For some reason, Americans celebrate Labor Day — the holiday honoring us fine working folks — by doing anything but work. It’s crazy, but you know what would be even crazier? Staying home. Here are seven ways to make the most of your time off, right from the start of the three-day weekend.
FRIDAY
ACID1
Lava, 1270 N. Milwaukee Ave. 773-342-5282
Local house fave Derrick Carter spins rare acid and techno gems, some of which have never been released to the public’s hungry ears. DJs Steve Melvage and Brian Heath provide groove assistance.
9 p.m. to 2 a.m. $8
SATURDAY
Vavamuffin at Taste of Polonia
Copernicus Foundation Center, 5216 W. Lawrence Ave. 773-777-8898
Vavamuffin, the reggae/roots/dance outfit straight outta Warsaw, promises to be one of the bright spots of this year’s annual Polish festival. Feast on pierogi, sausage and tasty Polish beer, then head to the stage to dance your dupa off. Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 5 p.m. $6-$7
4th Annual Bike Messenger Prom
Bottom Lounge, 1375 W. Lake St. 312-666-6775
The race is the main event of this weekend’s North American Cycle Courier Championship. However, the wacky prom — during which messengers sport their finest vintage tuxes, dresses and the occasional banana costume — is without a doubt the Pabst-fueled social apex. 8 p.m.-2 a.m. $15.
SUNDAY
Mucca Pazza at
Bash on Wabash
South Wabash Avenue at East 14th Street 773-868-3010
Still pumped from their gig at Lollapalooza, circus-punk marching band Mucca Pazza (boasting 30-plus musicians and cheerleaders) takes over Wabash Avenue to play tunes from their latest album, “Plays Well Together.” It’s a spectacle your ears and eyeballs should take in at least once in your lifetime. 8:30 p.m. $5
Bally Sagoo
at Sound-Bar
226 W. Ontario St. 312-787-4480
Making a rare Chicago appearance, the Bhangra master blends hip hop, pop and traditional Indian music to create a unique groove. Expect a full-capacity, high-energy crowd. 9 p.m. $20
Upgrade Labor
Day Party
Congress Theater, 2135 N. Milwaukee Ave. 773-991-7962
This ginormous dance party fills two rooms with a total of six DJs playing hip hop, house and R&B. And if that weren’t enough, a house party takes over the theater’s lobby. 10 p.m.-4 a.m. $15 before 1 a.m., $20 after
MONDAY
Labor Day BBQ and School Supply Drive
Fizz, 3220 N. Lincoln Ave.
773-348-6088
Don’t plan to break out your own grill for the holiday? Head to this Lakeview haunt for its annual school-supply drive, benefiting kids in Chicago Public Schools. Load up on pencils, notebooks, crayons and other scholarly sundries and exchange ’em for access to the all-you-can-eat buffet. 2-8 p.m. $10 (in school supplies or cash).
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Jenni Spinner is a metromix special contributor.
metromix@tribune.com
