The Chicago Traveler

• The Pitchfork Music Festival is a 3-day event featuring over 40 independent bands and artists on three stages at Union Park. (July 18-20)

• Two stages of live music entertain thousands of visitors at the Old St. Patrick’s World’s Largest Block Party. Tickets include five drinks (bottled water, soda, wine, beer). (July 18-19)

• The Chicago Short Comedy Video and Film Festival at the Music Box Theatre consists of nearly 35 locally-made films starring Chicagoan actors and comedians. (July 17-18)

• Kate the Great’s Book Emporium, a bookstore with a diverse selection in Edgewater, will be closing its doors next week after three years of business. Give your farewells at The Great Wake of Kate the Great, a casual party with readings by local fiction writers. Pick up used books for only $1-$3. (July 18)

• MidTangent Productions presents their own interesting spin on A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Shakespeare’s romantic comedy. This GLBT version stars local female impersonator Madame X (from the Kit Kat Lounge) at the National Pastime Theater. (ends Aug 3)

• Speaking of Shakespeare, the Chicago Shakespeare Theater presents Funk It Up About Nothin’, an adaptation of Much Ado About Nothing to the rhythm of six hip-hoppers and a live DJ.

• The 7^th annual Summer on Southport includes live music from three stages, beer, wine, arts and crafts, food from local restaurants, and kids’ activities. (July 19-20)

• Hosted by Women’s Health Magazine, Are You Game? features fashion shows, a golf simulator, live music, mechanical bull rides, a climbing wall, and beauty treatments on North Avenue Beach. (July 19)

• The 63^rd Street Summer Festival features a wide variety of music artists specializing in R&B, soul, jazz, blues, and hip-hop. (July 19)

• Dogs and their people can play games together at the 8^th annual Let’s Play Together Wooftop Party (at the Anti-Cruelty Society) which also features a dog masseuse, a pet psychic, and raffle. (July 20)

Photo credit: thera aarnoudse, Wikipedia, Henk L