Laughter is the best medicine: After a year without many laughs, the biggest names in local comedy are performing live, original stand-up. Friday night’s lineup includes Ali Drapos, Sarah Perry, Maurice Shaw, Vik Pandya and Tim Smith. General admission tickets are required along with a two-drink minimum. 7 p.m. June 4 at Laugh Factory, 3175 N. Broadway; $20 at laughfactory.com
Happiness is … beating your friends at board games: What’s billed as the world’s largest board game begins at dusk this Friday on the south-facing windows of the Sheraton Grand Chicago. Seen from below, light designs on the windows should be able to be combined to create a hidden, three-word riddle, with light designs continuing through Monday. Message the hotel after midnight June 7 with your guess to be entered for a chance to win an overnight stay in the Presidential Suite with panoramic views of Lake Michigan. June 4-7 at Sheraton Grand Chicago, 301 E. North Water St.; more at #AGrandGameboard
Life is serious, art is fun: View works from a diverse group of Chicago artists in Chicago’s Greektown neighborhood. “Hello Helios: The warming suns of Chicago’s Greektown” opens saturday and displays works inspired by the sun and related mythologies from Greek, Aztec, Yoruba, Japanese and Native American cultures. Opening June 5 and running through 2022 on Halsted Street between Monroe and Van Buren; free, greektownchicago.org
It’s tiki time: Bring your friends for this 90-minute craft cocktail workshop and tasting. Enjoy riverwalk views while learning the science behind mixology and tasting four tiki-inspired cocktails. 2:30 p.m. and 4:15 p.m. June 5 at 355 Chicago Riverwalk; $50-$110 at eventbrite.com
Hop, skip and a splash: Illinois’ largest waterpark is opening its gates for the summer on Saturday. Experience the new Aussie mat dash, a six-lane mat racing water slide. From June 5 at Raging Waves, 400 N. Bridge St., Yorkville; adult admission $34.99 and up, ragingwaves.com
Lettuce eat plants: Chicago’s first all-vegan farmer’s market is here and features local plant-based chefs, cruelty free crafters and products from local farmers. Reservations are suggested and admission is donation based. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays at The Plant, 1400 W. 46th St.; eventbrite.com
Music makes it better: Stroll through the neighborhood and enjoy a socially-distanced music festival across 14 porches at PorchFest Lakeview. After ticket purchase, maps are provided with participating houses. 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. June 6 in the Lakeview neighborhood from Grace to Wolfram and Ashland to Racine; tickets $10-$15 at lakeviewroscoevillage.com
Whiskey tasting: The Press Room teamed up with Garrison Brothers Whiskey to bring “Texas Smoke” to Chicago. Whiskey and cigar connoisseurs receive three pours of whiskey, a cigar and takeaway bag to enjoy during this private event on the patio. A la carte twists on classic BBQ are available for separate purchase. 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. June 6 at The Press Room, 1134 W. Washington Blvd., $65 at pressroomchicago.com
Support local sounds: Local artists perform live music sets every Thursday and Friday in June in Navy Pier’s Skyline Sessions. Take a seat on the Wave Wall staircase near Centennial Wheel and enjoy the show. 3 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. June 4 at Navy Pier, 600 E Grand Ave.; free, more at navypier.org
What to eat. What to watch. What you need to live your best life … now. Sign up for our Eat. Watch. Do. newsletter here.
