EAT
(Free!) Mozzarella Sticks Giveaway
Roots Handmade Pizza 1924 W. Chicago Ave. 773-645-4949
Be among the first 300 arrivals at the walk-up window on Winchester Avenue and take away a free mini-order of the Ukrainian Village spot’s signature mozzarella sticks as part of the sixth anniversary celebration for parent organization The Fifty/50 Restaurant Group. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday.
Bacon & H.A.M. Luau Brunch
Tavernita 151 W. Erie St. 312-274-1111
Fake a tropical vacation with complimentary party favors and themed specials including pork sliders ($3), pineapple-coconut pancakes ($8) and more, or go with a four-course sharing menu ($18.50 includes a cocktail) at this one-day, cure-for-winter-blues brunch. Arrive in tropical apparel and get 15 percent off your bill. 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Sunday.
DRINK
Holiday Soiree
Lush Wine & Spirits 2232 W. Roscoe St. 773-281-8888
Author Charles Blackstone—whose wife is sommelier and former “Check, Please” host Alpana Singh—signs copies of his new novel, “Vintage Attraction,” about—perhaps not coincidentally—a man who’s married to a sommelier during this tasting which also features wines referenced in Blackstone’s book. 2-4 p.m. Sunday. No cover.
Union Station Great Hall 500 W. Jackson Boulevard
Don a jersey and dive into three of life’s greatest pleasures with tastings of more than 30 craft beers, bacon creations from 20 local restaurants, sports trivia, interactive games, DJ music, action photo booths, prizes for the best fan attire and—of course—televised sports viewings. 2-6 p.m. Saturday. $59. Enter the code “awesome” for a 40-percent discount. Tickets: baconsportsbeer.com.
DO
Let There Be Light
Lillstreet Art Center 4401 N. Ravenswood Ave. 773-769-4226
Flip the switch for three floors of festivities at the opening of a ceramics exhibition featuring 35 local and national artists, plus a holiday gift fair with handcrafted jewelry, textiles, paper goods and more from 60 artisans (continues 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday), food vendors, live music, open artists’ studios and hosted soda, wine and seasonal punch. 6-10 p.m. Friday. No cover.
St. Augustine College 1345 W. Argyle St. 773-878-8756
Immerse yourself in the world of words at this pop-up bookstore for Chicago authors and independent publishers featuring 90 exhibitors, flash fiction and self-publishing workshops, panel discussions, Spanish-language programming and more. An after-party follows at Fat Cat (4840 N. Broadway). 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. No cover. Schedule: chicagobookexpo.com
An Evening With Marc Kelly Smith
Raven Theatre 6157 N. Clark St. 773-338-2177
The founder of the national poetry slam movement—and creator of The Green Mill’s Uptown Poetry Slam—performs his trio of one-act plays, “Flea Market,” about the changing value of treasures. Performance poet and Encyclopedia Show contributor Tim Stafford joins Smith onstage to play the role of The Kid. 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday; 3:30 p.m. Sunday. $15. Tickets: raventheatre.com
Theater Wit 1229 W. Belmont Ave. 773-975-8150
Chicago actor Mitchell Fain reprises his role as the disgruntled elf Crumpet in David Sedaris’ humorous tale of struggling—and failing—to maintain his dignity while working as one of Santa’s helpers during the holiday season at Macy’s. 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday; 3 p.m. Sunday. $24-$35. Tickets: theaterwit.org
REDEYE TIP OF THE DAY
Give in to your inner geek at the Chicago Toy and Game Fair Saturday and Sunday at Navy Pier: chitag.com
Julia Borcherts is a RedEye special contributor.
