Things to do this week that don’t end in “palooza” | Chicago events and things to do

If you’re anything like me, you’re not going to Lollapalooza this weekend and that’s just fine with you. Let’s face it, you didn’t really want to go anyway (read: you forgot to buy tickets), and you’re better off doing something more original. Or maybe you sunburn easily. Or maybe you had a traumatizing fanny pack incident. Who knows? Let’s not dwell on any alleged skin and style deficiencies. Unless, you want to stay holed up watching 2012 Olympic streams, you can hit up these one-of-a-kind events and forget that your favorite band is playing next to your second-favorite band across town. Plus it takes some balls (or poor planning) to have an event during the city’s largest music fest.

Raks Geek—Geek + Bellydance + Fire

Running the geek gamut from Doctor Who to Super Mario Bros. this sci-fi and video-gamed fueled show combines bellydancing, fire spinning with all your favorite characters to create a one-of-a-kind hodge podge of pop-culture potpourri. Or something. Plus there’s a TARDIS with a lightsaber. If you know what I’m saying. Viaduct Theater, 3111 N Western Ave (773-296-6024, raksgeek.com). Fri 3—Sat 4, 11pm—12:30am; $15, VIP $35, students $10.

 

Out of Site

In a piece entitled Revisited, artist Alexandria Eregbu is inviting viewers to become part of the art from this weekly series of “unexpected encounters of public performance,” by laying on the ground with Eregbu and other performers in a public place. Watch (or don’t… cause you can’t), as passerby simultaneously gawk and ignore this passive spectacle. Warning: you may still sunburn here. Polish Triangle, 1210 N Milwaukee Ave (outofsitechicago.com). Fri 3, 5pm—7pm; free.

Evanston Mini Maker Faire

Head north and get away from that rabble emanating from Grant Park at this creator-centric faire. DIY meets technology as inventors of all ages take show and tell to a whole other level. Hopefully, someone brings a time machine and you can still make it to that thing you didn’t want to go to anyway. Evanston, Maple Ave and University Pl (makerfaireevanston.com). Sat 4, 6pm—10pm; Sun 5, 10am—6pm; free.

 

It's Miller Time On Us

Not satisfied with creating sexist beer commercials, Miller Light is looking to be at the forefront of name-ism. That's okay with us. It's offering legal-drinking-aged folks and their friends $25 in free beer if your first, middle or last name is "Miller." Comb through your contact list and make a new best friend for a night, you name-ist pig. NBC Plaza, 401 N Michigan Ave (millerlite.com/millername). Sat 4, 1pm—4pm; free.