The Early History of Pasta Lecture @ Kendall College

Though the myth has officially been debunked that pasta did not in fact come to Italy from China, scholars have recently been debating if pasta began it's global domination in the early Arabic world. To find out the truth, join Chicago Foodways Roundtable and Anthony F. Buccini, a PhD who is currently working on a monograph, From Green to Gold, on the history of Mediterranean foodways with particular reference to the history of olive oil.

Lecture begins at 10am at Kendall College. Tickets are $3 at the door, or email chicago.foodways.roundtable {at} gmail.com and include your name, telephone number and how many people in your party.

Festival Cubano

The third annual Festival Cubano runs today and Sunday in Riis Park, 6100 W. Fullerton Ave., from 10am to 10pm. Enjoy music, Cuban and Latin American food, arts and craft vendors, carnival games and a domino tournament, plus a kids' activity area. Featured performers tonight include Tito Puente, Jr., tribute band Celia Cruz All Stars and Jose "El Canario" Alberto. Admission is $5, or $8 for a two-day pass; tickets may be purchased in advance.

Fork and the Road: The Silk Road

Fork and the Road food tours by bike embarks on The Silk Road, today, a "vegetarian-adaptable" tour of China, Afghanistand and Turkey. The 18-mile tour pushes off from the Kitchen Sink Cafe, 1107 W. Berwyn Ave., at 11am, and ends back there at 4:30pm. Tickets are $55.

Lollapalooza @ Grant Park

The annual 3-day festival known as Lollapalooza gets underway in Grant Park today at 11:30am with a lineup that ranges from kid-friendly bands and classic indie favorites to massive chart-busting rockers and DJs. Plan your day of music around sets from the likes of JC Brooks & The Uptown Sound, Neon Indian, Alabama Shakes, Frank Ocean, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, just to name a few. Look for previews and reviews of the weekend's festivities in Transmission.

Edge Fest

Edgewater's first-ever Edge Fest runs today and Sunday on Broadway between Thorndale and Ardmore. The festival boasts a bacon theme -- enjoy bacon in its many guises from food vendors, browse dozens of arts and craft vendors, and enjoy music on two stages. $5 suggested donation. The festival runs from noon to 10pm today.

Main Stage:
noon - School of Rock
1pm - Anna Fermin
3pm - Dime Store String Band
4:40pm - Chicago Spirit Brigade
5pm - This Must Be the Band
8pm - Too White Crew

Second Stage:
noon - Wandering Endorphin
2pm - TBD
4pm - Treehouse
6pm - Eric Lambert
8pm - The Empty Pockets

Two Bros Tap Takeover @ Fountainhead

The Fountainhead, Ravenswood/North Center/Lincoln Square's epicenter for difficult to find craft brews and one of the city's finest rooftop bar, is hosting a tap takeover on said rooftop starting at 1pm on Saturday, August 4. Two Brothers will tap six of their brews, many of which were limited edition releases over the past 15 years and have been brewed again to celebrate the occasion: Pahoehoe, Anni beers, Hop Juice, Weiss, Cottonwood IPA, Testudo, & Diversey & Lill(e).

The Paper Machete

The Paper Machete is at the Green Mill, 4801 N. Broadway, this week, and features Steve Gadlin, Lindsay Harrington and Katie Watson, Ali Klingler, Wendy Mateao, the cast of Pimprov, Katie Rich and special guest Marc Maron, along with music by Sad Brad Smith and The Kickback. Hosted as always by Christopher Piatt. Show starts at 3pm. Free, 21+.

Evanston Mini Maker Faire

A Mini Maker Faire pops up at Maple Avenue and University Place in Evanston today and Sunday. Hosted by the Technology Innovation Center and Pumping Station:One, the fair will feature a variety of family-friendly projects, exhibitions and workshops ranging from handmade barrettes to DIY digital photobooths. There will also be a Power Racing Series race at 8pm. The fair runs from 6pm to 10pm tonight. Admission $15 for adults, $10 for seniors or with a college or military ID, and $4 for kids 18 and under.

Mix Master Mike @ Vertigo Sky

Mix Master Mike, best known for his collaborations with the Beastie Boys, will be spinning at Vertigo Sky Lounge in the Dana Hotel, 2 W. Erie St., tonight and Saturday. Doors open at 9pm, show starts at 10pm. Tickets are $40, or $35 if you're lucky enough to catch the early bird special. 21+