribe. Music starts at 7:30 p.m. Through Aug. 24. Free. Grant Park, Spirit of Music Garden, 601 S. Michigan Ave. 312-742-4007. Find more festivals on Page 33.
He’s on fire
He’s tackled talking animals, the French countryside and hitchhiking. Now David Sedaris unleashes a new collection of humorous essays, “When You Are Engulfed in Flames,” based on personal experiences of the domestic and demented nature. Purchase a copy of Sedaris’ new book or any other Sedaris title at Barbara’s Bookstore. Purchase any Sedaris title to attend a free signing. 7:30 p.m. 1218 S. Halsted St. 312-413-2665.
FRI 6/13
Pop a wheelie
Is spandex the only thing standing between you and a bicycle commute? See what other cyclists are wearing at the Bike to Work Rally in Daley Plaza. This year’s nearly 12-hour event is expected to draw record crowds. Live music includes bands My My My (7:30 a.m.), Filligar! (noon) and Mucca Pazza (5:30 p.m.). Includes breakfast and a free T-shirt while supplies last, plus stunt performances and raffle prizes. 7 a.m. Free. 50 W. Washington St. 312-744-3315.
SAT 6/14
Nice grass
Upgrade your workout routine by ditching the stuffy gym and hitting the Millennium Park’s Great Lawn for Workouts in the Park. Stretch out on the grass for free, 45-minute exercise classes that include yoga (8 a.m.) Pilates (9 a.m.) and aerobic dance with Amaniyea Payne of Muntu Dance Theatre of Chicago (10 a.m.). 201 E. Randolph St. 312-742-1168.
