Sweet Hello @ Beat Kitchen

Scope out Sweet Hello, a rootsy folk-rock band with girl-next-door lyrics, Saturday, June 5th at 9pm at the Beat Kitchen (2100 W. Belmont) $8 cover. Joseph Messing is opening and stick around for Zico afterwards.

Mayfest

Mayfest overtakes Lincoln Square this weekend. Festivities kick off Thursday, June 3 and continue through Sunday, June 6.

Rock Against the Blue Bag

The Chicago Recycling Coalition presents their second annual benefit Rock Against The Blue Bag, which is designed to draw attention to the problems that the coalition sees in the city's recycling program. The benefit is at the Heartland Cafe, starts at 8:00, and features music by Orso, Devi 2000, The Sheathens, and Aerin Tedesco & Andrea Bunch. Admission is $8. Heartland Cafe: 7000 N. Glenwood. (773) 465-8005.

Belmont-Sheffield Music Fest

The 20th year of the Central Lakeview Merchants Association putting a stage in a parking lot and calling it a street fest. On Sheffield Avenue, between Belmont and School (i.e. in front of the Vic). $5 suggested donation for entry. The festival continues tomorrow. Today's lineup: 12:00pm, Urban Funk Ordinance 1:30pm, Last of the Showmen 3:00pm, Hairbanger's Ball 5:00pm, Ari Hest 7:00pm, Will Hoge 9:00pm, Smile Empty Soul

DEPART-ment

DEPART-ment, craft fair extravaganza, happens this weekend at Open End (2000 W Fulton).

Mystic Bill and Snuggles at Play

Check out the Simple Pleasures weekly, PLAY, at Spot 6. This week's guest Mystic Bill's blend of house and techno will bump the upper floor, while veteran jungle warrior Snuggles teams up with Grafik and the Simple Pleasures DJs to heat it up on the lower level. No cover, 21+, 9p-3a, 3343 N. Clark St.

Canine Rescue's Mutt Strut

The Chicago Canine Rescue Foundation presents their first annual Mutt Strut, a walk around the Rscoe Village neighborhood for canines and their human friends. Registration is $25, and includes a commemorative T-shirt. If you don't have a dog, you can still show up to support the foundation. There will be family-friendly activities after the walk. The event runs from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, and starts at the Lincoln Park Savings Bank, 3234 N. Damen.

Bike Ride around the 35th Ward

The office of Rey Colon invites all and everyone to a Ride Around the 35th Ward on Saturday June 5th.  The 35th is home to Logan Square, rumored to be bike-cooler than even wicker park! The ride is free. The first fifty to the start will get a free tee-shirt with sponsors one the backside and a catchy logo on the front side. Start time is 10 AM from Palmer Square, between Kedzie and Sacramento on Palmer (two blocks south of Fullerton). After the ride will be a free lunch in Palmer Sqaure. This will be a short (8miles) ride. Perfect for funny bikes rat bikes choppers and unicycles, but open to all.

Evanston Police Bike Auction

A bit early, but might be worth it to ya: The Evanston Police are having a bicycle auction to rid the department of the bikes that are "unclaimed property". It's a good chance to find a good deal or pick up that second commuter bike you've been dreaming about for the summer. 1454 Elmwood Ave, Evanston. Preview begins at 9:30, event begins at 10. More info here.

Printers Row Book Fair

The 20th annual Printers Row Book Fair happens today and tomorrow. Plenty of new and used books for sale, authors reading their works, panel discussions, and other literary events. Check the Website for a complete schedule and directions to the fair.

57th Street Art Fair

The 57th Street Art Fair is celebrating its 57th year this weekend in Chicago's Hyde Park neighborhood. More than 300 artists from across the country will be on hand. The fair will be open Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. And, unlike some of those other Chicago art fairs, admission to the 57th Street fair is free! Check out the official website for more information.

Chicago Photography Center Benefit

The Chicago Photography Center, 3301 N. Lincoln, presents "Chicago in Black & White," its second annual benefit event. Silent and live auctions, cocktails and dinner, live music and gorgeous photography await. Event starts at 7pm. Semi-formal attire (in other words, wear black and white). For ticket information, please email tickets[at]chicagophoto.org.

David Sedaris @ Barbara's

Listen to David Sedaris read excerpts from his new book "Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim" at Barabra's Bookstore in Oak Park at 7pm, Saturday, June 5 at 7 pm.