An MMA fighter-turned-comedian tapes his podcast live, Guided By Voices rocks Wicker Park Fest—and there are many more events happing this weekend:
Through Sun 7/30: Rummage through more than 120,000 novels, many under $3, at the Newberry Book Fair. If reading isn’t your thing, give it a shot! Or, discover favorite collectibles, records, and movies to take home. Proceeds go toward maintaining the Newberry Library (60 W. Walton). Thu-Fri noon-8 PM, Sat-Sun 10 AM-6 PM
Through 10/8: “By the Light of the Moon: Nocturnal Japanese Prints” at the Art Institute of Chicago (111 S. Michigan) explores how print artists such as Okumura Masanobu, Suzuki Harunobu, and Kawase Hasui depicted nighttime “as a boundry, a presence, or a frame of mind.” 10:30 AM-5:30 PM
Fri 7/28: Writer-illustrators Meredith Gran and Mike Holmes come to Challengers Comics + Conversation (1845 N. Western) to discuss Gran’s long-running webcomic Octopus Pie, the story of two Brooklyn roommates who are opposite in almost every way, and Holmes’s graphic novel series Secret Coders. 4 PM, free
Fri 7/28: The stars of the Lifetime series Bring It! are coming to the Chicago Theatre (175 N. State) for their Bring It! Live tour. Featuring new, high-energy dance routines from Miss D and the Dancing Dolls. 8 PM, $39.25-$66.25
Sat 7/29: Nothing goes together like bicycles and beer. At least at New Belgium Brewing’s Tour de Fat. The fest features a costumed bike parade, the famous car-for-bike swap, circus performers, and music from the Roots, all taking place at Northerly Island (1400 S. Lynn White). Proceeds benefit West Town Bikes. 4-9 PM, $25
Sat 7/29: Transforming your food consumption into a fully recyclable process—closing the loop, so to speak—involves compost, growing veggies/fruit, and picking up goods from the weekly farmer’s market. The Closed Loop Food Fest at the Plant (1400 W. 46th) educates on best practices, and offers other holistic healthy activities like yoga and a worm bin demonstration. 10 AM-6 PM, $10 suggested donation
Sat 7/29: From football to MMA to comedy, Brendan Schaub has had a wide-ranging career. He’ll be recording a live episode of his popular podcast at Thalia Hall (1807 S. Allport). Called “The Big Breakdown,” the podcast is a healthy mix of comedic and athletic commentary. 8 PM, $31-$36
Sat 7/29-Sun 7/30: Guided By Voices, Piebald, and JEFF The Brotherhood will be performing at Wicker Park Fest (Milwaukee between North and Paulina). In addition to live music, delicious bites, and local art, there will be a kids fest complete with carnival games and a performance by kiddy rock legend Mary Macaroni. Noon-10 PM
Sun 7/30-Wed 8/2: Dwayne Kennedy has honed his stand-up in Chicago for almost two decades, performing bold and intelligent comedy. Zanies (1548 N. Wells) hosts Kennedy and his kooky political discourse, elevated by his wry, deadpan delivery. 8:30 PM, $25
For more things to do in Chicago this weekend—and every day—check out our Agenda page.