May 24--Hit up a pig roast (OK, two pig roasts), drink bottomless mimosas at Second City or sample everything in sight at the Gelato World Tour. We've found more than a dozen ways to eat and drink your way through Memorial Day weekend:
Beatrix Both locations of the casual modern American restaurant extend weekend brunch through Monday, May 30. The menu includes lemon pancakes, green chili enchiladas and more. Reservations accepted. 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 28, to Monday, May 30, at 519 N. Clark St., 312-284-1377; 671 N. St. Clair, 312-642-0001, www.beatrixchicago.com
Dinosaur Bar-B-Que Pick up a bottle of the chain's Sensuous Slathering BBQ Sauce, on sale for $6, to support SoldierStrong, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing advanced medical technologies to veterans. All proceeds from weekend sauce sales will be donated. 923 W. Weed St., 312-462-1053, www.dinosaurbarbque.com
Durkin's Tavern The annual Luau Party invites guests to dress in costume and play limbo in the sand -- the bar brings in 1,000 pounds for the event. A $20 package (optional) includes select drafts, well drinks and pulled pork sandwiches. 8 p.m. Sunday, May 29, at 810 W. Diversey Parkway, 773-525-2515, www.durkinstavern.com
Fremont The party lasts for four days at this River North bar and restaurant. Drink and dance under the retractable roof during the Freezemont Summer Kick-Off, featuring a lineup of live DJ sets, frozen drinks, alcoholic popsicles and more. It's all part of a '70s pool-party theme (without, you know, an actual pool). Thursday, May 26, through Sunday, May 29, at 15 W. Illinois St., 312-375-8568, www.fremontchicago.com
G A pig roast at this chill West Town bar features beer from 4 Hands Brewing Co., all-you-can-eat smoked pig and sides. $18 at door. 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 28, at 459 N. Ogden Ave., 312-888-3367, www.grandandogden.com
Gelato World Tour The Gelato World Tour visits its 10th city, Chicago, to host 16 gelato-makers competing to create a new crowd-favorite flavor. Drop by for free, but to taste and vote, it'll cost you $10 (purchase tasting tickets here). Friday, May 27, to Sunday, May 29, at Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph St., www.gelatoworldtour.com
Lottie's Pub The sixth annual Memorial Day Pig Roast at this Bucktown bar includes all-you-can-eat smoked pig, fried chicken, baked beans and more. $12 at door. 2 p.m. Sunday, May 29, at 1925 W. Cortland St., 773-489-0738, www.lottiespub.com
Parson's Chicken Fish To celebrate its third anniversary, Parson's is moving beyond its giant patio to take over the whole block outside the restaurant. Food from chef Hunter Moore includes sausages and nachos, and of course the negroni slushies will be flowing. Bring a school supply to donate upon entry; Parson's will give everything collected to Humboldt Park nonprofit Association House. Sunday, May 29, at 2952 W. Armitage Ave., 773-384-3333, www.parsonschickenandfish.com
Red, White Bar-B-Q Festival Competition Westmont Lions Club's annual Red, White Bar-B-Q Festival is back. The three-day event includes live music, barbecue vendors, carnival games and more. More than $16,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded during the professional and amateur barbecue competitions. Friday, May 27, through Sunday, May 29, at Ty Warner Park 700 Blackhawk Drive, Westmont, www.westmontbbq.com
Second City's Sunday Bloody Mary Sunday The 45-minute show at Second City's Up Comedy Club comes with two options for food and drink: a $29 package includes refilled mimosas, Bloody Marys and coffee with a selection of pastries, while a $49 brunch package adds on dishes such as sweet potato veggie hash and PB French toast. Doors open at 11:15 a.m., show at noon Sunday, May 29, at 230 W. North Ave., 312-662-4562, www.secondcity.com
4 Star Restaurant Group All nine restaurants owned by 4 Star will be open for brunch on Memorial Day. The full list: Remington's, The Windsor, The Smoke Daddy, Crosby's Kitchen, Dunlay's on Clark, Dunlay's on the Square, Frasca Pizzeria Wine Bar, and D.O.C. Wine Bar in Lombard and Lincoln Park. Hours match regular weekend brunch hours at each location, www.4starrestaurantgroup.com
