1. Get waist-deep in mac and cheese
Mac and Cheese Fest is so, so much more than boxed noodles and powdered cheese. Taste the iconic American favorite from dozens of local vendors. (UIC Forum, 725 W Roosevelt Rd, 12pm. $65, $105 VIP)
2. Look at furniture in a whole new light
Head to Navy Pier for SOFA, a long-running art fair focusing on sculptures, objects and functional art (hence the acronym). Over 80 galleries and art dealers are featured, so you definitely won’t be bored. (Navy Pier, 600 E Grand Ave, Fri-Sun 11am-5pm. $20 per day, $30 three-day pass)
3. Laugh out loud at real life
The quarterly storytelling series, You’re Being Ridiculous, returns again to Mary’s Attic in Andersonville. Listen to Chicago writers and performers bear all at the mic. (Mary’s Attic, 5400 N Clark St, Sat 7:30pm. $15)
Local punk label HoZac celebrates its 10th anniversary at Double Door with Detroit rockers the Gories headlining. Even if you don’t know the bands, it’s going to be one hell of a night. (Double Door, 1572 N Milwaukee Ave, Sat 8pm. $30)
5. Brush up on your beer palate
The sixth annual Chicago BeerHoptacular takes over CineSpace again this weekend, and it’s a must for all beer nerds. Taste over 150 beers from 60 breweries—we only ask that you pace yourself. (CineSpace Chicago Film Studios, 2621 W 15th Pl, Sat, 12pm session and 6pm session. $60)
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