TUE 8/5
Lose yourself
Dare to dream with other long-suffering Cubs fans at The Lovable Losers Literary Revue, a monthly series in which local performers celebrate — and mourn — the team’s 100-year losing streak with readings, historical reenactments, trivia contests, songs and more. Tuesday features cubs.com reporter Carrie Muskat, writer Don DeGrazia, comedian Marty Gangler and pop band The Cleaning Ladys. Soak your sorrows in $3 beers and complimentary nachos. 7:30 p.m. No cover. El Jardin Restaurant, 3335 N. Clark St. 773-528-6775.
Get reel
The Chicago Park District’s Movies in the Park series continues through Aug. 30, so prep your picnic basket for screenings throughout city green spaces. Tuesday’s lineup includes “Bee Movie” (Graver Park, 1518 W. 102nd Pl.); “The Great Debaters” (Erie Park, 630 N. Kingsbury St.); and “Transformers” (Koscuiszko Park, 2732 N. Avers Ave.). Free. 312-742-7529.
WED 8/6
Any way you slice itDoes “Top Chef,” the culinary dean of reality shows, whet your appetite for behind-the-scenes peeks at life in the kitchen? Then head to La Madia for Chef’s Table, where you can watch owner and top toque Jonathan Fox and his staff prepare pizza and other menu specials. Includes food samples and wine pairings. 7 p.m. $25. Reservations recommended. 59 W. Grand Ave. 312-329-0400.
Magic touch
Feeling humdrum about hump day? Watch the folks at Magic Chicago work their charm with tricks such as levitation, mind reading and sleight of hand. Hosts Robert Charles and Benjamin Barnes perform with a rotating roster of guests during the monthly show. Tonight’s featured magicians include Will Tremont, Brent Allan and husband-and-wife team Sarlot and Eyed. 7:30 p.m. $20. City Lit Theater Company, 1020 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. Inside the Presbyterian Church building. 773-984-3817.
THU 8/7
Rio deal
Travel the globe without leaving your area code at Passport Thursdays, SushiSamba Rio’s new rooftop event highlighting entertainment each week from different cities around the world. This Thursday, Rio de Janeiro takes the spotlight. Watch samba dancers and groove to samba, bossa nova and batucada beats by DJ Dani Deahl. 8 p.m. No cover. 504 N. Wells St. 312-595-2300.
Walk on the wild side
The prehistoric age comes to life in the touring show, “Walking with Dinosaurs — The Live Experience.” Full-scale reproductions of 15 dinosaurs roar, snarl and move across the floor in this theatrical spectacle based on the award-winning BBC series of the same name. The show depicts dinosaurs’ evolution and the climatic and tectonic changes that led to their demise. 7 p.m. Through Aug. 17. $24.50-$74.50. United Center, 1901 W. Madison St. 312-559-1212. Tickets: ticketmaster.com
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METROMIX@TRIBUNE.COM
