Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Life Beyond 'Lolla' This Weekend

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(Photo: Lollapalooza 2010)

For whatever reason, you're skipping Lollapalooza this year. You couldn't get tickets. You didn't like the acts. Or, you're simply just over it.

And while the city's pretty much consumed with the three-day music festival happening this weekend (August 5-7) in Grant Park, there is much more going on elsewhere.

August 5 also happens to be National Waffle Day, so you can start your morning with something light and fluffy.

At River North newcomer Brunch—which also serves hearty lunch items—you can go all out with the "Monte Cristo" Waffle. It comes stuffed with Raisin River ham, herb-roasted turkey and Swiss cheese. Or, if you're looking for something more traditional, check out a few classic breakfast joints that Time Out Chicago calls the most perfect waffles in the city.

Friday's also Groove Parlor's nine-year anniversary, and founder/deejay/producer Mario Romay is celebrating at Ultra Lounge in Logan Square. He'll be accompanied by legendary spin star Mark Grant behind the turntables for a night of deep house and disco. 9pm-2am. No cover.

There's still room on the Market Days Moonlight Cruises Friday and Saturday on the Spirit of Chicago. The events include a heavy appetizer buffet, deejay entertainment with emcee Ms. Foozie, Market Days theme and drink specials. Guests board at 12:15am and the cruise takes place 12:45-2:30am. $36.90. Reservations required by contacting Spirit of Chicago.

Serb Fest goes down Friday-Sunday at Holy Resurrection Serbian Orthodox Cathedral (5701 N. Redwood Dr.). Expect traditional live music, dance performances, and dishes like BBQ pork, lamb, cevapcici, raznjici and pljeskavica. 5pm-midnight Friday; noon-midnight Saturday; noon-10pm Sunday.

August 6 will be a particularly special occasion because it's National Root Beer Float Day! It's the 103rd celebration, and we've got you covered if you need a place to go have one. Burger Bar in Lincoln Park does a really good job at making theirs frothy and thick and not too sweet. Scooter's is best known for frozen custards, which means that you'll get your Root Beer Float with the frozen custard of your choice. Could be good!

Or, if you're looking for a boozy alternative, check out what Standard Bar/Grill has to offer in a martini. It comes with Three Olives root beer-flavored vodka, Galliano, Amaretto and cream and cola.

If you're looking for a freebie of awesome live music this weekend, then the South Shore Jazz Fest is your ticket. The two-day festival includes national and local attractions such as pianist McCoy Tyner, violinist Regina Carter, trumpeter Orbert Davis and vocalist Dee Alexander. 10am-8pm Saturday, Sunday. South Shore Cultural Center (7059 S. South Shore Dr.).

And Retro on Roscoe happens Saturday and Sunday, featuring live music, an antique car show, cornhole tournament, food booths from area restaurants and more. Not surprising, most bands are of the "retro" variety from hip-hop (Two White Crew; Saturday) and swing (The Mighty Blue Kings; Saturday) to hard rock (Hairbangers Ball; both days) and 1980s pop (16 Candles; Sunday). Noon-10pm.

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