34 things to do this weekend | July 29–31

Looking for something do to this weekend? We've rounded up some of this weekend's best things to do section-by-section, plus check out Your Perfect Weekend.

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Photo: Emily Rawdon

AROUND TOWN

Newberry Library Book Fair (Fri 29–Sun 31)
With bookstores dropping like flies, book fairs are one of the last places where you can stumble upon a good read without the help of an app or search engine. This weekend’s Newberry Library Book Fair offers 120,000 books in 70 categories, including excellent selections of cookbooks, Chicago-related tomes and paperbacks perfect for summer reading. Prices are based on a book’s rareness, which means that Stieg Larsson page-turner you’ve been meaning to buy should be a bargain.

Pierogi Fest (Fri 29-Sun 31)
Head out for a weekend of dumpling adoration and polka passion. In addition to watching dozens of Whiting denizens decked out in pierogi costumes, you can chow down on pierogi, compete in the Pierogi Toss and enter the Pierogi Eating Contest.

Taste of Lincoln Avenue (Sat 30, Sun 31)
Sample food from local Lincoln Avenue vendors including Etno Village Grill, Chicago Dog House, Clarke's, Select Cut Steakhouse and Grand Central, then shop for handmade goods at the Lill Street Craft Fair. Toad the Wet Sprocket, Sister Hazel and Carbon Leaf will perform.

Grant Park Music Festival (Fri 29, Sat 30)
Drop a blanket and unpack the wine and cheese: The sounds of Grant Park Orchestra serenade the crowds on Pritzker Pavilion's lawn. Expect good music and a laid-back atmosphere. For classical-music purists, ticketed seats are also available.

Windy City Rollers Season Bout 1 (Sat 30)
The Windy City Rollers have been selected to compete during travel season. Squads are a little different; butt-kicking remains the same. This doubleheader features WCR Second Wind versus the Gotham Girls' Wall Street Traitors, followed by WCR All-Stars against the Steel City Derby Demons at 7:30pm.

Beach Palooza (Sat 30)
You better be prepared in mind and body for this 5K obstacle course. The same people who brought us the Great Urban Race last weekend host this afternoon of challenges in the sand (think pool noodles, climbing nets and more). The worst part: They expect you to wear a silly pineapple hat. You might beat your friends, but you'll likely lose some sense of pride…we kid!

Millennium Park Workouts (Sat 30)
Munching on picnic food and watching great indie bands aren't the only activities to enjoy on the great lawn in Millennium Park. Get out early Saturday mornings this summer and enjoy four consecutive hours of classes presented in association with the Mayor's Fitness Council. Look forward to everything from tai chi to yoga to Pilates and dance classes led by instructors at top-notch studios such as Solao Fitness & Dance Studio and Core Chicago Pilates. Classes run through Sept 10. Find more information about classes at millenniumpark.org.