The Mix — Cool Things to Do 05.27.11

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Chicago's Memorial Day Parade

LOOK, UP IN THE SKY!

Navy Pier fireworks return at 10:15 p.m. May 28. Displays are 10:15 p.m. Saturdays and 9:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Labor Day at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand. Visit navypier.com.

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Updated: August 25, 2011 12:32AM

HONOR THEIR SACRIFICE

Chicago’s Memorial Day Parade steps off at noon on May 28 at State and Lake streets. More than 10,000 participants are expected for this annual tribute to the men and women in the armed forces. For information, call (312) 744-3315 or visit explorechicago.org.

LOOK, UP IN THE SKY!

Navy Pier fireworks return at 10:15 p.m. May 28. Displays are 10:15 p.m. Saturdays and 9:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Labor Day at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand. Visit navypier.com.

PERSONALITY PLUS

Laid-back, California-cool Food Network chef Guy Fieri, who doubles as host of NBC’s quirky game show “Minute To Win It,” brings his food tour to the Venue at Horseshoe Casino, 777 Casino Dr., Hammond, Ind., at 7:30 p.m. May 28. The famously spike-haired chef, also known as the “Culinary Rock Star,” will entertain the crowd with a variety-style show featuring interactive food stations, road stories and surprises. Flamboyant bartender Hayden “Woody” Wood from Australia opens. Tickets range from $39.50-$250. Must be 21 or older. Call (219) 473-60. thevenue-chicago.com; ticketmaster.com.

MARKET MECCA

Think Soho. European-style Randolph Street Market, Chicago’s premier indoor/outdoor market, opens for its eighth season at 10 a.m. May 28 at Plumbers Hall, 1340 W. Washington. The family- and pet-friendly venue houses more than 200 vendors. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays. Through Sept. 25. Admission is $10 for a two-day pass. Early-bird hours are 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Saturdays only, $25 or $20 online. Call (312) 666-1200; randolphstreetmarket,com.

CHICAGO FIRST

The 18th Chicago Underground Film Festival opens with the premiere of Chicago filmmaker and School of the Art Institute of Chicago alumnus Jerzy Rose’s debut film “Some Girls Never Learn” at 8 p.m. June 2 at the Gene Siskel Film Center of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, 164 N. State. Through June 9. Admission is $10. For a complete movie list, visit cuff.org.

SUN! SAND! SWIMMING!

Chicago beaches open May 27. Swimming is permitted from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. when an on-duty lifeguard is present only. Admission is free. Beaches close Sept. 5. Call (312) 742-3224.

FINGER-PICKIN’ GOOD

Grammy-nominated Leo Kottke performs his eclectic finger-picking style of music at 8:30 p.m. June 2 at the Montrose Room in the InterContinental O’Hare, 5300 N. River, Rosemont. Kottke draws upon elements of jazz, blues, folk music, syncopated and polyphonic melodies to create his unique sound. Tickets are $30 and $35. Call (847) 544-5300; montroseroom.com.

REGGAE RETURNS

Jamaican dance hall artist Red Rat takes the stage at 8 p.m. May 28 at the Cubby Bear, 1059 W. Addison. The performance kicks off Conscious Culture Chicago’s Reggae in Wrigleyville effort to bring live reggae performances back to the area, left void with the April closing of the Wild Hare. Local artist KOFI opens. Tickets are $10; $20 at the door. Call (773) 327-1662; cubby bear.com; consciousculturechicago.com.

CHANCE OF A LIFETIME

Fleet Feet Sports hosts the Soldier Field 10-mile run at the iconic sports venue, 1410 S. Lake Shore, starting at 7:30 a.m. May 28. Fee for the chance to run on the field course, $80. Can’t do 10 miles? Participate in the Hut-Hut Hike, a non-competitive one-to three-mile walk around Solider Field and Museum Campus. For information, call (773) 305-3338; soldierfield10.com.

THE SOUNDS OF MUSIC

American Music Awards 2009 Emerging Artist of the Year winner Justin Earle Townes and R&B legend Andre Williams and the Goldstars perform during the Downtown Sound New Music Monday concert at 6:30 p.m. May 30 at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion at Michigan and Randolph. Admission is free. Visit explorechicago.com.

RODMAN REBOUNDS

Catch the ever-flamboyant former Chicago Bulls rebounder Dennis Rodman in action when he hosts Mid Thursdays June 2 at the Mid, 306 N. Halsted. Doors open at 10 p.m. Admission is free until 11:30 p.m. The cost is $10 after. Visit clubtix.com.

TOO POOPED TO PEDAL?

Not up to the 30-mile round-trip Bike the Drive Ride from 5:30-10 a.m. May 29? (By the way, no rule says you have to complete the route.) Then park it in the grass and chill during the Bike the Drive Festival from 8 a.m. to noon May 29 at Jackson and Columbus. Blues Brothers tribute band Bluz Brothers performs. Visit bikethedrive.org.

KNEE-SLAPIN’ FUN

Uncle Fatty’s Rum Resort, 2833 N. Sheffield, is hosting a Crawlyball Tournament from 7-8 p.m. on May 29. No cover. Bring a team of four and enjoy a game of sand volleyball on your knees. Call (773) 477-3661; unclefatty.com.