July 30 is 'National Cheesecake Day!'

Saturday is National Cheesecake Day, but Eli's Cheesecake World and Cafe is kicking it in high gear a couple days early with an annual festival in the parking lot.

Get there 8am-6pm Thursday and you'll be rewarded with a complimentary slice if you bring a non-perishable food item for the Greater Chicago Food Depository. You can also get half off on a frozen cheesecake if you buy one through Sunday.

Additional festivities happening that day:

Free BBQ For Everyone at Lillie's Q!

(Photo: Lillie's Q)

Bucktown BBQ joint Lillie's Q must have had one helluva first year because owner/chef Charlie McKenna's decided to give away free smoked whole hogs during his anniversary party on August 1.

We suggest showing up before 9pm, when the festivities officially begin, in order to snag prime spots in the dining room or at the bar. Then you won't have to elbow for space when McKenna starts passing out all the different cuts of his signature, award-winning 30-pound smoked whole hogs. That's right, you'll be treated to tenderloin, pulled shoulder, ham, belly, pulled shoulder and even the bark.

And there's more:

A Sno-Cone Cocktail You Cannot Deny

The Manhattan "Sno-Kone" at Porkchop via Urban Daddy Chicago

Urban Daddy Chicago found the perfect way to beat the heat, and we're totally onboard.

They've uncovered the Manhattan "Sno-Kone" at Porkchop, which they describe like this:

"After combining a 90-proof Kentucky whiskey—slightly stronger than your average bourbon—with vermouth, then shaking it all violently, your barman pours the resulting mix on top of that shaved ice. And very important: maraschino cherry juice is added. Crunching your way into the first bite, you’ll feel a chill run down your spine. Your body temp drops. Go with it. All according to the plan."

Oh.My.GAWD.