1. Learn about the sweeter things
Chocolate has a rich history stemming far before Hershey bars were even a pipe dream. Learn about cocoa’s journey from seed to convenience store shelf. (The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, 2340 N Cannon Dr, 9am-5pm. Included in museum admission)
2. Check out a queer Shakespeare cabaret
Head to Andersonville to see Derek Van Banham’s re-imagination of A Midsummer Nights Dream. This fresh performance views Shakespeare’s classic through a queer, pop-rock lens. (Mary’s Attic, 5400 N Clark St, 7pm. $25-$30)
3. Take in a timeless American story
Catch the end of The Grapes of Wrath’s run at Jefferson Park’s Gift Theatre, which wraps up August 14. This production puts a contemporary spin on Steinbeck’s classic, making it feel eerily close to home. (The Gift Theatre, 4802 N Milwaukee Ave, 7:30pm. $35)