You’ve got Friday off work. Summer weather is finally (finally!) here. If you’re raring to plan your holiday weekend, we’ve got party picks that span all manner of hot, from spicy club bashes to sizzling barbecues.
WEAR WHITE
Bust out that little-worn linen suit or hot white sundress for the 8th Annual White Party, a yearly bash by Tommy Z Productions that’s making its way to River North club Religion this year. Stick to $7 white chocolate martinis to avoid trashing your spotless ensemble. No cover before midnight if you wear white. 10 p.m. Friday. 720 N. Wells St. 312-787-2375.
MORE: Club scene newcomer VLive in Logan Square jumps on the trend with its own 4th of July White Party, featuring beats by DJs Flipside, Victor R, Louie Loop and others. $10-$20. 10 p.m. Saturday. 2047 N. Milwaukee Ave. 773-489-5483.
COME HERE FOR THE BEER
After the crowds Bull & Bear saw during its B&BQ bash on Memorial Day, the bar is staging a repeat, complete with red-checkered tablecloths and wild boar burgers. Cool off with a mini-keg at your table, featuring any beer that’s currently on draft, from Goose Island 312 to Hoegaarden ($30, serves five to six people). Ladies, in a patriotic nod to your fondest middle school memories, staff will sell tank tops you can tie-dye on the sidewalk outside the bar. No cover. Noon Saturday. Patio closes at 11 p.m. 431 N. Wells St. 312-527-5973.
MORE: Wicker Park hang The Fifty/50 celebrates National 40-ounce Week, a cheeky tribute to what the owners have dubbed “America’s most patriotic beverage.” Saturday’s Olde English Fourth of July Party features $5 40-ounce bottles all day, plus $5 Woodford Reserve Bourbon cocktails. No cover. 10 a.m. Saturday. 2047 W. Division St. 773-489-5050.
LISTEN UP
Soak up new sounds as local music management company Sleepless Entertainment gives a sneak preview of its annual digital sampler at a “Sounds of Summer” Release Party at River North bar Angels & Kings. Come early to score a swag bag with gear from Atticus Clothing and a preview code for free song downloads. Featured band Mathletes opens at 9 p.m., followed by Thieves & Villains. No cover. 8 p.m. Friday. 710 N. Clark St. 312-482-8600.
MORE: Make your way to South Loop club The Shrine, where soulful songstress Muhsinah opens for Detroit-based R&B and hip-hop group The Platinum Pied Pipers. $15-$20. 9 p.m. Thursday. 2109 S. Wabash Ave. 312-753-5700.
SEEK HIGHER GROUND
If your abode doesn’t have rooftop access to watch the city’s fireworks from Grant Park on Friday or Navy Pier on Saturday (both at 9 p.m.), why not take advantage of someone else’s prime real estate? The Terrace at Trump, perched on the Trump Tower’s 16th floor, has been touting its fireworks-viewing sightlines since opening last week. The bar’s red-white-and-blue Fireworks cocktail is a steep $17, but if you’re one of the few to snag a seat here, the view might just be worth the cash. No cover. 401 N. Wabash Ave. 312-588-8600.
MORE: West Loopers can wedge themselves onto the rooftop deck at Market to catch sparklers exploding above the downtown skyline. No cover. Opens at 3 p.m.1113 W. Randolph St. 312-929-4787.
SPOT SOME SKIN
Didn’t get enough eye candy during Sunday’s Pride Parade? You’ll find plenty at Enclave, which has been making headlines lately thanks to appearances by Paris Hilton and the Black Eyed Peas. A Freedom Fashion Show starts the weekend revelry early with a one-hour hosted cocktail reception and skimpy swimwear-clad models working it on the runway. $20. No cover before midnight with RSVP: info@enclavechicago.com. 10 p.m. Thursday. 220 W. Chicago Ave. 312-654-0234.
MORE: Watch the Chicago Starlets burlesque crew in a live painting performance at Make Art, Not War, Debonair Social Club’s benefit bash for The National Vietnam Veterans Art Museum. $5. 6 p.m. Friday. 1575 N. Milwaukee Ave. 773-227-7990. No cover for partiers with a stamp from the nearby Flat Iron Arts Building’s Salute art exhibition.
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lmarnett@tribune.com.
