Friday-Sunday: Summer BBQ fans rejoice, Ribfest Chicago is cooking up over 50,000 pounds of pork this weekend in North Center. The "RibMania" eating contest returns for its second year and Chicagoland restaurants will compete for the coveted title of "Best Ribs." But ribs aren't the only thing on the menu -- local and national bands will be jamming out while you pig out all weekend long. Friday, 5-10 pm, Sat. and Sun., 12-10 pm, 4000 N. Lincoln Ave, Suggested $5 donation
Friday-Sunday: Sweet Home Chicago hosts the largest free blues festival in the world this weekend when the Chicago Blues Festival makes its return. More than 500,000 blues fans will flood Grant Park and rock out to three days and five stages full of tunes. Music goes from 11 am to 9:30 pm Friday through Sunday.
Friday: Join former "Bachelor" and "Bachelorette" contestant Nikki Kaapke and several of her reality show friends or a rooftop bash at Market Bar Chicago. Kaapke is celebrating the launch of her new cooking Web site The Dekadent Diva -- which features many of her minimalist recipes. 8:30-11 pm
Friday-Sunday: Start the party early this weekend. Vertigo Sky Lounge is now open at noon Friday through Sunday for the summer season. Head up to the 26th floor of the dana Hotel and Spa for cocktails, eats and an outdoor patio area.
Saturday: Keep an eye out for bikers in the buff Saturday night. It's that time of year for the World Naked Bike Ride, a 12-mile, clothing-optional ride through the city to promote positive body image. It's a hush-hush event, so the route won't be announced until that night, but according to the Web site spectators are adised to hang out near 1050 W. Addison around 10 pm to catch a glimpse.
Saturday: New Bucktown business Arts 'n Spirits invites you to get your creative juices, and a a few drinks, flowing. This conceptual store offers BYOB instructional painting classes. Join these spirited art enthusists for the store's official launch party from 8-11 pm Saturday with plenty of wine, beer and appetizers to satisfy your palette.
