SUN/1
Belize Day in the Park
This thirtieth annual Belizean culture fest features live music, food and merchandise from the Caribbean nation. Jackson Park at Lake Shore Drive and Hayes. (773)881-0412. 10am-10pm. Free.
Emerald City Theatre: The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs
Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. Noon. Free.
Lincoln Park Arts Festival
In its second year in the Lincoln Park/DePaul neighborhood, this art festival includes live music on two stages and an exhibition from juried artists. Racine between Fullerton and Webster, (773)529-3010. Sat Noon-10pm, Sun Noon-9pm. Free.
Rock N’ Roll Chicago Half Marathon
Every mile’s a concert at the run formerly known as the Chicago Distance Classic. Several stages along the way, plus Chicago-themed water stations make this an event for runners and spectators alike. Race starts at Columbus and Congress, near Buckingham Fountain. 6:30 am (arrive at least an hour early). (800)311-1255. $110 race fee benefits the American Cancer Society.
Summer on Southport
Experience the treasures of North Southport Avenue with this weekend event featuring eating and artwork. The festival includes the 9th Annual Chicago Children’s Festival, as well as a Sunday Gospel Brunch and bike parade. 3700 N. Southport, (773)665-4682. Sat 11am-10pm, Sun 11am-9pm. Free.
Wicker Park Fest
Milwaukee Avenue hosts a weekend of alt-indie music, food and artwork. The festival, in its seventh year, will include Wicker Park Kid’s fest with interactive children’s activities. Milwaukee between North and Wood, (773)384-2672. Sat and Sun Noon-10pm. $5 donation.
MON/2
Dusk Variations: Portland Cello Project
The first in a series of four genre-mixing sunset concerts. Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. 6:30pm. Free.
Edible Audible Picnic: VHS or BETA Dee Jays
Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. Noon. Free.
TUE/3
Grant Park Music Festival Open Rehearsal
Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. 11am and 3pm. Free.
Tuesdays on the Terrace: Fred Lonberg-Holm.
Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago. (312)397-4934. 5:30pm-8pm. $5 lawn seats, $22 dinner buffet.
WED/4
Chicago SummerDance: Step
Dawud Shareef and Lura Satterfield give a Chicago Bop dance lesson, and Chicago Catz provide R&B, Soul, and Funk music. Jackson Park 63rd Street Beach, 6300 S. Lake Shore Drive. (773)256-0903. Dance lesson 6pm, live music 7pm-9pm. Free.
Grant Park Music Festival Open Rehearsal
Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. 11am. Free.
Grant Park Music Festival: Violinist Christian Tetzlaff
Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. 6:30pm. Free.
International Summer Screenings Program: “The Signal”
“La señal,” Ricardo Darin and Martin Hodara. Argentina, 2007. Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph, 2nd floor. (312)683-0121. 6:30pm. Also, Sat, Aug 7, 2pm. Free.
Theater on the Lake
Aug 4-8. Caffeine Theatre presents “Under Milk Wood,” Dylan Thomas’ darkly funny meditation on the dreams and waking lives of the residents of a fictional Welsh town. Theater on the Lake, 2401 N. Lake Shore Drive, (312)742-7529. Wed-Sat 7:30pm, Sun 6:30pm. $17.50.
THU/5
Elvis is Alive 5K
A non-competitive event that promises to be “more fun than a honeymoon in Vegas” and features an all-Elvis start corral and post-run show. Grant Park, near Randolph and Lake Shore Drive, across from the Columbia Yacht Club. (773)305-3338. 6:45pm start. $25 before 8/2, $30 race week, benefits Girls on the Run. Registration dates and times vary; consult fleetfeetchicago.com for details.
Galapalooza
This official preview party for Lollapalooza Music Festival includes a cocktail party and private concert. Grant Park, Petrillo Bandshell, 235 S. Columbus, (312)742-4816. 6pm. $250/$500/$1,000 single ticket, $2,500/$5,000/$10,000 lounges.
Made in Chicago: World Class Jazz
This week it’s “A Woman Beyond Time: Mary Lou Williams at 100 featuring Bethany Pickens and Amina Claudine Myers.” Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. 6:30pm. Free.
Millennium Park at Noon: After School Matters
Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. Noon. Free.
FRI/6
Concert in the Park
R&B and Jazz featuring Sax Preacher. Arcade Park, 11132 S. Saint Lawrence, (312)747-7661. 6:30pm. Free.
Family Adventure Days: Pilsen
Explore the home of the largest Mexican-American community in the city with a trip to the National Museum of Mexican Art and authentic eats. Tours leave from the Visitor Information Center at the Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph at 9:30am and return back at 2:30pm. (312)742-8497. $12 per person.
Grant Park Music Festival: Mozart and Rossini Finales
Classical endings as performed by the Ryan Opera Center. Harris Theater, Millennium Park, 205 Upper Randolph, 6:30pm. Free.
Lollapalooza
Aug 6-8. This year’s rock extravaganza brings in the likes of Sound Garden, Green Day, Lady Gaga, The Arcade Fire, The Strokes, and Phoenix (among many, many others) to Chicago. Grant Park, 500 S. Columbus, (888)512-7469. Ticket info at lollapalooza.com.
Millennium Park at Noon: Liz Carroll and Friends
Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. Noon. Free.
Moonlight Cruise: Market Days BAD Moonlight Cruise
Hors d’oeuvres, buffet, DJ, and drink specials celebrating Market Days. Boards at the south side of Navy Pier at 600 E. Grand, (877)299-7783. Board 12:15am, Cruise 12:45am-2am. $35.90. 21+
Sleep Under The Skyscrapers
The Lincoln Park Zoo hosts a family-oriented overnight to explore the urban ecosystem at night. Pitch your tent on the South Lawn, take in the wildlife, enjoy a pizza dinner, and wake up to the morning songs of birds. South Lawn, Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N. Clark, (312)742-2056. 6pm-9am. Adults and families with children 5 and up. $45 per zoo member, $50 per non-member. Space limited, reservations required.
Taylor Street Italian Festival
Eat, drink, soak in some entertainment and eat again in Chicago’s Little Italy. There’ll be Italian wares on sale, and a Sunday Mass for the religiously-inclined. Taylor and Ashland, (630)443-8400. Fri 5pm-11pm, Sat noon-11pm, Sun noon-10pm. $3-$7 donation.
SAT/7
Evanston Lakeshore Arts Festival
Aug 7-8. Art, jazz, classical music and family-friendly activities descend upon Evanston’s Dawes Park. Dawes Park, Sheridan at Church, Evanston. (847)448-8260. 11am-6pm. Free.
Fall Open House
Free class demos, prize drawings, performances, face paintings and food at this outdoor block party featuring everything the Sherwood Community Music School has to offer. Sherwood Community Music School, Columbia College Chicago, 1312 S. Michigan. (312)369-3100. 10am. Free.
Millennium Park at Noon: Beaba do Samba
Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. Noon. Free.
Northalsted Market Days
Aug 7-8. The twenty-ninth annual festival—the largest street fair in the Midwest– features more than 350 food and art vendors and more than 40 live music acts including Joan Jett. Halsted between Addison and Belmont, (773)883-0500. 11am-10pm. Free ($7 suggested donation).
Retro on Roscoe
Aug 7-8. Roscoe Village plays host to multiple music stages, food and drink vendors, an antique car show, kid’s activities, and a chili cook-off. Roscoe from Damen to Oakley, (773)665-4682. Noon-10pm. $5.
Veggie Fest
Aug 7-8. INFORMATION FORTHCOMING.
SUN/8
Ecuador Parade
Albany Park celebrates Ecuadorian independence with Andean music, folk dancing, carnival games and, of course, a parade. Montrose from California to Kimball. (773)627-7051. Noon. Free.
Emerald City Theatre: The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs
Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. Noon. Free.
Pakistan Independence Day Parade
Celebrate sixty-three years of Pakistani independence on Devon Avenue, Ridge to Western. 2000 W. Devon. 12:30pm. Free.
MON/9
Dusk Variations: Victoire
Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. 6:30pm. Free.
Edible Audible Picnic: Javelin
Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. Noon. Free.
TUE/10
Grant Park Music Festival Open Rehearsal
Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. 11am and 3pm. Free.
Tuesdays on the Terrace: Robert Irving III
Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago. (312)397-4934. 5:30pm-8pm. $5 lawn seats, $22 dinner buffet.
WED/11
Chicago SummerDance: Latin
Miguel Mendez teaches Mambo and Cha-Cha dancing, while CALJE Salsa, featuring Papo Santiaggo and Nythia Martinez, provide Latin Jazz. Humboldt Park Boat House, 1359 N. Sacramento. (312)742-7549. Dance lesson 6pm, live music 7pm-9pm. Free.
Chicago SummerDance: Swing
Tommye Giacchino and Gregory Day give a Swing dancing lesson, Lesley Byers and The Jazz Cats chime in with Swingin’ Jazz music and a fireworks display caps off the evening. Navy Pier Beer Garden, 600 E. Grand. (312)595-7437. Dance lesson 6pm-6:45pm, live music 7:30pm-10pm, fireworks 9:30. Free.
Concert in the Park
R&B and Jazz concert featuring Sax Preacher. Normandy Playground Park. 6660 W. 52nd. (773)229-1421. 6:30pm. Free.
Grant Park Music Festival Open Rehearsal
Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. 11am. Free.
Grant Park Music Festival: Toumani Diabaté: Kora Music from West Africa
Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. 6:30pm. Free.
International Summer Screenings Program: “Don’t Think About It”
“Non pensarci.” Gianni Zanasi, Italy, 2007. Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph, 2nd floor. (312)683-0121. 6:30pm. Also Sat, Aug 14, 2pm. Free.
THU/12
Grant Park Music Festival Open Rehearsal
Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. 10:30am. Free.
Made in Chicago: World Class Jazz
Toumani Diabate and the Chicago Transilience Ensemble. Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. 6:30pm. Free.
FRI/13
Concert in the Park
R&B and Jazz concert featuring Sax Preacher. Nichols Park. 1355 E. 53rd. (312)747-2703. 6:30pm. Free.
Family Adventure Days: Garfield Park
Explore the plants and flowers of one of Chicago’s greenest neighborhoods. Tours leave from the Visitor Information Center at the Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph at 9:30am and return at 2:30pm. (312)742-8497. $12 per person.
Grant Park Music Festival Open Rehearsal
Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. 11am. Free.
Grant Park Music Festival: Dvorák
Aug 13-14. The Grant Park Orchestra and Chorus perform Dvorák’s Requiem. Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. Friday 6:30pm, Saturday 7:30pm. Free.
Ginza Holiday Festival
Aug 13-15. This Japanese cultural festival features drum and dance performances, martial arts demos, art exhibits, vendors, a haiku contest, and of course, teriyaki, sushi and udon. Midwest Buddhist Temple, 435 W. Menomonee, (312)943-7801. Fri 5:30-9pm, Sat 11:30am-7pm, Sun 11:30am-6:30pm. $4-$5, free for kids 12 and under.
SAT/14
Armenian Fest
Aug 14-15. Live music, $12 kebab dinners, homemade pastries, a silent auction and children’s activities at St. Gregory’s annual indoor-outdoor party. St. Gregory Armenian Church, 6700 W. Diversey. (773)637-1711. Sat 5pm-10pm, Sun 12pm-7pm. Free.
Bud Billiken Parade
Always held on the second Saturday in August, the 81st annual parade and picnic features a lineup of floats, bands, dance teams and celebrities celebrating “African American togetherness and just plain fun.” 39th and South Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive. (773)536-3710. 10m-6pm. Free.
Chicago Air and Water Show
Aug 14-15. Air and watercraft demonstrations on the Lincoln Park waterfront, featuring stunt performances by the US Navy Blue Angels and the US Army Parachute Team Golden Knights. North Avenue Beach, 1600 N. Lake Shore Drive. (312)744-3370. 11am-4pm. Free.
India Independence Day Parade
Celebrate the sixty-third anniversary of India’s independence. The parade starts at Devon and Western and moves west along California in Rogers Park. 2400 W. Devon, (773)802-4188. Noon. Free.
Millennium Park at Noon: Miss Tess and the Bon Ton Parade
Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. Noon. Free.
USA Cycling Professional Criterium National Championship
This day-long series of races is the biggie of Midwest cycling events. Vernon and Hazel, Glencoe. (773)584-6610. Times vary; consult procritchampionship.com. Free.
Wrigleyville Summerfest
Aug 14-15. Live music, food and drink vendors, and family-friendly games and activities take over the streets surrounding Wrigley Field. 3350 N. Seminary. (773)665-4682. Sat noon-10pm, Sun 10am-9pm. $5 suggested donation benefits the Resurrection Lutheran Church.
SUN/15
Emerald City Theatre: The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs
Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. Noon. Free.
MON/16
Dusk Variations: Lost in the Trees
Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. 6:30pm. Free.
Edible Audible Picnic: Juan MacLean (DJ Kicks)
Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. Noon. Free.
TUE/17
Grant Park Music Festival Open Rehearsal
Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. 11am and 3pm. Free.
Ozzfest 2010
13 bands on 2 stages, featuring full sets from Ozzy, Mötley Crüe, Rob Halford, DevilDriver and Nonpoint plus Black Label Society Drowning Pool and others. First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre, 19100 S. Ridgeland, Tinley Park. (708)614-1616. Music starts at 1pm. Tickets at www.livenation.com.
Tuesdays on the Terrace: Jason Adasiewicz
Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago. (312)397-4934. 5:30pm-8pm. $5 lawn seats, $22 dinner buffet.
WED/18
Chicago SummerDance: Folk
Eastern European dance lesson followed by Krilich Brothers Tamburitza Orchestra’s Balkan Folk Dance music. Athletic Field Park. 3546 W. Addison. (773)478-2889. Dance lesson 6pm, live music 7pm-9pm. Free.
Grant Park Music Festival: Brahms and Bizet
Cuban-born pianist Horacio Gutierrez performs with the Grant Park Orchestra. Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. 6:30pm. Free.
Grant Park Music Festival Open Rehearsal
Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168.11am. Free.
International Summer Screenings Program: “Small Fish”
“Kleine Fische,” Marco Antoniazzi, Austria, 2009. Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph, 2nd floor. (312)683-0121. 6:30pm. Also Sat, Aug 21. 2pm. Free.
THU/19
Grant Park Music Festival Open Rehearsal
Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168.10:30am. Free.
Made in Chicago: World Class Jazz
Django: A Celebration featuring Alfonso Ponticelli and Swing Gatan with special guests. Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. 6:30pm. Free.
FRI/20
Edison Park Fest
Aug 20-22. The usual summerfest attractions—parade, beer, art and music—plus a dog show. Edison Park, 6730 N. Olmstead, (773)631-0063. Fri, 5pm-11pm, Sat 9am-11pm, Sun 10am-10pm. Free.
Family Adventure Days: Hyde Park
Home to the UofC and the president, Hyde Park attractions include Frank Lloyd Wright’s Robie House and the Hyde Park Art Center. Tours leave from the Visitor Information Center at the Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph at 9:30am and return at 2:30pm. (312)742-8497. $12 per person.
Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest
Aug 20-22. Rogers Park plays host to over 100+artists, open studios and live performances, plus food and drink vendors. Glenwood between Lunt and Farwell, 6950 N. Glenwood, (773)761-4477. Kickoff party Aug 20, 6pm. Artists market and festival, Aug 21-22, Noon-9pm. Free.
Gold Coast Art Fair
Aug 20-22. The “Granddaddy of American Art Festivals” showcases the work of more than 400 juried artists, and also features food, live music and kid’s activities. Grant Park’s Butler Field at the corner of Monroe and Lake Shore Drive. Fri noon-5pm, Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10am-5pm. Free.
Grant Park Music Festival: Mahler
Aug 20-21. Cap off the season with Mahler: Symphony No. 2 in C minor “Resurrection” celebrates Principal Conductor Carlos Kalmar’s 10th Anniversary with the festival. Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. Fri 6:30pm, Sat 7:30pm. Free.
Grant Park Music Festival Open Rehearsal
Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. 11am. Free.
North Side Summerfest
Aug 20-22. A relative newcomer to the summer festival scene, the North Center neighborhood hosts local bands, food and beer booths, arts and crafts. Between Lincoln and Belle Plaine. 4050 N. Lincoln. (773)665-4682. Fri 6pm-10pm, Sat noon-10pm, Sun noon-9pm. $5 donation.
SAT/21
Caribbean Festival
Aug 21-22. Food, crafts, and music celebrating Jamaican independence and Caribbean culture. Union Park, 1501 W. Randolph. (312)427-0266. Noon-10pm. $10, $5 seniors and kids, free for kids under 6.
Millennium Park at Noon: Christabel and the Jons
Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. Noon. Free.
Ukrainian Fest
Aug 21-22. Explore Europe’s breadbasket with traditional Ukrainian arts, entertainment, performance and eats. Smith Park, 2500 W. Grand. (773)772-4500. Noon-10pm. $5 suggested donation; free for children 12 and under.
SUN/22
Emerald City Theatre: The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs
Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. Noon. Free.
MON/23
Dusk Variations: Clare and the Reasons
Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. 6:30pm. Free.
Edible Audible Picnic: All City Affairs
Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. Noon. Free.
TUE/24
Millennium Park at Noon: Chicago Human Rhythm Project
Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. Noon. Free.
Tall Ships Chicago
Aug 24-29. Over 20 majestic and historic Tall Ships dock at Navy Pier for a mile-long display. Viewings, dockside tours, hour-long sailing trips and maritime displays, plus nightly fireworks. Navy Pier, North Side Dock, 600 E. Grand. (312)595-7437. Tue 4pm-9pm, Wed-Sat 10am-9pm, Sun 10am-6pm. Most events $15-$25.
Tuesdays on the Terrace: Fred Anderson
Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago. (312)397-4934. 5:30pm-8pm. $5 lawn seats, $22 dinner buffet.
WED/25
Chicago SummerDance: Swing
Teachers from MayIHaveThisDance.com give a crash course in swing dancing, then New Millennium Swing Collective chimes in with Big Band music. Jackson Park 63rd Street Beach, 6300 S. Lake Shore Drive. (773)256-0903. Dance lesson 6pm, live music 7pm-9pm. Free.
International Summer Screenings Program: “Will You Marry Us?”
“Die Standesbeamtin.” Micha Lewinsky, Switzerland, 2009. Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph, 2nd floor. (312)683-0121. 6:30pm. Also Sat, Aug 28, 2pm. Free.
THU/26
Chicago Dancing Festival: Modern Masters
Some of the top dance companies in the world descend on Chicago for three nights of free performance (tickets available in July). Thursday’s Modern Masters program features Robert Battle, Lar Lubovitch, Mark Morris, Paul Taylor, Christopher Wheeldon, and others. Harris Theater, Millennium Park, 205 Upper Randolph. (312)334-7777. 7:30pm. Free.
Made in Chicago: World Class Jazz
Tonight it’s Latin Inferno: James Sanders Conjunto with special guests Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre, Papo Santiago and Fred Anderson. Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. 6:30pm. Free.
Millennium Park at Noon: Mordine & Co.
Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. Noon. Free.
FRI/27
Chicago Dancing Festival: The Dancing Skyline
A lecture-demo focusing on the relationship between architecture and dance moderated by dance writer and critic Lucia Mauro. The Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago. (312)334-7777. 6pm. Free.
Family Adventure Days: Lincoln Park
Enjoy the Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool, the Nature Museum and after-lunch fishing. Tours leave from the Visitor Information Center at the Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph at 9:30am and return at 2:30pm. (312)742-8497. $12 per person.
Millennium Park at Noon: Kate Simko
Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. Noon. Free.
Moonlight Cruise: Latin BAD Moonlight Cruise
Latin DJ, live salsa musician Afinca’o, thirty-minute salsa dance lesson, Latin-themed appetizer and drink menu. Boards at the south side of Navy Pier at 600 E. Grand. (877)299-7783. Board 11:45pm, Cruise 12:15am-2:30am. $35.90. 21+
SAT/28
Bucktown Arts Fest
Aug 28-29. All volunteer-run neighborhood festival of the arts, featuring art vendors, theater and dance performances and more. Food and beer. Senior Citizens Memorial Park, 2238 N. Oakley, (312)409-8305. 11am-7pm. Free.
Chicago Dancing Festival: Celebration of Dance
Robert Battle, Sir. Kenneth MacMillan, Mark Morris and others perform under the stars. Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph. 7:30pm. Free.
Family Adventure Days: Jackson Park
Take in the great outdoors touring Wooded Island and the Oksana Garden, then learn to fish in the nearby lagoon. Tours leave from the Visitor Information Center at the Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph at 9:30am and return at 2:30pm. (312)742-8497. $12 per person.
Lakeview Music Fest
Aug 28-29. Food, drink, shopping and continuous live music set against the backdrop of the ballpark. Sheffield and Addison, 3600 N. Sheffield, (773)868-3010. Noon-10pm. $5 donation benefits the Lakeview Citizen’s Council; $7 donation after 5pm.
Millennium Park at Noon: Chicago Dancing Festival Open Rehearsal
Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. Noon. Free.
Port Clinton Art Festival
Aug 28-29. More than 260 fine artists exhibit their work. A special fair-within-a-fair features artists under 18. Port Clinton Square, Central, 1st and 2nd Street in downtown Highland Park. 10am-6pm. (847)926-4300. Free.
Taste of Greece 2010
Aug 28-29. Taste the tzaziki (and gyros. And kabobs. And…) at this festival, featuring traditional food, dancers, belly dancing, acrobats, live music, games and beer. Halsted between Monroe and Van Buren, (847)509-8050. Noon-11pm. Free.
2010 Arts & Crafts Festival
Aug 28-29. A juried exhibition featuring artists exploring African American identity through working in traditional, ethnic and experimental fine arts and crafts. Dance Africa Chicago performs Saturday. DuSable Museum, 740 E. 56th. (773)947-0600. Noon-8pm. Free.
SUN/29
Boulevard Lakefront Tour
Three routes for all levels of cyclists through the city’s historic neighborhoods, parks and boulevards. Starts at University of Illinois campus, Morgan and Taylor. (312)427-3325. 6am registration, 7am start. $25 ATA members, $30 non-members, $12 youth 17 and under.
Chicago Triathlon
The world’s largest event of its kind, athletes cycle, run and swim toward victory. Monroe Harbor, 1600 S. Prairie. (773)404-2372. Start at 4:15am, race starts at 6am. $155 USAT members, $165 non-members.
Emerald City Theatre: The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs
Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. Noon. Free.
Ferrari Festival
A midday feast featuring an Italian buffet, wine, beer, music, children’s activities, and a display of more than 60 vintage Ferraris. Italian Village, 71 W. Monroe. (312)332-7005. 11am. $30. Free for kids under 6.
MON/30
Edible Audible Picnic: Future Rock
Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. Noon. Free.
TUE/31
Millennium Park at Noon: Jimmy Kean and Friends
Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. Noon. Free.
Tuesdays on the Terrace: Charles Heath
Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E.Chicago. (312)397-4934. 5:30pm-8pm. $5 lawn seats, $22 dinner buffet.
SEPTEMBER
WED/1
International Summer Screenings Program: “Castle Under Fiery Skies”
“Katen no shiro.” Mitsutoshi Tanaka, Japan, 2009. Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph, 2nd floor. (312)683-0121. 6:30pm. Also Sat, Sept 4, 2pm. Free.
Millennium Park at Noon: Fly Phoenix
Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. Noon. Free.
THU/2
Made in Chicago: World Class Jazz
Big Band Birthday Bash: Ahmad Jamal’s 80th with the Chicago Jazz Orchestra. Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. 7:30pm. Free.
Millennium Park at Noon: Chicago Jazz Festival
Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. Noon. Free.
FRI/3
African Festival of the Arts
Sep 3-6. Celebrate the African influence in America with music and dance performances, food, family activities, a beer and wine garden, and an international marketplace. Washington Park, 5100 S. Cottage Grove. (773)955-2787. 10am–10pm; $15, $10 in advance, $5 seniors and kids 12 and under.
Taste of Melrose
Aug 3-5. Among an endless roster of tasting festivals, this one stands out for the legendary sfingi (Italian doughnuts) from the Missionary Sisters of St. Charles. The event also features live music and kid’s activities. A fireworks display caps things off Sunday night. 1000 N. 25th, Melrose Park. (708)343-4000. Fri 5pm-11pm, Sat noon-11pm, Sun noon-10pm with fireworks at 10:15. Free.
Taste of Polonia
Sep 3-6. Chicago has the biggest Polish population next to Warsaw, so it’s no surprise Taste of Polonia has far more to offer than pierogi and kielbasa (though it’s got those, too). Polish music, dancing, artists along with food and drink. Copernicus Center, 5216 W. Lawrence. (773)777-8898. Fri 5–11pm, Sat and Sun noon–11pm, Mon noon–10pm. $6, Sat and Sun after 6pm $7, seniors $3, kids under 12 free.
SAT/4
Bash on Wabash
Sep 4-5. This South Loop bash celebrates the “hottest and fastest growing new neighborhood” with local artisans, food vendors, fresh roasted sweet corn, kids’ activities, and live music. Wabash between 13th and 14th. 11:00am-10:00pm. $5.
Chicago Jazz Festival
Sep 4-5. All jazz, all the time at one of the most the most extensive free jazz festivals in the world. Grant Park, 300 S. Columbus. (312)744-3315.11am–9:30pm. Free.
Edible Audible Picnic: Orchard Lounge
Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. Noon. Free.
MON/6
Chicago Lakefront Beach Season Closing
The 2010 Beach season has ended until May 2011. For questions regarding Chicago’s Beaches, call (312)742-3224 or (312)742-7529.
Millennium Park at Noon: A Tundra
Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. Noon. Free.
August events compiled by Rachel Sugar
