While some of our weekends will be dominated by large-scale celebrations of Martin Sheen and Emilio Estevez Day, it may be worth pausing that festive movie marathon to venture into Chicago and its suburbs this weekend, where a host of activities promise to feed, quench and entertain the masses.
All Weekend
Chicago Air and Water Show
If you’ve been hearing the screeching and whizzing all week Chicago, come see what all the buzz is about at the annual Chicago Air and Water Show. The largest free show of its kind in the country, the aerial displays of stunt-flying Thunderbirds, Army and Navy parachute teams and civilian aircraft can be seen along the lakefront from Fullerton to Oak Street, with North Avenue Beach as the focal point.
Where: North Avenue Beach, 1600 N. Lake Shore Dr, Chicago
When: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Price: Free
Joining Hands
The traditional Indian dance style bharatnatyam gets its name from a fusion of words: bhava, meaning “expression,” raga, “music,” tala, “rhythm,” and natya, classical Indian musical theatre. In the spirit of this stylistic fusion, Chicago-based dancer Anjal Chande goes a step further with her collaborative project “Joining Hands,” performing to the indo-jazz sounds of the Aakash Mittal Quartet.
Where: The Vittum Theater, 1012 N Noble Street, Chicago
When: 8 p.m. Friday, 8 p.m. Saturday, 5 p.m. Sunday
Price: $20 in advance, $25 at the door, $35 preferred seating
Friday
Powerless
What’s a superhero to do in a world of bureaucratic paper-pushing, where crime-fighting requires a badge? Follow Logan Square residents Milo, Massen and Maggie, the Society of Young Superheroes, as they try to develop their powers amid government regulation from the Metropolitan Superhero Conglomerate Corporation. Be sure to catch this multimedia play before it closes it’s month-long run on Saturday.
Where: 3429 W. Diversey Parkway, Suite 208
When: 8 p.m. Friday, 7 p.m. Saturday
Price: $10 suggested donations
Chicago Ice Cream & Gelato Fest
As another Chicago summer winds down, celebrate one of its simplest joys at the Chicago Ice Cream & Gelato Fest in Little Italy. Sample sundaes from regional “micro-creameries,” watch homemade ice cream demos, experiment at “mix-in tables” rife with gourmet ingredients and learn the difference between ice cream and gelato.
Where: 1431 W. Taylor St., Chicago
When: 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. Friday
Price: $25 adults, $10 kids under 12
Saturday
Ladyfest Midwest 10th Anniversary Show
In 2001, a group of like-minded ladies put together one of the best festivals featuring women in rock that the Windy City has ever seen. Tired of a male dominated local music scene, organizers brought Le Tigre, ESG, the Butchies, Bratmobile and many more bands to Chicago venues. This year, some of the original organizers reunited for a 10th anniversary celebration at the Empty Bottle. Wanton Looks, the Cathy Santonies and Hollows will perform, and all proceeds will benefit the Chicago Women's Health Center. Learn more about other Ladyfest Midwest events here.
Where: The Empty Bottle, 1035 N. Western
When: 9 p.m. Saturday
Price: $15
Oak Park Micro Brew Review
Throw back brews with a clear conscience at the 4th Annual Oak Park Micro Brew Review, the largest zero-waste brew fest in the midwest. Sponsored by green initiative Seven Generations Ahead, the event features tastings of over 90 craft beers from more than 30 microbreweries across the Midwest. Proceeds will benefit SGA’s non-profit work to environmentally sustainable communities in the Midwest.
Where: 100 Block N. Marion Street, Oak Park
When: 3 p.m. - 7 p.m. Saturday
Price: Multiple ticketing packages available
Dance For Life Chicago 20th Anniversary Celebration
Celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Dance For Life Fund, which provides small, personal assistance grants to Chicago dancers struggling with life-threatening diseases, at their showcase of Chicago-area dance companies. Preceded by a gala reception, the show will include two separate world premiere performances by choreographers Harrison McEldowney, with aerial artistry by C5, and Randy Duncan with original music composition by Ira Antellis and original costume design by Jeff Hancock.
Where: Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, 50 East Congress Parkway, Chicago
When: 4:45 p.m. - 6:45 p.m. Gala Reception, 7:30 p.m. Performance
Price: Varies by seat level, http://www.danceforlifechicago.com/tickets.html
Sunday
Big Star Sidewalk Sale
Last month’s hailstorm decimated the Garfield Park Conservatory, shattering most of the greenhouse’s glass and killing hundreds of plants. Help support one of the largest conservatories in the United States while sprucing up your cookware collection at a sidewalk sale hosted by Big Star, where all of the Blackbird group of restaurants will be selling used dishware, furniture and kitchen supplies to fundraise for the costly repairs ahead.
Where: Big Star, 1531 N. Damen, Chicago
When: 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Price: free