Our picks for events in and around Chicago this weekend.
Chicago Air & Water Show
The forecast calls for thunder and sun this weekend as planes zoom in for the Chicago Air & Water Show. As always, the show features a mix of military and civilian performers. The U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team and the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds headline, along with Bill Stein Airshows, Kevin Coleman Aerosports and Susan Dacy’s Super Stearman biplane, “Big Red.” Head to the lakefront.
10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 16-17 (Aug. 15 rehearsal) around North Avenue Beach, 1600 N. DuSable Lake Shore Drive; details on the free event at chicago.gov
Nine Inch Nails
Just after swapping drummers with the Foo Fighters — exchanging Ilan Rubin for Josh Freese — Nine Inch Nails is rolling into Chicago with its “Peel It Back” tour. Expect them to play “As Alive as You Need Me To Be” from their forthcoming “Tron: Ares” soundtrack. NIN’s Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross have a long history working on film scores; they’re a Tony Award short of an EGOT.
7:30 p.m. Aug. 19-20 at United Center, 1901 W. Madison St.; tickets from $61.30 at www.unitedcenter.com
Tate McRae
The Canadian pop star and “So You Think You Can Dance” alumna takes over the United Center this weekend for her “Miss Possessive” tour. The title of her single from “F1: The Movie” pretty much says it all: “Just Keep Watching.”
7:30 p.m. Aug. 15 at United Center, 1901 W. Madison St.; www.unitedcenter.com
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The Flaming Lips and Modest Mouse
Do you realize? The Flaming Lips are in town this weekend? Modest Mouse and Friko join the bill to deliver a show that feels just right for these waning summer days.
6 p.m. Aug. 16 at The Salt Shed Fairgrounds, 1357 N. Elston Ave.; www.saltshedchicago.com
UFC 319: Du Plessis vs. Chimaev
The Ultimate Fighting Championship comes to Chicago this weekend. Watch middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis defend his title against third-ranked and undefeated challenger Khamzat Chimaev. Oddsmakers are predicting the title will change hands this weekend.
5 p.m. Aug. 16 at United Center, 1901 W. Madison St.; www.unitedcenter.com
XL Fest
Chuck D and the cast of the film “Soul Food” are just a few of the speakers at this week’s XL Fest, a film festival designed to inspire and support Black storytellers. Beyond the celebration of the 25th anniversary of “Soul Food,” expect practical discussions for aspiring artists. Learn how to self-fund your work, develop projects for television networks and get films distributed while also diving into mental health strategies to help sustain yourself as you navigate the industry. The film schedule features many emerging artists’ short films and, on Friday, a documentary about Chicago’s “Uncle George: The Music Man.”
Through Aug. 23 at multiple locations including the David Rubenstein Forum, 1201 E. 60th St.; tickets (some events free) at creativecypher.org
Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest
Head to the cobblestoned strip of Rogers Park this weekend to celebrate the arts. Explore studios, engage with more than 100 artist booths and watch free performances on two main stages. The neighborhood’s beloved Heartland Cafe may be long gone, but its spirit lives on in community events like this one.
6 p.m.-10 p.m. Aug. 15, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Aug. 16 and 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Aug. 17 around 6900 N. Glenwood Ave.; details on the free event at glenwoodave.org
“House Calls”
Dance break: Get to Pilsen. Chicago house music producer Mike Dunn spins at Thalia Hall this weekend, featuring artists Janesita and Juju.
9 p.m. Aug. 16 at Thalia Hall, 1807 S. Allport St.; tickets (ages 21+) from $30.82 at ticketweb.com
Wine and Art Walk
As if a fine summer day weren’t already a good enough invitation to wander the grounds of the Morton Arboretum, now you have another reason: a juried show of nature-themed art. Artist booths will line two paved roads, one of which offers lovely views of the Meadow Lake. While you’re there, take in the “Vivid Creatures” exhibit of giant, colorful sculptures.
10 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 16-17 at Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle; tickets from $13.95 at mortonarb.org
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Cynthia Erivo
On the heels of her electrifying performance as Jesus at the Hollywood Bowl’s production of “Jesus Christ Superstar,” the “Wicked” star arrives in Highland Park. If past setlists are any indication, expect Cynthia Erivo to sing a mix of showtunes and covers of Aretha Franklin, Carole King, Prince and more.
7:30 p.m. (gates at 5 p.m.) Aug. 15 at Ravinia Festival, 201 Ravinia Park Road, Highland Park; tickets from $165 at www.ravinia.org
Have something to do around Chicago? Email events to day.chitribevents@gmail.com.