Things to do for August 14, 2008

The Weekender

The Weekend Starts Here

This weekend, strap yourself in and feel the Gs.

Thursday
Hart Davis Hart Champagne Tasting
THURSDAY BUBBLES

Hart Davis Hart Champagne Tasting

You made it to Thursday. Well done. To celebrate, join Chicago wine power-brokers Hart Davis Hart as they break out an amazing array of 20 top-notch sparklers at their annual champagne showcase. Don't forget to toast yourself.

411: $100, Aug 14, 6:30-8pm, Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave (near Adams), 9th Floor, 312-573-5597

Thursday
Bucktown Beer Pong Showdown
THURSDAY BEER

Bucktown Beer Pong Showdown

Ah, beer pong, sport of kings. And since the Olympics have stoked your competitive drive anyway, grab a buddy and head to Silver Cloud, which is launching a prestigious beer pong tourney. Cash prizes and beer beat gold medals any day.

411: $25 entry fee, Aug. 14, 8-10pm, Silver Cloud, 1700 N. Damen Ave (at Paulina), 773-489-6212

Saturday
Stacked Rack Sample & Overstock Sale
SATURDAY SALE-ING

Stacked Rack Sample & Overstock Sale

For the first time ever, menswear is available at Beta Boutique's popular off-site sample sale, meaning you'll find brands like Adidas and True Religion at 40-90 percent off. Make some room, ladies...

411: 10am-6pm, Aug 16, noon-5pm, Aug 17, 1552 N. Milwaukee Ave (between North and Honore), 2nd Floor

Saturday
Blues & Barbecue Festival
SATURDAY CUE

Blues & Barbecue Festival

Pork makes you happy. The blues can make you sad. See which force is stronger when the two are brought together at Sheffield's beer garden. Of course, if you need a tie breaker, there are plenty of craft brews on hand...

411: $20, Aug 16, noon-6pm, Sheffield's, 3258 N. Sheffield Ave (at School), 773-281-4989

Saturday
Air & Water Show Afterparty
SATURDAY POST-FLIGHT

Air & Water Show Afterparty

After taking in the aerial-and-aquatic splendor of Chicago's Air & Water Show, you could probably use a chaser. Slip into this Randolph Street lounge's evening benefit, whose DJ promises a different sort of sonic boom.

411: $20, 9pm-2am, Aug 15, Bon V, 1100 W. Randolph (at Aberdeen), 312-829-4805

Monday
Goose Island Brewpub Dinner
MONDAY PRE-BREW

Goose Island Brewpub Dinner

This monthly meta-fundraiser promises to sell out faster than usual: Among the star chefs coming are Paul Kahan and Brian Huston, providing the first sneak-peek taste of their Randolph Street Belgian spot, The Publican. Time for some charity work.

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