CHICAGO — Happy Friday, Chicago! It might rain later, but in case it does not, we have some ways to start your weekend off right.
1. Go to a Real Fiesta: Fiesta del Sol kicked off yesterday in Pilsen. Billed as the largest Latino festival in the Midwest, there are carnival rides (even rollercoasters), a lot of food, soccer, art, live music — there's just a lot of stuff happening. If it does rain Friday, try again Saturday or Sunday. See the full lineup here. Free. Open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday at 1400 W. Cermark Rd.
2. Learn About the Cool Queer Youth of Chicago: The About Face Youth Theater will perform "Checking Boxes" in Rogers Park tonight. From the theater: "Through storytelling, spoken word and movement, these talented young artists share experiences of coming out, growing up and pursuing the American Dream." Free. Starts at 7 p.m. at Willye B. White Park, 1610 W. Howard St.
3. Kayak in Chinatown: Ditch work (and the Lollapalooza tourist crowds) a bit early and rent a kayak. Urban Kayak has a Downtown spot, but they now rent out of Ping Tom Park's boathouse as well. Get some awesome Chinese food afterward. $30 per hour for a single kayak. Open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday through Sunday at Ping Tom Park, 1700 S. Wentworth Ave.
4. Play Games While Drinking Beers: Head to the beer garden at Happy Village, snag a picnic table and BYO board game. You can hang out, drink cheap beer (or nicer beer if you're feelin' fancy) and play Cards Against Humanity with pals. Hungry? You can order food to the bar or pick something up and bring it with you. Open 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Fridays at 1059 N. Wolcott Ave.
5. Watch a Movie on Your Porch: Sometimes going out on Friday is hard, but you also feel lame staying in. Pour yourself a glass of wine, fire up the MacBook and watch something summery on your porch (if you have one you lucky jerk). Netflix comes out with a whole new batch of movies today, so get streaming. Our pick is "Spice World" and we are not ashamed. Free. At your place. Send us the address and we're coming over.
