Your Chicago Curated Weekend: 5/26-5/29

Holy smokes, is it already the last weekend of May? It seems that just as molecules move faster in rising heat, so too does time. Another glorious, energized, wonderful Chicago summer is basically upon us at this point. With that in mind, here are some ways to ring it in over the next few days. THURSDAY, MAY 26TH Operator – Last Call For Chicago Critics’ Film Festival @ Music Box, 3733 Southport Ave., 8:30 PM WHAT: We told you about this last week, but the Chicago Critics’ Film Festival is coming to a close with Operator, a dark comedy shot on location in Andersonville. SO WHAT: I mean, a night at the Music Box is always a good choice. Plus, on a personal note, Operator stars two of the leads from the two most recent television series I’ve marathoned: Martin Starr (Gilfoyle in Silicon Valley) and Mae Whitman (Katara in Avatar: The Last Airbender). Does that mean anything to you? Probably not. But Starr will be in attendance at the screening, so that’s pretty cool. NOW WHAT: Tickets are $15. Get them here. FRIDAY, MAY 27TH Festival Mole de Mayo @ Pilsen, on 18th St. between Ashland and Blue Island, 5:00 PM WHAT: An excellent three-day event showcasing a mole cook-off, live music, lucha libre and a whole bunch of other cool stuff in Chicago’s epicenter of Mexican culture. SO WHAT: Have you ever had real mole? It’s freaking tasty. That alone should be enough to convince you. But if it isn’t, maybe you’d at least like to see Pilsen before it gets gentrified to hell. NOW WHAT: There’s a $5 suggested donation at the gate. SATURDAY, MAY 28TH Chicago House Party @ Millennium Park, 3:00 PM WHAT: A whole bunch of stuff going on at Millennium Park, including live art and DJ sets. Before the outdoors stuff starts, there’s going to be a discussion entitled “How Do We Make A House A Home For The Next Generation?” moderated by Craig Loftis. SO WHAT: It’s a chance to see cool art and listen to some crunchy tunes outside for free. So, basically, you’re getting the art and the thrill of making a bunch of new friends on what should be a sunny Saturday afternoon. NOW WHAT: It’s free, so go frolic and be merry. SUNDAY, MAY 29TH Spartan Theatre’s Sick @ Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St., 3:00 PM WHAT: Sick by Spencer Davis is the first event in the Spartan Workshop series. Directed by Angela Forsbee, the two-character play dives into trauma, art, and the road to recovery–as well as the ties of sisterhood. SO WHAT: This is the first of five plays to be presented every weekend through the end of June. Based on audience feedback, Spartan will develop one of the five as a full production to be staged at the Chicago Fringe Festival in September. NOW WHAT: Admission is free. Tell the performers what you think in the talkback after each performance.