Windy City Story Slam
Pilsen/Heart of Chicago/Little Village
Local writers read or perform short original works and the winner (determined by audience response) takes home a $50 cash prize. 7 p.m. Simone’s Bar, 960 W. 18th St. 312-666-8601. $5 suggested donation.
2009 Dragon Boat Race for Literacy
Near South Side
Decorated boats compete along the south branch of the Chicago River. The ninth annual event also includes music, food, acrobats, dancing, arts and crafts and more. 8 a.m. Ping Tom Memorial Park, 300 W. 19th St. 312-326-5320.
Sex in the Summer in the City series
Uptown
A series of steamy, one-act dramas developed through the Black Playwrights Initiative explore relationship complications involving family dynamics, friendships and love. 11 p.m. “Glamorous Life,” by Cory Wright; Through Aug. 29. Black Ensemble Theater, 4520 N. Beacon St. 773-769-4451. $20.
Sunday
REDEYE/MMX PICK
Tim Meadows
Wrigleyville
The “Saturday Night Live” alum performs an improv set with The Second City mainstage cast members Brad Morris and Joe Canale, and local comedians Emily Candini, Kate Duffy, Rachael Mason and Susan Messing portray 1950s London vamps in a longform improv show. 10:30 p.m; Through Aug. 30. iO, 3541 N. Clark St. 773-880-0199. $10.
An Arts Adventure
River North
The eighth annual sidewalk sale features paintings, photography, jewelry, sculpture and more. Superior Street east to Wabash Avenue and north along Rush Street to Chicago Avenue. 9 a.m. Superior and Rush Streets, 735 N. State St. 312-751-2500.
Movies at The Terrace River North
Food and drink specials complement a weekly alfresco film series, weather permitting. 7:30 p.m. “The Blues Brothers.” Through Sept. 27. The Terrace, 521 N. Rush St. 5th Floor 312-377-0979. Menu prices vary.
Chicago Criterium
Grant Park Museums
Professional cyclists from around the world participate in the second annual 1.1-mile-loop race, featuring $40,000 in cash prizes. 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 312-744-9217. Free for spectators.
All weekend
La Quercia Farms menu
South Loop
Executive chef Danny Sweiss prepares a four-course meal using pork from the Iowa farm. Dishes from the dinner also are available a la carte. 5 p.m. Gioco, 1312 S. Wabash Ave. 312-939-3870. $42.
Christmas in July
Boystown
Get some early holiday spirit with live Christmas music from the Divas, a $30 four-course dinner (includes one martini), holiday movies and $12 themed martinis. 5:30 p.m. Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club, 3700 N. Halsted St. 773-525-1111. No cover.
REDEYE/MMX PICK
Taste of Lincoln Avenue
Lincoln Park
Features dozens of national and local music acts on five stages. Headliners include Tonic, Bobby Rush, Cat Fight and Sixteen Candles (Saturday) and Sugar Ray, Robert Cornelius 7, Wedding Banned and Mike & Joe (Sunday). Noon. Lincoln Avenue from Fullerton to Wrightwood Avenues. 773-868-3010. $7-$10 donation.
The Gamer
Who’s playing at home
Cubs vs. Cincinnati
12:05 p.m. Saturday; 1:20 p.m. Sunday, Wrigley Field
