FESTIVAL SEASON BEGINS
Maypole wrapping, keg tapping, haggis tossing: And you thought summer festivals were all cover bands and hot dogs. (Speaking of, Lake View reveals a sense of humor with its inaugural Sausage Fest).
DETAILS:
ART, STREET, AND CULTURAL FESTS
June 4–5 Sausage Fest Chicago. Noon–10. $5–$7. Sheffield and Addison. chicagoevents.com.
June 2–5 Maifest Chicago. With Maypole weaving and a Hofbräu keg tapping. Fri at 8. Thu 5–9:30, Fri 5–11, Sat noon–11, Sun noon–10. Free. Lincoln and Leland. mayfestchicago.com.
June 17–18 Scottish Festival and Highland Games. With whiskey samplings and a haggis-hurling contest. Fri 4–10, Sat 8–9. $9–$17. Hamilton Lakes, Interstate 290 and Thorndale, Itasca. chicago-scots.org.
June 18 Hop Juice Festival. Two Brothers taps its summer brew. Sat noon–11. Free. Two Brothers Tap House. 30W315 Calumet, Warrenville. hopjuicefestival.com.
Photography: Edd Westmacott/istockphoto; Thomas Sarradet/istockphoto; Jon Larson/istockphoto; Charles Islander/istockphoto
THE DETECTIVE’S WIFE
The follow-up to Keith Huff’s A Steady Rain premieres at Writers’ Theatre. Prepare for the critical flood.
DETAILS:
Through July 31 In his much anticipated follow-up to A Steady Rain, the Mad Men scribe Keith Huff continues Rain’s cop saga with a detective story in which said detective has been murdered, leaving behind a widow determined to solve the crime. Previews through June 14. All tickets $45–$60. Writers’ Theatre at Books on Vernon, 664 Vernon, Glencoe. writerstheatre.org.
CHICAGO LANDMARK PROJECT
Theatre Seven commissions 12 short plays by 12 up-and-comers (Laura Jacqmin, Brett Neveu), set at 12 Chicago intersections. Though not $12, tickets start at a very neighborly $15.
DETAILS:
June 2–July 10 It’s an intriguing concept: a dozen new plays, each based on a Chicago intersection. Among the writers whose geographical stylings we’re keen to see: Jamil Khoury (Chicago Lawn), Marisa Wegrzyn (Loop), Laura Jacqmin (Logan Square), and Brett Neveu (Lincoln Square). Two programs run in repertory: $15–$30 per night. Theatre Seven at Greenhouse Theater, 2257 N Lincoln. theatreseven.org.
Photograph: Amanda Clifford
MORTON ARBORETUM
Urban farming, urban chicken keeping. What’s next: urban hiking and fishing? Yes.
DETAILS:
June 3–4, 11, 18–19 Just the Guys Bike and Hike Overnight opens the Arb afterhours for a pre–Father’s Day adventure. Fri at 6:30 to Sat at 9. $51.
June 11, 18–19 Aspiring anglers, BYO pole for a morning of catch-and-release fishing, bait provided. At 7:30, $17. See website for full schedule. Grounds open daily 7 to sunset. $8–$11; Wed $5–$7. 4100 Rte 53, Lisle. mortonarb.org.
A WALK THROUGH TIME
Think of it as The Real Housewives of Prairie Avenue: Glessner House’s 125th birthday anchors this guided stroll, but it’s the tour’s seven private residences we can’t wait to peek inside.
DETAILS:
June 12–October 1 Just one year younger than Frank Lloyd Wright’s Robie House five miles to the south, HH Richardson’s stellar Glessner kicks off its centennial with an evening soiree (June 1 at 6; $15), followed by a Prairie Avenue tour featuring peeks inside seven private residences (June 12 at 1; $50). See website for full schedule. 1800 S Praire. glessnerhouse.org.
Photograph: William Tyre