WED 6/25
Red Hot night
Warm up to next season’s trends at the Chicago Is … Red Hot preview, an alfresco launch party for a Sept. 26 fashion show at Northerly Island. Mingle with fashion industry professionals and sip Ketel One cocktails while DJ White Shadow lays down the beats. 6 p.m. No cover. Chaise Lounge, 1840 W. North Ave. 773-342-1840.
Hip-notic
Whether you’re planning a bridal shower in your 300-square-foot studio or the social event of the season on your spacious rooftop, prep with the best at Hip Hostess. Relax with appetizers and Chambord cocktails while party planner Jennifer Sbranti offers tips and demos for hosting all your summer soirees. 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. No cover. Reservations required: courtney(underscore)sandora@b-f.com. The Ivy Room, Tree Studios, 12 E. Ohio St. 502-774-7443.
Vintage sips
Everything tastes better when it’s homemade, right? Attend a two-session winemaking class at Whole Foods led by the brew-and-winemaking supply pros at Bev Art. Sample locally made wine, then blend and bottle your own. The Bev Art folks will ferment your vino in their Beverly cellar. 6:30 p.m. 3300 N. Ashland Ave. 773-233-7579.
THU 6/26
Clownin’ around
It’s not summer until the circus rolls into town. This week, renowned troupe Cirque du Soleil launches a new production under its trademark blue-and-yellow grand chapiteu (big top) in the United Center’s Parking Lot K. The show, “Kooza,” combines acrobatics and clowning with slapstick humor. 8 p.m. Through Aug. 10. $38.50-$125. Tickets: cirquedusoleil.com. 1901 W. Madison St. 312-455-4500.
FRI 6/27
Winning team
No matter who wins on the baseball diamond, White Sox fan Kevin Hickey (Seasons) and Cubs fan Carrie Nahabedian (Naha) put aside their baseball allegiances and team up for the Crosstown Culinary Classic, a four-course meal featuring pulled pork sandwiches, Chicago-style Kobe beef hot dogs, soft-shell crab “sliders,” sockeye salmon, king crab, spring lamb, baseball-related desserts (including apple pie and Cracker Jack-style caramel corn with peanuts) and more. The fundraiser includes a silent auction, with all proceeds benefitting Common Threads, an organization that educates kids from diverse backgrounds about nutrition and wellness through cooking. 6:30 p.m. $250. Tickets: commonthreads.org. Seasons Restaurant/Four Seasons Hotel, 120 E. Delaware Pl. 312-752-2688.
SAT 6/28
Shall we dance?
Don a gown or tux and knock on heaven’s door at Almost Paradise: A Very Queer Prom, where Varietease Cabaret’s Backdoor Aly hosts burlesque performances and Congress of Starlings and Bric-A-Brac perform dance music. Enter the prom king or queen contest, leave notes for your new crushes in a secret admirer’s mailbox and join in on other prom and Pride activities. 8 p.m. $15 (21+). The Spot, 4437 N. Broadway 773-875-8556.
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metromix@tribune.com
