12 Things To Do In Wicker Park & Beyond This Weekend
WICKER PARK — Happy Friday!
ICYMI, DNAinfo Chicago stopped publishing last Thursday. But readers like L.D. were on my mind, so for the next two Fridays I’ll be sharing ideas for stuff to do over the weekend, courtesy of Things To Do sponsor Falafel & Grill.
In November, mention “Pipeline” at the front counter to get a free fountain drink with your meal. While you are there, check out the rooster mural by Juan De La Mora on the exterior Paulina-facing Falafel & Grill wall. Restaurant hours are 11 a.m.- 11 p.m., 1317 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Welcome Back, Blue Line Lounge & Grill. Known for its inventive martinis, Blue Line Lounge & Grill is ready to reopen following a remodeling/closure. A worker onsite Friday morning said the plan is to reopen at 5 p.m. Friday, 1548 N. Damen Ave.
Free Burgers for Veterans. This Saturday, West Town’s Irish Nobleman Pub will offer free hamburgers to all veterans for Veteran’s Day, according to its Facebook page. Saturday hours are 11 a.m.- 12 a.m. At 1367 W. Erie St.
Bears vs. Packers Chili Cook-off. On Tour Brewing Co. will host a chili cook-off, with volunteer chefs competing for a 3-pack of 32 oz. crowlers, an On Tour sweatshirt and bragging rights. A $12 wristband benefitting the Greater Chicago Food Depository will give fans lots of chili samples and a pint of beer. From Noon-3 p.m. Sunday, 1725 W Hubbard St.
Opioid Memorial Near The 606. The former Marc Jacobs store has been transformed into a National Safety Council exhibit, allowing visitors a chance to “see, feel and experience the depth of the opioid crisis” which claims 22,000 lives annually in our country. “Prescribed to Death: A Memorial to the Victims of the Opioid Crisis” opens Friday. Hours are noon- 8 p.m. daily through Nov. 16, at 1714 N. Damen Ave.
In the ‘Hood Group Art Show. Peruse artwork (photography, painting, sculpture and works on paper) from 30 neighborhood artists representing the North, South, and West Sides as well as Downtown and the Lakefront. A free opening reception at the Jackson Junge Gallery is from 6–10 p.m. Friday, 1389 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Catch Indie Films, Music. The Chicago International Movies & Music Festival returns for its ninth year, offering movies, music and talks at dozens of venues around the city through Sunday. View CIMMFest for the lineup and costs.
Fall Night Market at House of Vans. Enjoy “hot food, cold beer and plenty of gifts perfect for whatever seasonal gathering you choose to celebrate,” organizers say. Free entry with online RSVP, from 5–10 p.m. Friday, 113 N. Elizabeth St.
Check Out A New CrossFit Gym. Wicker Park CrossFit holds classes at 5:30 a.m. during the work week and 8:30 a.m. Saturday. At 1843 W. North Ave.
Indulge In Bourbon County Coffee Gelato. On Saturday, Black Dog Gelato will release batches of Bourbon County Coffee Gelato as part of a collaboration with Goose Island Brewery, according to its Facebook page. Pop by the Ukie Village location to try the gelato or preorder a pint at catering@blackdogchicago.com. Weekend hours are 2–10 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, 859 N. Damen Ave.
Tour A Replica Of Forthcoming Townhomes. Part of the remodeled Fifth Third bank building has been transformed into a replica of what new town homes, ranging in pre-construction price from $978,280 to $1.95 million, will look like when the homes open in early 2019. Tour hours are noon-2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 1209 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Score Handcrafted Gifts. The Indoor Handmade Market takes over The Empty Bottle on the second Saturday of every month from October — April. More than 30 sellers will be hawking jewelry, knitted items, clothing, baked goods, handbags, paper crafts, skincare and more. Free, from noon-4 p.m. Saturday, 1035 N. Western Ave.
Get $5 Off A Large Lovingly Crafted Pizza. Craft Pizza invited laid-off DNAinfo reporters to a pizza party this past Wednesday. We indulged in bacon-topped pizza and ended the night with our chairs in a circle for some impromptu group therapy. To say thanks, we want to try to get ’em some business. This Saturday, get $5 off ($1 for each year that DNAinfo published news) all large pies, dine-in or pick-up, when you mention “pipeline”. Craft Pizza’s Saturday hours are 11 a.m. — 10 p.m., 1252 N. Damen Ave.