An adults-only after-hours event at Adler and a $5 burger at a lunch pop-up lead our list of what to do this weekend.
Comeback Kesha
Yes, it’s going down, and yes, you can yell about it—not “timber!,” necessarily—because Kesha is officially back. The pop star has effectively been on hiatus for four years following her sexual assault allegations against producer Dr. Luke, but she recently dropped her defiant comeback single, “Praying,” with an LP planned for August. She’s also on tour as Kesha and the Creepies, and at 8 p.m. Friday, brings her resurgence to RiverEdge park in Aurora ($50). Tickets: riveredgeaurora.com
Stay up late at Adler
The planetarium (1300 S. Lake Shore Drive) invites adults each month to its Adler After Dark celebrations, which are not as X-rated as the title suggests. Rather, the $20-$25 events offer kid-free, themed gatherings for exploring the museum after hours. From 6:30-10:30 p.m. Thursday, this month’s sports-themed event includes a talk–from WGN Radio’s Adam Hoge and Northwestern University physicist Adam Miller–about the physical science of sports, imagining what those sports might be like in other places in the galaxy. Tickets: adlerplanetarium.org
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Keep on Tastin’
Not into weekend cooking? The Taste of River North can feed you for three days this weekend (5-10 p.m. Friday, noon-10 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday). Local vendors—including Big & Little’s, Ruth’s Chris and Da Lobsta—bring eats to the streets, while event sponsors Goose Island and Stella Artois have the beverages handled. A lineup of popular local tribute bands will serenade guests throughout the weekend. Head to Ward Park (corner of N. Kingsbury and W. Erie streets), and bring a $5 suggested donation for admission. More information: tasteofrivernorth.com
Wubba-lubba-dub-brunch
Get yourself some Szechuan chicken nuggets and some edible “concentrated dark matter” when Headquarters Beercade (213 W. Institute Place) teams up with 3 Floyd’s brewery for a “Rick and Morty”-themed boozy brunch from noon-3 p.m. Sunday. Along with themed food, themed cocktails are available at extra cost, but the $37 ticket price opens a portal to a half-dozen Floyd’s brews, including $25 Million Man, Apocalypse Cow, Zombie Dust and War Pigs. Wear your best costume for a chance to win a contest with a prize as well. Tickets: hqrivernorth.com
Festival with all the fixings
The Sheffield Music Festival & Garden Walk is like several festivals in one place (corner of Sheffield and Webster avenues). Count on the usual street festivities Saturday and Sunday from noon-10 p.m., like food booths and live music stages, plus an upgraded drink selection, as the Chicago Craft Beer Fest ($40) embeds itself in the event, bringing along more than 35 local brewers. Adults can also enjoy tours of local gardens and architecture, while kids will have an area for their own fun. The suggested admission donation is $10. More information: sheffieldgardenwalk.com
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