HIDDEN AGENDA REDEYE TAKES YOU OUTSIDE YOUR COMFORT ZONE
On the agenda: Open shop at West Town Bikes, 2418 W. North Ave.; westtownbikes.org.
– Check it out if you … want to do some bike riding but need to fix those two flat tires first, if you like to get hands-on with repairs but don’t have the tools or if you want to learn more about how your bike works.
– The details: From noon to 6 p.m. every Saturday, bike owners can work on their rides at the West Town Bikes workshop. Instructors are on hand to answer questions and provide advice, but ideally visitors would have at least a basic knowledge of bike maintenance so they can get their work done quicker, said West Town Bikes President Alex Wilson.
The workshops draw both casual riders and hardcore racers. Basic parts are available at the shop, but if you’re planning on a more serious repair or upgrade you should make sure to bring materials with you. And remember to dress for being in a shop — that means no flip-flops. West Town suggests a donation of $10 per hour.
– The payoff: Improve your bike — and your bike knowledge.
Saturday
Festival of Cheese
SOUTH LOOP
Sample more than 1,100 cheeses. Includes a marketplace featuring food, wines and beers. 5:30 p.m. Hilton Chicago, 720 S. Michigan Ave. 312-922-4520. $85.
Ghana Fest WASHINGTON PARK
The celebration showcases traditional music, dance, crafts and food. 11 a.m. Washington Park, 5500 S. Cottage Grove Ave. 773-556-3158. Free.
Ride to Pierogi Fest
GRANT PARK
Cycle from Grant Park to Whiting, Ind., for the annual celebration of the Eastern European dumpling. Helmets required. 11 a.m. Buckingham Fountain, 500 S. Lake Shore Drive. 312-742-5239. Free.
Tribute-A-Palooza
GOLD COAST
A lineup of local cover bands takes over two bars along Division Street, paying tribute to Nirvana, Led Zeppelin and others. 3 p.m.: Shenannigans House of Beer, 16 W. Division St., 312-642-2344; 7 p.m.: Original Mother’s (26 W. Division St.). $2-$5.
REDEYE/MMX PICK
Venetian Night LOOP
Illuminated boats make waves during the annual Lake Michigan procession, which always attracts a crowd. Festivities include a fireworks display. 7:45 p.m. Monroe Harbor, 100 S. Lake Shore Drive. 312-744-3315. Free.
Sunday
Chicago Criterium
GRANT PARK
Professional cyclists from all over participate in the inaugural, 1.1-mile looped bike race. Spectators can watch from viewing areas at the start and finish line or on jumbo screens in Grant Park. 7 a.m. Grant Park, 500 S. Columbus Drive. 773-868-3010. Free for spectators.
An Arts Adventure
STREETERVILLE
An art show and sale features paintings, jewelry, photography and more. 9 a.m. Superior and State Streets. 312-751-2500. Free.
All weekend
REDEYE/MMX PICK
Wicker Park Fest
WICKER PARK
Live indie music on two stages (including Ra Ra Riot and Isis, above) and local cuisine make the fest a must-see. 11:30 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Damen and North Avenues. 773-384-2672. $5 donation.
REDEYE/MMX PICK
Taste of Lincoln Avenue
LINCOLN PARK
This sprawling neighborhood fest includes five entertainment stages, hundreds of vendors and a wine garden. Noon Saturday and Sunday. Lincoln Avenue, from Fullerton to Wrightwood Avenues. 773-868-3010. $7-$10 donation.
Book fair
GolD Coast
Browse more than 100,000 books in 60 categories. Many of the books cost $2 or less. 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Newberry Library, 60 W. Walton St. 312-255-3510. Free.
THE GAMER
WHO’S PLAYING AT HOME
Cubs vs. Florida
12:05 p.m. Saturday; 1:20 p.m. Sunday, Wrigley Field
