1. Head out to the suburbs for some barbecue
The Naperville Ribfest has been a staple in the western suburb for more than 20 years. You'll be able to heap pork into your mouth hole for just $15 while listening to some live rock and country tunes. It might be a bit of a hike to make it out to Naperville, but mountains of simmering pig flesh should be a great start to your Fourth of July weekend. (724 S West St, Naperville, noon. $15)
2. Celebrate gay rights with a play
Last week's Supreme Court decision to legalize gay marriage across the country led to what was perhaps the most memorable Pride Parade in Chicago's history. This is also the last weekend that Abraham Lincoln Was a F*gg*t is up at the Greenhouse Theater in Lincoln Park. The show tells the story of a teenager trying to come to terms with his own sexuality by setting out to prove that his favorite president was, in fact, gay. (Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N Lincoln Ave, 7:30pm. $20-$35)
3. Eat lunch outside at the Loop's best pop-up
The weather's supposed to warm up today, so you might as well grab lunch outside. The Nosh outdoor lunch market comes to the plaza just south of the Board of Trade every Thursday this summer, bringing a medley of tasty options to mix up your usual lunch spots. Grab a tamale from Dia De Los Tamales or some grilled peri peri chicken from Cluckson's Chicken and get ready to celebrate America's birthday over the weekend. (440 S LaSalle St, 10:30am-1:30pm. Free)