Posted inArts & Culture

Summer book fairs

Little City Book Fair Billed as the largest used book sale in the midwest, this annual sale also offers CDs, DVDs, comic books, and collectibles. Proceeds benefit the Little City Foundation, which supports children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities. 8/19-8/21: Fri 5-10 PM, Sat 10 AM-9 PM, Sun 10 AM-5 PM, Harper […]

Posted inCity Life

From scavenger hunts to beachathons to obstacle courses, the race is on

Mud pits, banana costumes, ice cream flavor identification . . . these are some of the summer’s more idiosyncratic competitive events. Most require advance registration, with prices—listed per person unless otherwise noted—increasing as race dates approach. Urban Assault Ride In teams of two, cycling scavenger hunters head to a dozen-odd checkpoints, stopping for activities like […]

Posted inCity Life

Alfresco: 25 notable spots for outdoor dining

Hundreds of the city’s restaurants and bars set up outdoor dining catering to customers starved for summer. We’ve selected 25 notable spots, including some newcomers; for complete alfresco listings search under “features” at chicagoreader.com/chicago/RestaurantFinder/Page. 90 Miles Cuban Cafe | Wicker Park/Bucktown | $ The second outpost of Alberto and Christine Gonzalez’s 90 Miles Cuban Cafe […]

Posted inCity Life

Exploring Chicago Craft Beer Week

Now in its second year, Chicago Craft Beer Week features dozens of tastings, beer dinners, brewery tours, and new brew debuts between May 19 and 27 (chibeerweek.com). A Beer Passport, available online and at all events for $10, serves as a guide to the week’s events and a ticket for a few featured events each […]