We all have our reasons for not going to FEST. Some don’t like the artists, some don’t like the atmosphere and some don’t want to go through the Hunger Games-esque process of getting FEST tickets. Whatever the reason is, those people who aren’t going to the concert shouldn’t worry about being holed up in their room and looking like a hermit-there is plenty for the FEST-less to do Friday, May 24. Friday night is always a night of plenty to do, so here’s a few things you could preoccupy yourself with around Chicago.
Electric Daisy Carnival
In Joliet, a three-day festival of epic proportions begins. The kickoff to the Chicago summer festival season begins with an electronic dance music festival featuring huge names like Kaskade, Noisia and Avicii. There seems to be no information on who exactly is lined up for Friday, but if you are feeling like you have to hear the wub-wub, this would be a great place to do so. You can still buy a one- day ticket for $89 and even get a shuttle from DePaul to Joliet for an additional $55; if you don’t feel like listening to just two artists that do electronic music, go listen to a whole days’ worth.
Research for Champions League Final
While some will be getting over hangovers and pounding headaches, those who do not indulge in FEST have the advantage of having time to get excited over the Champions League Final. One of the biggest matches of the soccer year, involving huge German rivals Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, takes place on Fox at 1:45 p.m. Watching the sporting event may not be your cup of tea if you aren’t into Germany or sports, until you factor in how lively the bars around Chicago will be for this event. A few notable ones to go to would be Cleo’s on Chicago Avenue, or Prost! on Diversey Avenue.
White Sox
Take the Green Line down to 35th/Bronzeville/IIT to see the White Sox take on the Miami Marlins at their Throwback to 1983 Night Friday at 7:10 p.m.. If you hate baseball or you hate the White Sox, then just suffer through it for the great fireworks show after the game; tickets are really cheap. Upper deck tickets go as low as $7, so why miss out on a great value to see some great fireworks or baseball?
Second City
If you feel like laughing all night, you should take advantage of the legendary Second City comedy club. They host their show “We’re All In This Room Together” at 8 p.m. at 1608 N. Wells St. , just off of the Sedgwick Brown Line stop. The show was written by the performers and Aidy Bryant, who writes for “Saturday Night Live.” The variety show, which plays off of our times lack of social interaction outside of social media, has won Chicago’s most prestigious honors. If you still aren’t impressed, remember that this is the company that produced such stars like Tina Fey, Steve Carell and Scott Adsit. You are guaranteed to laugh the night away at this show for $23.
“Book of Mormon”
One of the hottest musicals in history, “The Book of Mormon” continues its run in Chicago at the Bank of America Theater. The critically acclaimed show, written by “South Park” creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker, won numerous Tony Awards as well as a Grammy Award. If you are a stranger to “South Park,” you might be shocked by the kind of humor used in the musical, but you will no doubt laugh. The show has such a following that for most Chicago dates, tickets are almost impossible to find, however you are in luck for Friday. The cheapest tickets are $65, but it is a small price to pay for such outstanding entertainment.
