There’s plenty to do this weekend to beat the heat. Here are our recommendations:
Through 8/28: “Invisible Man: Gordon Parks and Ralph Ellison in Harlem” at the Art Institute of Chicago (111 S. Michigan) features the collaborative work of the photographer and writer, including contact sheets, photographs, and the essays “Harlem Is Nowhere” (1948) and “A Man Becomes Invisible” (1952).
Fri 7/22- Sun 7/24: Pick up your next summer read at Women & Children First’s Annual Used Book Sale (5233 N. Clark), and contribute to the Women’s Voices fund. Scope out the rest of the block for other unique finds (including PokemonGo lures) as local shops and businesses line the street for the Andersonville Sidewalk Sale. 10 AM-5 PM
Sat 7/23: Embrace and celebrate those with disabilities by participating in Chicago’s Disability Pride Parade. The route begins at Plymouth Court and Van Buren and ends at Daley Plaza. 11 AM
Sat 7/23: Sneak a free first peek at Take My Wife, Cameron Esposito and Rhea Butcher’s new original series for Seeso, at this year’s Comedy Exposition, which also includes headliners Greg Proops, Marina Franklin, and Megan Gailey. After the preview at the Hideout (1354 W. Wabansia), AV Club’s Senior Editor Marah Eakin leads a Q&A with the comedic power couple. 5:30-7 PM
7/23-7/24: Smooch a pooch, learn cat CPR, or glitz up your gecko at the Windy City Pet Expo. The free weekend event takes place at the Schaumburg Convention Center (1551 Thoreau Drive North, Schaumburg) and offers classes, competitions, and activities for pets and owners alike. Sat 10 AM-5 PM, Sun 11 AM-4 PM
Sat 7/23-Sun 7/24: Stop by the city’s most celebrated street festival, Wicker Park Fest (North and Damen) for interactive and exhibited art, tasty local delights, and music from Rocket from the Crypt, Com Truise, and Mountain Goats. Noon-10 PM
Sat 7/23-Sun 7/24: For those who like things hot, the Chicago Hot Sauce Festival at Belmont and Elston fires up pepper-eating and sauce contests, and vendors serve their spiciest sauces to only the most daring participants. Noon
Sat 7/23-Sun 7/24: Explore more than 100 gardens in the historic Sheffield neighborhood (west on Halsted to the Chicago River, and north from Armitage to Fullerton) during the 48th Annual Sheffield Music Festival and Garden Walk. Stick around for Bright Light Social Hour and the Mowgli’s as part of Sunday night’s music lineup. Noon
Sun 7/24: Feminist Uprising to Resist Inequality and Exploitation (FURIE) hosts Blame the System, Not the Victim, its second annual march against gender-based violence, beginning at Congress and Michigan in downtown Chicago. 1 PM
For more stuff to do this week—and every day—check out our Agenda page.