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Mama, What's "Staycation" Mean?

By Ali Trachta in Arts & Entertainment on Aug 28, 2008 6:14PM

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Whether it’s gas prices that are too high, our salaries that are too low, or our general inability to plan, for one reason or another some of us are skipping the road trip this weekend and opting for a Labor Day “staycation.” But staying home doesn’t have to mean staying in, so we've rounded up a short list of hot happenings this weekend that will keep you entertained:

Bash on Wabash
A art, music and food festival that celebrates the South Loop.
Aug. 30 and 31: 12 p.m. - 11 p.m., 1300 S. Wabash.

Peace on Earth Film Festival
This cinematic event honoring non-violence, environmentalism, and human rights premieres at the Victory Gardens Biograph Theater.
Aug. 29 : 6 p.m. - 10:30 p.m., Aug. 30: 10 a.m. - 12 a.m., Aug. 31: 11 a.m. - 11 p.m., 2433 N. Lincoln.

Taste of Polonia
Pierogies and beer. Need we say more?
Aug. 29 - Sept. 1, 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. (hours vary each day) 5216 W. Lawrence Ave. $6-$7.

African Festival of the Arts
The city’s largest neighborhood fest celebrates African and American art, dance, culture, food and music in Washington Park.
Aug. 29 - Sept 1, 5100 S. Cottage Grove, $10-$15.

Jazz Fest
Chicago’s longest running festival, now in its 30th year, revels in all things sax this weekend in Grant Park.
Aug 28, 6:30 p.m., Aug 29 - 31, 11:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., 300 S. Columbus.

HotHouse Brazilian Independence Day Festival
A Latin-themed fete at Fizz Bar & Grill featuring dance performances and lessons, live music and Portuguese culture.
Aug 31, 8 p.m., 3220 N. Lincoln Ave. $12-$15.

Outside research was necessary, after a quick poll of the Chicagoistos/as revealed what losers we are. See our pathetic plans after the jump.

Tankboy: Believe it or not a girl has convinced me to go to the beach with her and her friends all weekend and play volleyball and bocci ball. Yeah, I hate me too ... and fear what havoc my bright white legs may play as they reflect into the sky and disrupt flight patterns.

Rob: Go see City Lights at the Bank of America Cinema on Saturday night. You'll cry like a baby.

Marcus: I'll be celebrating the Katrinaversary by eating Popeye's, drinking Abita, and watching some depressing tv Friday night, then spending the rest of the weekend celebrating the return of college football. I might actually sober up long enough to take the pup to the Montrose Dog Beach or Wiggley Field.

Margaret: Staycation is the perfect time to act yachty. I'll be donning seersucker and attending a lawnsports party. Farewell, white shoes...

L. Stolpman: Man, I don’t have interesting plans at all! Just crap that I need to get done.

Photo of Oak Street Beach by kudzuplanet.