As a sober high school senior bopping to Third Eye Blind surrounded by thousands of euphoric college kids, I could tell that Dillo Day tops the list of all things epic at Northwestern. And when a gangly girl in a bikini hurled a gallon of mud across my sundress, I realized that while I was there to see “Jumper,” most of the other attendees were there to rage by EV1-influenced means.
But believe it or not, massive quantities of alcohol aren’t imperative for a good weekend. Straight-up blasphemy, I know. If you don’t want to tough out the drunken masses on the Lakefill, Evanston and Chicago offer plenty of dry Dillo Day alternatives.
Experience the great outdoors
If the crowds, skyscrapers and loud traffic don’t sound like your cup of tea, stick to the ‘burbs. Soak up the sun, pack a picnic and enjoy a beach like Lee Street or Lighthouse Beach (see our story on Chicago beaches on page 43). Located within walking distance to the south and north, respectively, they’re a great (and free!) way to still enjoy the sun. Evanston is also hosting a free tennis block party from 9 a.m. to noon, with complimentary instruction, interactive games and other activities at James Park, #93 Bus to Oakton Street and Dodge Avenue.
Channel Ferris Bueller
Experience Chicago like the best — Ferris Bueller.
Step one: The Cubs play the Dodgers at 3:10 p.m. No student discounts at Wrigley Field on May 30, but tickets usually run cheap anyways. Hop on the El and you’ll be saying “Hey, batta batta batta” in no time. Red Line to Addison
Step two: Consume pancreas fancy enough for the Sausage King of Chicago. While Chez Luis doesn’t exist, Chicago boasts plenty of ritzy French restaurants. A meal costs upwards of $60 (wowza) at Everest on the 40th floor of the Chicago Stock Exchange located at 440 S. La Salle Street. Abe Froman would be proud. Brown Line to Merchandise Mart
Step three: Take over a cultural event. While the Von Steuben parade will unfortunately not be going down Rush Street, the Chicago Turkish Festival will be happening in Daley Plaza. And of course, have your 1961 250 GT Spider California SWB ready for the drive down Lake Shore Drive. Red Line to Lake
Be artsy fartsy
You know you liked those field trips when you were in grade school, involving you, a rowdy bus full of kids and a day at the art museum. This time, skip the yellow bus and walk to 220 E. Chicago Avenue. The Museum of Contemporary Art is housing an exhibit by Olafur Eliasson — think colored light panels surrounding your cultured, sober body. Red Line to Chicago
Make it showtime
Saturday, May 30 is an excellent night to enjoy a show in Chicago. Best bests? Blue Man Group and Jersey Boys are both raising their curtains, but the most Dillo appropriate show to be see is Bye Bye Liver: The Chicago Drinking Play, an interactive, sketch comedy filled with spoofs of liquor-induced occurrences. It’s playing at Sevens Cabaret in the Chicago Center for the Performing Arts on 777 N. Green Street at 8 and 9:30 p.m. Red Line to Clybourn, #8 bus South to Halsted and Huron
Blue Man Group performs at 4, 7 and 10 p.m. at the Briar Street Theatre in Chicago (3133 N. Halsted Street). Students with a WildCard can purchase two tickets, when available, for $32 each before the show. Red Line to Belmont
Jersey Boys is playing at 2 and 8 p.m. at the Bank of America Theatre on 18 W. Monroe Street, conveniently close to Michigan Avenue and Millennium Park. Regular tickets start at $30. Metra to Ogilvie Transportation Center