SAITAMA, Japan — Kevin Durant and the Americans still have their grip on gold and it’s going to take more than a few bad minutes for anyone to take it away from them.
They were awful early, then awesome afterward against Australia.
Durant scored 23 points, Devin Booker had 20 and the U.S. blew past and eventually blew away the Aussies 97-78 on Thursday in the Olympic men’s basketball semifinals after falling into a 15-point hole.
With their gold-medal streak looking in jeopardy midway through the second quarter, the Americans overwhelmed the Australians with a 48-14 stretch that gave them a 74-55 lead after three periods.
The U.S. missed its first 10 3-point attempts and didn’t hit one until late in the second quarter, then it felt as if the Americans hardly missed again, with Booker making three 3-pointers.
Jrue Holiday had 11 points, eight rebounds and eight assists for the U.S., which will play European champion Slovenia or France for a fourth straight gold medal Saturday. The French beat the Americans 83-76 in their Olympic opener.
That was part of a 2-3 start to the summer for the U.S., which included a loss to the Australians in an exhibition game in Las Vegas.
The Americans don’t look like that team anymore.
They look like the best team in the world, like those that used to win gold with ease.
Patty Mills scored 15 points for Australia, which still needs a win for its first Olympic basketball medal.
Welcome to our highlights of events and entertainment in Chicago for kids and families to enjoy. Bookmark this page and check back for updates on the latest activities.
Laurie Berkner
When: 11 a.m. Aug. 7
Where: Ravinia, 200 Ravinia Park Rd., Highland Park
What: A pioneer in offering music geared to children and families, the singer will showcase an array of tunes that encourage everyone to get up and dance, including favorites such as “Waiting for the Elevator,” “We Are the Dinosaurs,” “Pig on Her Head” and “Superhero.” At Ravinia, 200 Ravinia Park Rd., Highland Park. Tickets: $10, $20.
Presented as a gift on behalf of President Andrew Jackson to the King of Siam in 1836, this famous set of rare coins will be displayed as part of a $100 million exhibit of early U.S. coins at the 2021 Chicago World’s Fair of Money. Lyle Engleson/Ira and Larry Goldberg Coins and Collectibles
When: Aug. 10-14
Where: Donald A. Stephens Convention Center, Hall A, 5555 N. River Rd., Rosemont
What: Early American coins and historic money from around the world are the highlight of the Chicago World’s Fair of Money. Sponsored by the American Numismatic Association, the show features hundreds of dealers specializing in rare coins, paper money and gold and silver. Plus there are educational programs, family activities and free evaluations of old money. Admission: $10, $25 for a three-day pass, ages 12 and under free and free admission for all Aug. 14.
Halsted Street Market DaysNorthalsted Business Alliance
Celebrating all colors of the rainbow, Halsted Street Market Days offers music on six stages featuring DJs, live music and drag performers plus vendors selling arts, crafts and food. From Aug. 6-8, on Halsted from Belmont to Addison. Admission: $15. Visit northhalsted.com. … The music and craft beer festival Dancing in the Streets returns Aug. 6-8 with local bands, food trucks and more. On Hubbard from Paulina to Wood. Admission: $10. Visit westtownchamber.org. … The Printer’s Row Art Fest features art at all price points from a variety of artists. From Aug. 7-8, on Dearborn from Polk to Harrison. Admission is free. Visit amdurproductions.com. … Taste of Andersonville returns from 5-8 p.m. Aug. 11 from Edgewater to Carmen on Clark Street, where attendees can sample dinner, drink and dessert options. Tickets: $30-$65. For a list of participating restaurants, visit andersonville.org.
Chicago Fireboat Tours offer great views of Chicago’s waterways.Courtesy Chicago Fireboat Tours
When: Ongoing
Where: DuSable Harbors, 111 N. Lake Shore Dr.
What: Built in 1936, the Fred A. Busse was the largest, diesel-powered fireboat in the world at the time and served the Chicago Fire Department from 1937-1981. The current owners renovated the retired fireboat, which is now in its second season cruising Chicago waterways. Tickets: $35-$40, $19.50 ages 4-12.
Merit School of Music is hosting summer pop-up performances beginning July 24. Courtesy of Merit School of Music
When: To Aug. 28
Where: Various locations
What: In July and August, the music school hosts a family-friendly series of interactive pop-up events throughout Chicago neighborhoods from Pilsen to Lincoln Park. “Pop-ups in the Parks” offers free instrument tunings, demos and performances by students and faculty, “Music at the Markets” features performances and giveaways at outdoor markets and “Musical Storytimes” is filled with stories and activities.
What: The planetarium has partially reopened with a selection of its award-winning sky shows. On weekends in July and August two shows will play twice daily: “Imagine the Moon” (10:30 a.m., 12:15 p.m.) and “Skywatch Live” (11:30 am., 1:15 p.m.). The full museum won’t reopen until March 2022. Tickets: $15.
A Tempel Lippizan stallion performs “Airs Above the Ground.”Courtesy Tempel Lipizzans
When: Ongoing
Where: Tempel Farms, 17000 Wadsworth, Old Mill Creek.
What: The stallions return for a new season of equestrian dressage along with interactive, educational events. Performances feature synchronized movements set to classical music that show off the strength, beauty and intelligence of the Lipizzan horse. Following each event, there are self-guided tours through the stables to meet and pet the equine stars and ask questions of riders and trainers about how the Lipizzans are raised, trained and taught to “dance.” Tickets: $35, $25 for ages 4-14.
When: “The Front 9” (to Sept. 16) and “The Back Nine” (Oct. 13-Jan. 2)
Where: Tee off at the Elmhurst Art Museum, 150 S. Cottage Hill, Elmhurst
What: A fun new exhibit features a fully playable 18-hole mini-golf course created by more than 20 artists, designers and architects from Chicago and beyond. The family-friendly course pays homage to the School of the Art Institute’s wildly popular 1988 exhibition “Par Excellence.” Course themes range from social justice to the occult and include a fortune-telling hole that has the power to dramatically change scores as well as a hole that challenges players with an optical illusion. Admission is $5-$10 (online timed reservations); children 4 and under free.
What: Fun and learning are on the agenda at the popular family gathering spot, offering a wide variety of exhibits aimed at improving children’s lives by creating a community where play and learning connect. Babies and toddlers can enjoy “Treehouse Trails” and “Kids Town” while “Tinker Lab” and “Dinosaur Expedition” will enthrall older children. Admission: $19.
A new exhibit at the Field Museum, “Becoming Jane: The Evolution of Jane Goodall,” follows her journey from her childhood in England to a career as a passionate scientist studying chimpanzees in Africa. Hugo van Lawick/National Geographic
When: To Sept. 6
Where: Field Museum, 1400 S. Lake Shore Dr.
What: Generations have been inspired by the work of primatologist Dr. Jane Goodall who has not only shown the urgent need to protect chimpanzees but also redefined species conservation to include the needs of local people and the environments. A new exhibit at the Field Museum, “Becoming Jane: The Evolution of Jane Goodall,” follows her journey from a curious young child in England to a passionate scientist studying chimpanzees in Africa. Included in the exhibit are a recreation of her field research tent, a hologram-like projection of Goodall who shares her fieldwork memories, augmented reality activities and a projection of Tanzania’s Gombe Stream National Park. Admission: $18-$32
‘Hello Helios: The warming suns of Chicago’s Greektown’
Detail view of James Mesple’s Sun and Moon Image featured in the “Hello Helios” exhibit in GreektownCourtesy Greektown Chicago
When: Through spring 2022
Where: Halsted from Monroe to Van Buren
What: Welcome summer with a new outdoor exhibit celebrating the start of summer with 24 artworks inspired by the sun and related mythologies from Greek, Aztec, Yoruba, Japanese and Native American cultures.
The Shedd Aquarium’s popular “Kayak for Conservation” program.Shedd Aquarium
When: Ongoing
Where: Kayak Chicago: 1220 W LeMoyne,
What: Get close to nature via the Shedd Aquarium’s popular Kayak for Conservation program, which features a variety of socially distant kayaking experiences on the Chicago River. Participants learn about the river’s environmental history and discover wildlife living in its ecosystem. Sessions are open to all levels of kayakers (including newbies) and are led by Shedd’s wildlife conservation experts. The cost is pay-what-you-can ranging from $20-$100 per participant, with a recommended $40, the base cost of the program.
The Boeing 747 at “Take Flight.”Museum of Science and Industry
When: Permanent
Where: Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. Lake Shore Dr.
What: The MSI’s Boeing 747 reopens with a reimagined exhibit that explores modern aviation and the science of flight. The plane’s interior has been restored and new interactive elements have been added. Tickets: $12.95, $21.95.
Welcome to our roundup of movie screenings and events in Chicago. Bookmark this page and check back for updates on shows and activities.
International Queer Film Festival
Matthew James Morrison (lower) and Alexandros Koutsoulis in “Boy Meets Boy.”Ariztical Entertainment
When: July 18-Aug. 14
Where: Online
What: Featured are 29 films from eight countries streaming online in four separate programs. The diverse selection explores the range of queer life topics ranging from comedy to drama to science fiction and Zoom dating. Three programs of short films each run for a week with the festival’s final week devoted to “Boy Meets Boy,” a new feature by German filmmaker Daniel Sanchez Lopez about two men who develop a deep connection over one long night in Berlin. Tickets: $12 per program.
What: The Chicago Park District’s series returns with films ranging from Hollywood classics to retro childhood favorites and family-friendly offerings from recent years. Admission is free.
There are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions. The moon is in Cancer.
Aries (March 21-April 19)
Today is the perfect day to cocoon at home or relax with family members. A discussion with a female family member might be significant for both of you. However, you might want to “hide” in comfortable, familiar surroundings. Your choice.
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
In discussion with others today, you want a genuine connection with whomever you are talking to. This means you will be disappointed if the conversation remains at a superficial, chitchat level. You want a real exchange. Something meaningful.
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
Financial matters are on your mind, which is why this could be a tricky day if you are shopping. You might make purchases based on emotional decisions rather than practical decisions. The best way to protect yourself is to save your receipts — and the box.
Cancer (June 21-July 22)
Today the moon is still in your sign, which makes you more emotional than usual. However, it also increases your good luck just a tiny bit. (And as we all know, every little bit helps!) Therefore, ask the universe for a favor today. See what happens?
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)
With the sun and Mercury in your sign now, you are powerful and busy relating to others. However, today you have a chance to seek some solitude and escape from the busyness around you, if you choose to do so. Welcome any opportunity to take time to replenish and restore yourself — even briefly.
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
This is a good day to have a heart-to-heart talk with someone, perhaps a female acquaintance. It might benefit you to share your hopes and dreams for the future with this person, because, quite possibly, their feedback will help you. Who knows? Try it.
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
Once again, today the moon is sitting at the very top of your chart, which seems to put you in the public eye. In other words, at some point, people will notice you more than usual and they will be talking about you. (You might need to do some damage control.)
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
Because you feel a bit restless today and eager for adventure, give yourself a chance to explore something new. Do something different! Go someplace you have never been before. Obviously, travel will appeal. But you will also be interested to learn new things and meet unusual people.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
Although you have a desire to travel and “get away from all this,” today you cannot ignore certain details regarding shared property, taxes, debt, insurance matters or something to do with inheritances. Whatever calls to you — address it and get some of this done.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
Because the moon is in the sign that is 180 degrees opposite from your sign, this means the best way for you to handle this is to be ready to go more than halfway when dealing with others. In other words, you have to cooperate and be supportive. No biggie.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
Very possibly, you will have to perform a service for someone else or help them in some way. You might also be more involved than usual with a pet. At work, you might find that a coworker wants to confide in you or that they need your help.
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)
You’re in a playful frame of mind today, which is why you will enjoy fun activities with children, the arts or any kind of mental, intellectual games. You will also be attracted to sportsevents and the entertainment world. “Bring it on!”
If Your Birthday Is Today
Director, writer, actor James Gunn (1966) shares your birthday. You are a natural leader and excellent at managing and directing others. Ever adventurous, you are self-assured and diplomatic, which is why others listen to you. You have humanitarian values at heart. In a nine-year cycle, this is your ninth year, which means it is a time of endings and letting go of what is no longer really relevant in your life.
With a comfortable lead over the Indians in the AL Central approaching double digits, it only makes sense to think about October.
White Sox manager Tony La Russa doesn’t like going there, though. A baseball lifer, he swears the baseball gods exist — up in the sky, probably, judging by his glances in that direction when he mentions them — waiting for opportunities to punish baseball people who make assumptions.
Like the postseason is a lock.
With a 9 1/2 game lead over the Indians in early August going into their 9-1 loss to the Royals before 22,793 fans at Guaranteed Rate Field Wednesday, the Sox should be making preparations for October, and the first one involves keeping their starting rotation as fresh as possible. To that end, Wednesday starter Lucas Giolito started on six days rest instead of the usual four, a night after Dylan Cease did the same.
Veteran lefty Dallas Keuchel is actually building in step with a mapped out plan that began during spring training, so he will start on four days rest in the series finale against the Royals Thursday. Lance Lynn will face the Cubs on six days rest Friday at Wrigley Field and Carlos Rodon, who hasn’t pitched beyond four innings in his last two starts with lower velocity readings, pitches on eight days rest Saturday.
While the Indians were losing to the Blue Jays, the Sox entered Wednesday matching their largest lead of the season and the biggest lead in baseball’s six divisions. They were trying to move 20 games over .500 for the fifth time this season.
“It just makes sense,” La Russa said. “When pitching a baseball, as a starting pitcher especially, when you go out there and you’re successful and you get into the last part of the game, it’s a lot of effort and you repeat that every fifth day, it seems like it’s four days rest but it really isn’t, they’re working.
“Most of the time it’s mental as well as physical.”
The starting rotation is the backbone of this team, and it needs to be cared for. Sox starters led the AL in ERA (3.35), strikeouts (660), strikeouts per nine innings (10.15), opponents on-base (.287), slugging (.371), OPS (.658) and WHIP (1.14). The rotation has allowed two runs or fewer in 67 games, the most in the AL.
All-Stars Lynn (2.07) and Rodon (2.49) are first and second in ERA.
Giolito was rounding into his 2019 All-Star form with a 1.71 ERA over his previous four starts but was off kilter Wednesday, allowing three home runs, six runs and eight hits (no walks). Ordinarily, La Russa would have tried to get another inning out of his starter but he pulled Giolito after four innings and 81 pitches.
Edward Olivares, Carlos Santana and Michael Taylor hit homers against Giolito, who had allowed one homer in five July starts. His ERA climbed from 3.67 to 3.98.
Royals righty Carlos Hernandez allowed one run on two hits over five innings, the run coming on Jose Abreu’s 19th homer. Abreu is four homers shy of Harold Baines (221) for fourth on the Sox’ all-time list. Abreu also had a routing throw from second baseman Cesar Hernandez glance off his glove for an error.
Ryan O’Hearn’s two-run homer against Jose Ruiz hiked the Royals lead to 8-1.
Giolito simply wasn’t at his best, recording two strikeouts and getting 10 swings and misses. He led the AL with 335 swinging strikes going in.
“He wasn’t right,” La Russa said. “He usually makes pitches but he had trouble locating pitches. Just a tough night. Same thing for our offense, four hits. We got beat.
“A guy goes out there 30-something times you’re going to have a game like that. Man is not a machine.”
One of the beer fests hoping to launch this weekend.
Some of the beer spots in the Chicago area have already resumed masking requirements for entry, some going as far to require proof of vaccination. So far, I have not seen any of these public events get postponed or cancelled yet. But it’s a good idea to check an establishment’s website, or to call ahead. We’d sure hate to see these resumed beer festivals get called off again, so mask up!
Friday, August 6
Chicago Brewing District’s Dancing In The Streets 1700-1800 W. Hubbard St., Chicago Map Friday, August 6th; 5pm-10pm Saturday, August 7th, 1pm-10pm Sunday, August 8th, 1pm-10pm $10 suggested donation Dancing In The Streets is the brainchild of On Tour Brewing Co. founder, and major jam band fan, Mark Legenza. The West Town Chamber of Commerce works with On Tour Brewing and the Chicago Brewing District to produce this one of a kind craft beer and live music event. Dancing In The Streets is the name of the event, and also a popular Grateful Dead song. The event dates were chosen specifically to coincide with the “Days Between” which is the name of the week celebrating the memory of Jerry Garcia between August 1st, Jerry Garcia’s birthday, and August 9th, the date that Garcia passed away. The event features a robust craft beer menu with over a dozen varieties from the Chicago Brewing District. 2021 Beer Menu $8.00 Regular (14 ounce) • $4.00 Taster (7 ounce) On Tour Brewing Co. Lightning Will Pilsner • Typical Daydream • Mercury Midwest Coast Brewing Co. English Sporting Beer • Gummy Bandit – Blueberry Lemon Sour Ale Great Central Brewing Co. Helles Lager Goose Island Beer Co. 312 Lemonade Shandy • 312 Urban Wheat Ale • Goose Island IPA Forbidden Root Restaurant and Brewery Strawberry Basil Hefeweizen Finch Beer Co. Tacocat Kettle Sour • 606 Pale Ale Big Drop Brewing Co. Non-Alcoholic IPA (12 ounce can) OTHER OFFERINGS: White Claw Hard Seltzer Watermelon (12 ounce can) • Red Sangria • Boxed Water Full details at westtownchamber.org/dancing-in-the-streets
2:00 – 7:00 pm • Food Truck Friday w/ Arnold’s Tacos Werk Force Brewing, 14903 S. Center St., Plainfield, IL (815) 531-5557 Map Arnold’s Tacos will be joining us this Friday, August 6th from 2-7pm! Tacos, Burritos and Nachos galore! Swing by for some beers and stay awhile for some great food!
4:00 – 6:00 pm • Pollyanna Tap Takeover! Orange & Brew Bottle Shop & Tap, 1027 Burlington Ave., Downers Grove, IL (630) 541-3880 Map Join us as we let our friends from Pollyanna take over our tap lines (and slushee machine!)! They’ll be at the shop talking beer and handing out swag. We’ll have Prickly Pear Candy Sour, Summerly, Lexical Gap, the GABF award-winning Lite Thinking, and a taproom exclusive hazy IPA flowing. And we’ll have the return of the 2021 Summerly Slushee, too!
4:30 – 7:30 pm • Food Truck: Stix & Noodles Plank Road Tap Room, 39W149 Plank Rd., Elgin, IL 224-238-3527 Map Stix and Noodles is bringing a bounty of fare from the Philippines to foodies throughout the area. This truck’s the perfect pit-stop for those looking to expand their cultural palate one dish at a time. The menu serves up some of the most popular Filipino street foods, each dish packed with all the bold spices typical of the region. Start your meal off with some lumpia, crispy egg rolls stuffed with well-seasoned pork and a blend of veggies. YUM! PRTR is 21+ only. Children are not allowed on premise. Beer garden and parking are for tap room guest only. We kindly ask that if you are only purchasing food, please order to-go.
5:00 pm • Embers & Ashes – Fire & Smoke BBQ Collab Release Party Riverlands Brewing Co., 1860 Dean St. Unit A, St. Charles, IL (630) 549-6293 Map Beer and BBQ go hand in hand. So it only makes sense to collab with the area’s best on a new smoked beer, and to party hard when it’s ready to release. THE SHORT STORY: About a month ago, we brewed up a grodziskie, a Polish-style smoked wheat ale, with our friends at Fire & Smoke BBQ Company. For this uncommon traditional style, we used wheat smoked right here on site by F&S themselves. The result is a light, refreshing, but dreamily smoking beer that is PERFECT to pair with BBQ. Luckily, F&S will be here serving up their awesome eats as well. The party starts around 5pm when we tap the keg and get our meat sweats on. THE LONG STORY: Our romance with Fire & Smoke BBQ Company is well documented. We love everything Mikey and Amanda do, from both the food side AND just being amazing people. They recent raised over $1000 to help out our mutual friends in need (Skeleton Key Brewery) and are ALWAYS giving back to their community in one way or another. Now, it’s our turn. Last weekend, they were hit hard themselves. They atteneded a festival that was supposed to host 25k people. They prepped for 2k, knowing other vendors would be there and that attendance may not reach that number. Sadly, they only served about 250 people. For a BBQ company, that’s devastating any day, let alone when meat prices are this high. BBQ cannot be reused another day. They took a massive financial hit on a day that was supposed to take them to a new level of success. Come out and support some of the good guys in the world…and have the chance to eat some fantastic BBQ and pair it with our collab beer. It’s going to be a great time
7:00 – 9:00 pm • An Evening with ZümBier and A Cuban Experience ZümBier, 3232 Monroe St., Waukegan, IL 847-420-7313 Map Join us at ZümBier for a fun night of beer and cigars!!! Pair your favorite Craft Beer with a Premium Cigar and enjoy the evening. New to beer or cigars?? No problem, you have the best experts of both at your service!!
8:15 pm • Backyard Movie Night Side Lot Brewery, 110 Slocum Lake Rd., Wauconda, IL 847-714-2584 Map Side Lot Brewery is excited to bring back Backyard Movie Nights. With school starting just around the corner, this movie night will feature Ferris Buehler’s Day Off. Reservations are strongly recommended. Make reservations at SideLotBrewing.com Movie Nights are Weather Permitting.
9:00 pm • Drive-In, Dinner, and Drinks Rock Island Public House, 13328 S. Olde Western Ave., Blue Island, IL 708-388-5513 Map We kick off our Italian weekend with Big Night! (No movie Saturday, we are hosting a private event)
Saturday, August 7
9:00 am – 4:00 pm • Beer Pickup at Energy City! Energy City Brewing, 917 First St., Batavia, IL 630-597-5581 Map This Saturday, it’s the return of two classics: Pineapple & Orange Zephyr Turbine and Mango’rine Sorbet IPA! See our full lineup below, and welcome August with some fruited craft beers Available: Zephyr Turbine – Pineapple, Orange & Citra Hops, fruited American Sour Ale (6.5% ABV). Mango’rine Sorbet IPA – Mango, Tangerine & Citra Hops, NEIPA (6.8% ABV) Mango Strawberry MOSA, Hard Seltzer Smoothie (6.5% ABV) Apple Cranberry Crumble MOSA, Hard Seltzer Smoothie (6.5% ABV) Bistro Orange Meringue Pie – Orange, Lemon & Vanilla, fruited Berliner Weisse (6.5% ABV) Bistro Blackberry Pancakes – Blackberry & Maple Syrup, fruited Berliner Weisse (6.5% ABV) Crimson Guava Sorbet IPA – Pink Guava & Blood Orange IPA w/ Sabro hops (6.5% ABV) New beer is available for online pre-order via shop.energycitybrewing.com Drive-thru beer pickup time: Saturday, August 7th from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
12:30 – 4:00 pm • Wheaton Brew Fest 2021 Memorial Park, 208 W. Union Ave, Wheaton, IL Map We are back in 2021! VIP | 12:30-4:30P • General Admission | 1:30-4:30P Celebrating its 10th year, Wheaton’s outdoor craft beer fest returns to Memorial Park featuring more than 60 unique brews from more than 35 local and national breweries. The band, Nerdvana, will take the stage from 2:30-4P. All guests must be at least 21 years of age with a valid ID for entry. A portion of the proceeds benefits CASA of DuPage and the DuPage County Historical Museum. Advanced Tickets through Eventbrite: VIP | $75 • VIP Designated Driver | $35 General Admission | $50 • General Admission Designated Driver | $20 Door Sales Starting at 11A on Saturday, August 7 (Subject to Availability) VIP | $100 • VIP Designated Driver | $50 General Admission | $75 • General Admission Designated Driver | $25 VIP TICKETS INCLUDE 12:30P event entry • Exclusive access to four premium craft beers • Private VIP area with two-hour food buffet • It’s Our Beer-themed event shirt • Commemorative pint glass • 32, 2oz samples VIP Designated Driver tickets include three non-alcoholic drinks and no beer samples. Commemorative pint glass available from the merchandise area at the conclusion of the fest. GENERAL ADMISSION TICKETS INCLUDE 1:30P event entry • Commemorative pint glass • 32, 2oz samples General Admission Designated Driver tickets include three non-alcoholic drinks and no beer samples. Commemorative pint glass available from the merchandise area at the conclusion of the fest. All tickets are non-refundable but can be transferred if requested at least 24 hours in advance of the start of the fest. Tickets are sold at the gate only if available. Pets or animals not permitted. Properly identified service animals are permitted with advanced notice. In accordance with the Illinois Liquor Commission Guidelines, only the equivalent of two (2) beverages can be distributed to a Brew Fest participant at one time. All guests will receive their initial 16 taste card on arrival. Once the card is complete, participants may return to a merchandise tent to obtain the 2nd tasting card at no additional charge. Wheaton Brew Fest reserves the right to refuse additional tastings to individuals exhibiting signs of over-intoxication in accordance with the Illinois Liquor Commission Rules and Guidelines. Changes in Restore Illinois Phase 5 Guidelines could potentially impact this year’s Wheaton Brew Fest.
1:00 – 5:00 pm • Old Irving Park Beer & BBQ Challenge 2021 (Sold Out) St. Viator Elementary School and Parish, 4140 W. Addison St., Chicago Map The Old Irving Park Beer and BBQ Challenge is Chicago’s ultimate craft beer and BBQ pairing competition. We pair 15 talented brewers & 15 pitmasters from the local area to deliver the ultimate Beer and BBQ pairing. You sample good local craft beer, taste some of the best BBQ in Chicago, and you vote on the best pairing of the two. The ultimate winners are the kids at St Viator Elementary School & Parish in Chicago. 100% of the proceeds go to St Viator. Tickets currently sold out: beerbbqchallenge.com
1:00 – 7:00 pm • Naperville Food Truck Festival Naper Settlement, downtown Naperville, IL Map Hey Foodies, we’ve missed you! We’re returning to the Naper Settlement – the heart of downtown Naperville, to bring you the 2nd Annual Naperville Food Truck Festival. This years event will feature 30+ of the area’s best food trucks, live DJ entertainment, face painter, beer garden, bubble artist and a vendor village featuring local businesses. This is a family friendly event with entertainment for kids and everyone can enjoy the historical grounds. We’ll be transferring all tickets to the new event dates for anyone who bought a ticket to the 2020 Naperville Food Truck Festival. Want first dibs at your favorite food trucks? We are offering an Early Eater Ticket ($10 in advance online or $15 on event day). Join us from 11am-1pm for exclusive access to the trucks before the general admission session begins @ 1pm. Kids 10 & under are free with a paying adult. General Admission into the #NFTF will be $5 in advance online and $10 on event day. Kids 10 & under are free with a paying adult. Eat for a great cause! A portion of the proceeds from the #NFTF will benefit Community Access Naperville and their mission to empower people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to work in, contribute to, and enjoy their community. This event is outdoors with large grassy areas for guest seating. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and/or blankets. Some on-site seating will be available. Ticket sales, and a full vendor list, at Enventbrite.
7:00 pm • Hops for Haiti Fran and Linda Leeman’s backyard, Plainfield, IL Map New Life for Haiti is excited to announce the event of the summer! Join us for an engaging evening on Saturday, August 7th, in the backyard oasis of Fran and Linda Leeman for award-winning beer, delicious finger foods, inspiring stories, and fun. You don’t want to miss the impact you’ll make when joining us at 7 PM on August 7th. All proceeds will go directly to our Village of Hope Orphanage – a refuge for orphans and children coming out of domestic servitude. Limited number of tickets. Get yours today. (As this is a private home, the address is in the ticket link).
7:30 – 9:30 pm • South of Roosevelt Shorts Whiner Beer Co., 1400 W. 46th St., Chicago 312-810-2271 Map 8 short films from the south side of Chicago will be showcased in an explosive and provocative outdoor screening of some of the best independent film artists working on city’s south side. Please join us at the Whiner Beer Company on August 7th from 7:30 – 9:30 PM for great cinema and great beer. The films are: Flight Logs; Director – Brian Ashby The Testament; Director – Brandon K Calhoun Redlining; Director – Mariah Woods Dinner in Hyde Park; Director – Jon Silver Devastating Paternity Secrets Revealed at the Auto Show; Director – Lance Eliot Adams We Are Witnesses: Xavier; Director – Maggie Bowman Chosen People; Director – Qihui Wu The New Mother; Director – Eleva Singleton This is a free screening with a suggested donation of $5.00. Seating first come, first serve. In the event of rain, there is an indoor backup space available.
Sunday, August 8
10:00 am • Barre + Brew Elmhurst Brewing Co., 171 N. Addison Ave., Elmhurst, IL 630-834-2739 Map Join us for a workout at 10am for Barre + Brew! Pure Barre will have a pop up in the Beergarden and for those that stick around after, enjoy 10% off your bill! Sign up via the Pure Barre app.
12:00 – 5:00 pm • Sunday Fun Day The Beer and Now, 2801 Ogden Ave., Ste 7, Lisle, IL (630) 946-6660 Map Every Sunday stop by for $1 off all draft beers!
12:00 – 4:00 pm • Pilot Project Fest Pilot Project Brewing, 2140 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago (773) 270-5995 Map Tickets $45 on Eventbrite. Join us for Pilot Project Brewing’s first annual Beer Fest! Pilot Project Brewing is the country’s first dedicated brewery incubator and launchpad for start-up brewing businesses. Our inaugural Pilot Project Fest 2021 will feature 12 of our brewery start-ups, partners and collaborators, and will offer samples of their most popular beer, cider, and hard kombucha offerings. The indoor/outdoor event taking place at Pilot Project in Logan Square will also feature local Chicago food vendors, music, and more. Admission includes beer samplings from all of our vendors during event hours, a custom festival glass, with food and coffee sold separately. Tickets are non-refundable. Must be 21+ to enter and all guests will be carded at the door upon arrival. Participating Breweries: Pilot Project Brewing, Azadi Brewing Company, Histrionic Brewlab, Odious Cellars, Dutchbag Brew Co., Brewer’s Kitchen, Ørkenoy, Brother Chimp Brewing, ROVM Hard Kombucha, Luna Bay Hard Kombucha, Eris Brewery & Cider House, Overgrown Orchard
12:00 – 8:00 pm • TORNADO Relief Fundraiser at BHBC Black Horizon Brewing Co., 7560 S. Quincy St., Willowbrook, IL (630) 413-4964 Map Featuring music by Matt Strom, Zac from Zac & Eli, Ric Butley, Rob Lane, Mike Rawls, and Cheryl Rodey. Ayala’s Empanadas Pop-Up, 1-5pm. See the Facebook events page for codes to fundraising links.
2:00 pm • Sunflower Welcome Sign Sip & Paint Two Pints Lounge, 641 E. Boughton Rd. #110, Bolingbrook, IL (630) 739-3000 Map Primer Painters Presents…… Sunflower Welcome sign paint & sip You will have the opportunity to come paint with us on Sunday. Cost: $40.00 includes all materials (except sealant) To Register: text/ call Sue at 630 864 7972 no later than August 5th to reserve your board. Must have a board reserved to attend. Payment due at registration.
3:00 – 5:00 pm • Trivia Night at Noon Whistle Lombard Noon Whistle Brewing, 800 E. Roosevelt Rd., Lombard, IL (630) 376-6895 Map Are you tired of sitting at home answering every question correct on Jeopardy with nothing to show for it? Come out for our General Knowledge trivia night and join your host as they quiz your teams through two full hours of general knowledge trivia, including awesome themed bonus rounds and music rounds! While we’re testing your wit, Cellar Door will be keeping you fueled up an incredible food menu and delicious drinks all night, PLUS the top teams will win bragging rights and prizes, so bring your friends, family, and even your enemies (if they’re good at trivia) to increase your chances of winning. Be sure to get there early and snag your team a spot and fuel up with some drinks, see you soon! Please follow ALL Covid-19 guidelines and restrictions put in place by the venue, and here are a few extra tips:
Please bring your own pen/pencil. Our host will have pencils just in case, but it would be best to use your own for everyone’s safety & comfort.
The questions will be read by your host over our PA system, but may not be displayed on a screen if one is not easily available.
Any and all rules/restrictions are subject to change.
9:00 pm • Drive In, Dinner, and Drinks Rock Island Public House, 13328 Olde S. Western Ave., Blue Island, IL 708-388-5513 Map In tribute to St. Donatus weekend, we’ll end Italian Weekend with A Bronx Tale! Everyone’s favorite Red’s The People’s Pie is back, 6p – 11p! Get here before they sell out!
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Meet The Blogger
Mark McDermott
Writer, trivia maven, fan of many things. I thought to learn all there is to know about beer as a way to stay interested in learning. It is my pleasure to bring Chicago’s craft beer scene to you.
A man was wounded while riding in a vehicle Wednesday in West Town on the Near West Side.
The passenger, 28, was riding in a vehicle just before 6 p.m. northbound in the 300 block of North Loomis when someone opened fire, Chicago Police said.
The man was shot multiple times in his left leg and groin, police said. He was taken to Stroger Hospital and is listed in critical condition.
No one was in custody, and Area Three detectives are investigating.
On Monday, a man was fatally shot about a mile-and-a-half away.
Around 2:35 a.m., the man, 34, was found on the ground in the 1400 block of West Division Street with multiple gunshot wounds to his back, police said. He was pronounced dead at the scene. He was identified as James Madrid of West Town by the Cook County medical examiner’s office.
LOS ANGELES — Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts will likely miss the band’s upcoming U.S. tour to allow him to recover from an unspecified medical procedure.
A spokesperson for the musician said the procedure was “completely successful” but that Watts needs time to recuperate. The Stones are set to resume their No Filter tour with a stadium show on Sept. 26 in St. Louis.
“With rehearsals starting in a couple of weeks it’s very disappointing to say the least, but it’s also fair to say no one saw this coming,” a spokesperson for Watts said in a statement.
Watts, 80, said in a statement he did not want his recovery to further delay the tour, which is set to visit several U.S. cities including Dallas, Atlanta, Los Angeles and Las Vegas. He will be replaced by understudy Steve Jordan, who has played with Keith Richards for years.
“For once my timing has been a little off. I am working hard to get fully fit but I have today accepted on the advice of the experts that this will take a while,” Watts said. “After all the fans’ suffering caused by Covid I really do not want the many RS fans who have been holding tickets for this Tour to be disappointed by another postponement or cancellation. I have therefore asked my great friend Steve Jordan to stand in for me.”
Watts successfully underwent treatment for throat cancer in 2004.
He’s been the drummer for the Stones since the band formed in 1962.
Whether you’re a northside nut or a southside supporter, we can all agree that some of the best regular season baseball comes with the Crosstown Classic. So don’t expect the 2021 Crosstown Classic to be any different.
This year, the Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox continue their rivalry with a schedule of six games. The first three take place at Wrigley Field from August 6-8. Then, at the end of the month, they’ll head over to Guaranteed Rate Field for another three game series from August 27-29.
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Throughout the history of the Crosstown Classic, the teams took the field for 128 regular season games with the White Sox holding a 2 game advantage. As one of the top teams in baseball, they’ll look to build on that advantage in the 2021 Crosstown Classic. But, before we see how those games play out, let’s take a look at some of the top Crosstown Classic moments from history!
The 2008 Crosstown Classic was the first instance where both teams faced each other in first place. After the first three games in Wrigley, the Chicago Cubs had the upper hand as they swept the Sox at home. That changed quickly though, as the White Sox took the next three games at their home field back when they still called it US Cellular Field. In the 2008 season, both teams made the playoffs, which hadn’t happened simultaneously since 1906. If you recall (you won’t) the Cubs and White Sox faced off in the World Series that year, and the southsiders walked away with the crown.
Aramis Ramierez Walk-Off Bomb
Game one of the 2008 Crosstown Classic series ended with a bang. In the bottom of the 9th, Aramis Ramierez stepped up into the batter’s box to face White Sox reliever Scott Linebrink. Down 1 run with a man on first and a 1-0 count, Ramierez earned his game check that day as he cranked one over the center of the ivy wall at Wrigley. It would end up being his second home run of the day.
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Carlos Lee Grand Slam Finisher
Speaking of walk-offs, Carlos Lee became a southside hero on June 18, 2001 when he sent one deep in the bottom of the 10th inning. Facing a 1-0 count, 2 outs, and the bases loaded, Lee sent his first career grand slam to the stands in left field. After the celebrations and fireworks, he would go on to continue to wreak havoc on the Cubs when they played. We’re just hoping we get to see at least one walk-off in the 2021 Crosstown Classic.
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Michael Jordan Takes The Field
Chicago Cubs fans may despise the White Sox organization and it’s players, but no one up north could refuse to take part in the standing ovation for this Chicago sports legend. Before the official start of Crosstown Classic games, the Cubs and White Sox would play in exhibition games where non-starters mostly played. And in 1994, Chicago sports legend Michael Jordan started for the Sox against the Cubs. Jordan, like usual, didn’t disappoint and went 2-5 at the plate with 2 RBIs.
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The Barrett vs Pierzynski Brawl
No Cubs and White Sox rivalry moments list would be complete without the famous Michael Barrett and AJ Pierzynski fight. Which means this list of throwbacks ahead of the 2021 Crosstown Classic will end as expected.
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On May 20, 2006, a battle of the catchers broke out when AJ Pierzynski was sent barreling home on a sacrifice fly hit by Brian Anderson. In his successful attempt at scoring, Pierzynski pummeled Cubs catcher Michael Barret into the ground and forced him to lose the ball. He then slapped the plate before receiving a solid sucker punch to the face. Both catchers, the batter, and Cubs first baseman John Mabry were ejected from the game. Once play resumed after the fight, the Sox loaded the bases and cleared them with a grand slam. They would win that game 7-0.
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