“Wicked”: The smash hit Broadway musical about the witches of the Land of Oz returns to Chicago. Expect incredible sets and powerful songs about the rivalry and unlikely friendship between the brilliant green-skinned Elphaba and the beautiful Glinda, the most popular girl in school. Through Dec. 4 at the James M. Nederlander Theatre, 24 W. Randolph St.; tickets start at $59 at broadwayinchicago.com
“A M.A.D.D. Mix Tape”: The world premiere work created, directed and choreographed by Donnetta “LilBit” Jackson as part of M.A.D.D. Rhythms’ annual Chicago Tap Summit traces the African diaspora through tap and footwork with DeejayD9_3 spinning hip hop and R&B. 8 p.m. Saturday at Harold Washington Cultural Center, 4701 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive; tickets $20-$30 at eventbrite.com
Apple Fest: More than 70 vendors including Amy’s Candy Bar, Luella’s Southern Kitchen and Bang Bang Pie & Biscuits will sell food and drinks such as apple pie, hard apple cider and candied apples. The 35th annual fall festival also features live music and a kids’ zone. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday on Lincoln Avenue from Lawrence to Wilson Avenues; $5 suggested donation, more information at lincolnsquare.org/apple-fest
Gorillaz: The virtual band, which appears as cartoon characters, rarely tours, so you won’t want to miss this show they’re putting on ahead of the February release of their new album, “Cracker Island.” The performance could feature some of their many collaborators, which have included Beck and Bad Bunny. Hip hop duo EarthGang opens the show. 7:30 p.m. Oct. 3 at the United Center, 1901 W. Madison St.; tickets $82-$311 at unitedcenter.com
WingOut Chicago: “Hot Ones” co-creator Sean Evans hosts the seventh annual festival, where you can try a wide variety of chicken wings from restaurants and bars including Woodie’s Flat, Tandoor Char House and Electric Garden, and vote for your favorite. 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, 1633 N. Cleveland Ave.; tickets $14-$79 at wingout.greencurtainevents.com
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Violent Femmes: The folk-punk band with hits like “Blister in the Sun” and “Gone Daddy Gone” performs to promote the 30th-anniversary reissue of their album “Why Do Birds Sing?” which will be released on Oct. 8. The Los Angeles folk band Las Cafeteras provides an opening set. 7:30 p.m. Oct. 4 and 5 at Thalia Hall, 1807 S. Allport St.; tickets $40 at https://vfemmes.com/tour
Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater: Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with the U.S. premiere of “A Silvero,” featuring dancing and choreography from La Lupi and music from her husband, guitarist and composer Curro de María. The show also features classic works from the company’s repertoire and an opening performance from contemporary ballet company Para.Mar. 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive; tickets $32-$76 at 312-341-2300 and auditoriumtheatre.org
AIDS Run & Walk Chicago: Run 5K or 10K or join a 5K walk and roll at the 31st annual fundraiser for the AIDS Foundation Chicago and programs and services helping Chicagoans living with or vulnerable to HIV. You can get a COVID-19 booster or flu shot on site, grab breakfast from McDonald’s or lunch from the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile, and have a celebratory drink in a beer garden. The Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus, DJ Harry Tyner and Donica Lynn perform. 9:30 a.m. Sunday at Soldier Field, 1410 Museum Campus Drive; registration is $50, more information at aidsrunwalk.org
Andersonville Arts Weekend: Visit the future home of the Bramble Arts Loft (5545 N. Clark St.), a multistage performance venue, and pick up a guide to the self-guided tour of works from nearly 100 artists spread across 40 locations throughout the neighborhood. The 18th annual event also features artist receptions, a wine and art walk, art vendors, and a student art show. Through Sunday at multiple locations, more information at andersonville.org/arts-weekend
“Miss Holmes Returns”: Catch the Midwest premiere of the show based on the works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, where Miss Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Dorothy Watson are trying to find a murderer and prevent Scotland Yard from convicting an innocent young woman. Through Oct. 16 at Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave.; tickets $45 at 773-761-4477 and lifelinetheatre.com
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