Have a go at some bike polo in Brooklyn, surf real waves and sound waves in San Diego, or get a Taste of Chicago. This weekend it’s all about mallets, boards, music, and food.

By Tara House, Chris Gayomali, and John Talty

Taste of Chicago, June 25-July 4

Chicago, Illinois

Tickle your taste buds this weekend in the Windy City, at the 30th annual Taste of Chicago event, kicking off Friday, June 25th. With a grand array of over 300 menu items and 50 food venues participating in the mile-long lakefront feast, you’re bound to find something to salivate over. In addition, some of the culinary industry’s biggest local stars will be showcasing their talents and tastes at Dominick’s Cooking Corner.

Food isn’t the only thing cooking at the Taste. Entertainment of all types will also line the lakefront, with music, book signings, family activities, and a spectacular fireworks show on July 4th. The Rap Down Rewind opens this year’s festivities, featuring live performances from Salt-n-Pepa, Bell Biv Devoe, Rob Base, Slick Rick, and Doug E. Fresh. Also on the musical agenda — performances from Gavin Rossdale on Saturday at 5:30PM, and Emily Osment on Sunday at 3:00PM. And there’s a slew of other live performances each day, throughout the event. To see a full list of musical appearances click here.

The Taste is free to the general public. Food and beverage tickets, however, can be purchased at event booths — $8 for a 12-ticket strip. At that price, and with all Taste has to offer this year, we think you’ll be nothing short of full, quenched, and merry.

Travel and Accommodations

To find the best hotels in Chicago for this weekend’s festivities click here, and poke around the Choose Chicago website for other fun attractions and things to do while in town. -T.H.

Switchfoot Bro-Am Surf Festival, June 26

Encinitas, CA

Surfing and rock n’ roll share a rebellious history rooted in life on the edge. But beyond the obvious excesses, they also share an overlooked spirit for philanthropy. If you’re in the San Diego area this Saturday, enjoy the sights and sounds of the Switchfoot Bro-Am surf festival at Encinitas’ Moonlight Beach. Founded by the multi-platinum rock band, the free event features more than its share of live music, vendors, giveaways and ocean-carving surf stars.

The beach will also play host to a number of worthwhile causes. Sustainable Waves — an organization dedicated to renewable energy resources — will be working overtime to ensure that the solar-powered festival is 100% pollution free. Proceeds will be donated to StandUp for Kids, a charity that takes an active approach to mentoring homeless and at-risk youth nationwide.

But all this do-gooding hardly means that festivities are an afterthought. On the contrary, the soundstage will feature big timers like OK Go, Kate Voegele, and more, in addition to a groovy set from former ASP high-flier Timmy Curran. He’ll be throwing his hat into the actual contest too, joining old tour mates Rob Machado, Tom Curren and members from Switchfoot in the lineup. In between heats there’ll be some whitewater rough housing in the form of a nerf surf jousting show.

Travel and Accommodations

Encinitas is in North San Diego County, about a two-hour drive south from Los Angeles. Naturally, you’ll want to stay as close to the sand as possible — San Diego hosts some of the choicest waves in the continental U.S. Beach Village at the Del is a handsome option, or choose from one of San Diego’s many oceanfront rentals for a prime view of the west coast’s brilliant sunsets. More hotel options available here. -C.G.

East Coast Bike Polo Tournament, June 25th-27th

Brooklyn, NY

Ditch your horse and grab a bike for the East Side Polo Invite V, a bike polo tournament in Brooklyn, NY. Instead of using a horse on a grass field, players ride bikes and wear helmets and hockey pads on a hard-court surface while enjoying the centuries-old game of polo.

The sport got its start in the early 2000s and has developed a small but passionate following in big cities around the country, including New York, Seattle, and Washington D.C.

Teams consist of three players each, on the court for two 30 minute halves. Players can use make-shift mallets, and tournaments usually utilize floor hockey balls. The game mixes old-school polo with hockey and bicycling, making for a uniquely interesting game.

The tournament will have 48 teams with registration on a first-come, first-served basis. But even if you don’t want to participate, make sure to stop by and watch the oddly fantastic competition in action.

Travel and Accommodations

There are a bevy of beautiful places to stay in Brooklyn, but one of the best choices is Hotel Le Bleu. The hotel is located on 4th Avenue and is billed as Brooklyn’s first “luxury boutique” hotel. Rooms range from $129 to $219 and each has a complimentary welcome basket waiting for you upon arrival. -J.T.