Our picks for events in and around Chicago this weekend.
Demi Lovato
Just after dropping eight new tracks on an expanded version of her latest album, “It’s Not That Deep,” Demi Lovato stages a dance party in the United Center. It’s her first major tour in three years. Adéla (the rejected Katseye member of “Dream Academy” fame) joins her. 8 p.m. May 1 at United Center, 1901 W. Madison St.; tickets from $50.15 at unitedcenter.com
St. Paul & the Broken Bones
The Birmingham, Alabama-based soul band plays Salt Shed this weekend. Last fall, they registered their first chart-topping hit, “Sushi and Coca-Cola,” on Billboard’s Adult Alternative Airplay chart. 7 p.m. May 1 at The Salt Shed, 1357 N. Elston Ave.; tickets (ages 17+) at saltshedchicago.com
Matteo Lane
Area native Matteo Lane returns with his stand-up tour “We Gotta Catch Up!” Variety named him one of “10 Comics to Watch in 2022,” and that sentiment still holds up in 2026. If you haven’t already watched his “Al Dente Special” on Hulu, check it out. 7 p.m. May 2 at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St; tickets from $52.95 at msg.com
Katt Williams
Actor and comedian Katt Williams brings his stand-up act to the United Center. Maybe you know him as Earn’s uncle on “Atlanta” — a guest role for which Williams won an Emmy — or Money Mike in “Friday After Next.” Get the behind-the-scenes stories in his forthcoming memoir, due out this fall, “Nine Lives, No Wives, and 69 Concubines.” 8 p.m. May 2 at United Center, 1901 W. Madison St.; tickets from $78.25 at unitedcenter.com
Evolution Asian American Arts Festival
Revel in art this weekend as more than 125 artists and performers gather for Evolution, a festival celebrating Asian American, Pacific Island and Native Hawaiian culture. The two-day lineup is packed with dance, music, improv, theater, and spoken-word performances as well as a film showcase. Opportunities to make art are also available, including a pop-up book with puppet artist Jaerin Son. May 2-3 at Lookingglass Theatre, 163 Pearson St.; tickets from $30 at aaac.art
SatchVai Band
Rock fans of a certain age take note: The SatchVai supergroup rolls into the Chicago Theatre this weekend. Guitarists Joe Satriani and Steve Vai are touring on the heels of their latest single, “Dancing.” They’ll be accompanied by veteran drummer Kenny Aronoff, bassist Marco Mendoza, and guitarist Pete Thorn. Animals as Leaders opens. 7 p.m. May 3 at The Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St.; tickets from $52.95 at msg.com
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Il Volo
The Italian pop-opera trio that got its start on Eurovision a decade or so ago stops at Rosemont Theatre on its latest world tour. Sort of a new generation of The Three Tenors — only in this case, two tenors and baritone — the group has played last summer for Pope Leo XIV. See them for yourself this weekend. 8 p.m. May 2 at Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N. River Road, Rosemont; tickets from $57.55 at rosemont.com
The Orion Ensemble
You have three more opportunities to catch The Orion Ensemble before it disbands. The chamber music group has played together for 35 years. The final concerts will feature works by Aram Khachaturian, Sergei Prokofiev, and Johannes Brahms. 3 p.m. May 3 in New England Congregational Church, 406 W. Galena Blvd., Aurora; 7:30 p.m. May 4 in PianoForte Studios, 1335 S. Michigan Ave.; and 7:30 p.m. May 10 in Nichols Concert Hall, Music Institute of Chicago, 1490 Chicago Ave., Evanston; tickets from $15 at orionensemble.org
Busse Birthday Bash
All aboard the 1936 city of Chicago fireboat Fred A. Busse. Tour the historic boat, which was designed to fit under the city’s bridges and named for Chicago’s 39th mayor, and wish it a happy 90th birthday. The dockside party will feature music by Paul Strolia. 4-10 p.m. May 2 at DuSable Harbor, 111 N. DuSable Lake Shore Drive; tickets from $29.19 (children 3 and under free) at fireboattours.com
Free Comic Book Day
Get free comic books and game-related items this weekend at participating stores. This is actually two separate events. Technically, Free Comic Book Day features DC, Archie, Titan and several other publishers; Penguin Random House’s Comics Giveaway Day features Marvel, Dark Horse, TokyoPop and others. The DC-Marvel rivalry continues! May 2 in various locations; more details about the event at freecomicbookday.com and prhcomics.com
Have something to do around Chicago? Email events to [email protected].