Your Chicago Curated Weekend: 9/22 – 9/25

Summer has officially come and gone but the weather is still beautiful. We're in the in between time where the unbearable heat has dissipated and before the freezing cold descends on us, so let's make the best of it. This week I've accidentally purposely  chosen pairs of events that relate to one another. This curated weekend is perfect if you're looking for block parties (312 Urban Block Party and Dusek's Blocktoberfest), pig in both traditional and uniquely new forms (Pig, Swig and Record Dig and Gapers Block's Hot Dog Cook Off), or just some place that doesn't demonize marijuana use (Big Lebowski Beer Party and High Phi: New and Original Works by Jim Pollock). Now let's get to why your curated weekend will be so fun. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22nd Big Lebowski Beer Party with Pipeworks Brewing @ The Logan Theatre, 2646 N Milwaukee Ave., 8:30PM - 11:30 WHAT: An evening with beer inspired by The Dude SO WHAT: Pipeworks Brewing Company has brewed another batch of their original white Russian milk stout, “Hey, Careful Man, There’s a Beverage Here”. Since it only comes around every so often, they’re throwing a Big Lewboski themed party for the occasion! There will be a Lebowski costume contest with prizes awarded for the best costume. The Pipeworks posse will be the judges. Cage And Aquarium Productions will be DJing live before Th Big Lebowski Screening at 10:30m. And yes, you too can have your White Russian stout at your side at all times (it’s fair game in Pipeworks’s party auditoriums). NOW WHAT: Put on your best cardigan, get you bowling ball, and avoid the nilihists as your party down with all the other appropriately dressed Dudes. Tickets are available here. FRIDAY - SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23rd - 24th 312 Urban Block Party @ Goose Island, 1800 W Fulton St., Friday 5:00PM - 10:00PM and Saturday 4:00PM - 10:00PM WHAT: The annual block party of Goose Island beer, food, and music SO WHAT: This year, the Goose Island Block party is bigger then ever. They will beer pouring fresh beer both days for only $3 and will have plenty of food to satisfy your palate.  Rare beers of seasons past will also be tapped throughout the weekend  to give the block party a taste of some of the best ales Goose Island has brewed. The band lineup is bigger than ever, featuring 14 amazing acts filling up the two days of fun. You can check out he full line up here. NOW WHAT: Dogs and Children not encouraged. This event is made for human adults 21+. There is a suggested donation of only $10 to your choice of one of the following five local charities: Chicago Canine Rescue, Chicago Parks Foundation, Greater Chicago Food Depository, Foundations Of Music, and the Chicago Blackhawks charities. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23rd High Phi: New and Original Works by Jim Pollock @ Galerie F, 2381 N Milwaukee Ave., 6:00PM - 10:00PM WHAT: New work from an interesting and valuable artist SO WHAT: Galerie F recently hosted a tremendously successful 30 Year Retrospective event focused on Jim Pollock’s long and illustrious career. Now they will be hosting a month-long exhibit (September 23 – October 23) that will feature brand new, never-before-seen work highlighting Pollock’s artistic activism and passion for the legalization and normalization of marijuana use in the United States. Through these art pieces, Pollock aims to change stereotypes surrounding artwork displayed in locations such as marijuana dispensaries by producing work that examines the botanical intricacies, vivid colors, and highly intellectual beauty in the many different varieties of this controversial plant. NOW WHAT: This gallery opening party is free and open to the public. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24th Pig, Swig and Record Dig @ Schubas, 3159 N Southport Ave., Noon - 4:00PM WHAT: Schubas’ sixth annual Pig, Swig & Record Dig! SO WHAT: Schubas parking lot will once again host the best place to eat pig, drink beer, and record dig. Yoiu’ll get a chance to browse a massive selection of new and vintage CDs & LPs from Chicago’s most trusted record labels and stores, Eenjoy some incredible brews from Anchor Brewing, while enjoying the smell of crackling pork skin from the suckling pig roasting outside. There will be plenty of specials, raffle prizes, and Guest DJs on hand. NOW WHAT: This shindig is free! Just stay tuned over at their Facebook page for updates. Gapers Block's Hot Dog Cookoff @ Montrose Saloon, 2933 W Montrose Ave, Noon - 4:00PM WHAT: Gapers Block’s 4th annual Hot Dog Cookoff SO WHAT: Have you ever wondered the limits of a hot dog? Gapers Block’s Hot Dog Cookoff takes those limits and throws them out as participating chefs tackle the encased meat and bun in unique and inventive ways. This year participants include ManBQue, Chefs Alan Lake & Chris Baron, Big World’s food truck, competitive hot dog eating champion Patrick “Deep Dish” Bertoletti and The Finch Kitchen. They will start with Vienna Beef hot dogs and then use them in any way they’d like, creating some weird, strange, but oh so delicious. A panel of hot dog experts including David “The Food Dude” Lissner and Bruce Kraig, author of the book “Man Bites Dog,” will judge who put the hot dog to the most unique and tasty use. Attendees will also get their say with the People’s Choice award. There will also be a cash bar with drink specials courtesy of Finch Beer Co., prizes, croquet and bags (or cornhole, if you prefer) and music. NOW WHAT: Admission is $20 for adults, $10 for children under 12, and includes tasting portions of all the chefs’ creations. Tickets are available online or at the door. Proceeds from the event will benefit Reach Out and Read Illinois, an early literacy organization that prepares America’s youngest children to read by partnering with doctors to prescribe books and encourage families to read together. SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25th Dusek's 2nd Annual Blocktoberfest @ Dusek's, 1227 W 18th St., Noon - 10:00PM WHAT: A block party at Dusek’s SO WHAT: Dusek’s 2nd Annual Blocktoberfest is a celebration of the restaurant’s anniversary as well as the community that surrounds its. The day is filled with food, beer, punch, bocce ball, games, face painting and more. Music will be provided all day thanks to a lineup of Djs including Ralphi Rosario of the Hot Mix 5, Specter, Michael Serafini, Samone, DJ Cqqchifruit, Communicator, Mark Grusane, Alicia Serrano, and Daniel Villarreal. NOW WHAT: Bring the whole family to this free event and if you RSVP over at Do312, the first 100 people (21+) to arrive receive a free Erdinger Beer.