Our picks for events in and around Chicago this weekend.
Lollapalooza
The fences are up, and outfit inspo is all over Insta. It’s time, Lollapalooza takes over the city this weekend with a bill topped by Charli xcx, The Smashing Pumpkins, Olivia Dean, Jennie, Tate McRae and The xx. And while the main event is in Grant Park, you can get in on the fun at aftershows in venues spanning the city. The Tribune has best bets for music, pro tips for attending and coverage all four days inside the park. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily through Aug. 2 in Grant Park, main entrance at Michigan Avenue and Ida B. Wells Drive; tickets from $185 at lollapalooza.com
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Ariana Grande
Or maybe you’d rather throw your concert budget at a single diva? Last time Ariana Grande played here, she headlined Lolla. That was five years before she became Galinda/Glinda. Now she’s back with her “Eternal Sunshine” tour, concluding her North American dates in Chicago. Billboard called her Brooklyn stop “a pitch-perfect fusion of music, live theater and film.” 9 p.m. Aug. 3 and 8 p.m. Aug. 5-6 at United Center, 1901 W. Madison St.; tickets at unitedcenter.com
Chicago and Styx
Spend Saturday in the park, or, well, Allstate Arena. Two classic Chicago acts — Chicago and Styx — return on their “Windy Cities” tour. Like so many aging bands, you won’t get to see the full band. Lee Loughnane is the last original member touring for Chicago, while Tommy Shaw (nearly original), James “J.Y.” Young and Chuck Panozzo will perform for Styx. 7 p.m. Aug. 1 at Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim Road, Rosemont; tickets from $79.05 at rosemont.com
John Williams and Rachmaninoff
Sure, John Williams’ soundtracks have become as familiar as your childhood phone number, but head up to Ravinia this weekend to hear something Williams debuted last year at Tanglewood. The new concerto — inspired by jazz greats Art Tatum, Bill Evans and Oscar Peterson — will be performed by Emanuel Ax, the pianist for whom it was written. The program also features Rachmaninoff’s “Symphonic Dances” and John Adams’ “Short Ride in a Fast Machine.” 7:30 p.m. Aug. 1 at Ravinia Festival, 201 Ravinia Park Road, Highland Park; tickets from $17 at ravinia.org
Casa Triana Flamenco
Get a taste of flamenco dance during this weekend’s installment of the Levitt VIBE Chicago Free Concert Series. Presented in conjunction with the International Latino Cultural Center of Chicago and the Chicago Park District, Casa Triana Flamenco will perform a free show demonstrating the form’s complex footwork. The concert series runs Saturdays through Aug. 22. 6-8 p.m. Aug. 1 at Riis Park, 6100 W. Fullerton Ave.; details on the free event at latinoculturalcenter.org
National Sports Collectors Convention
Go on the hunt for baseball trading cards or get an autograph from a sports legend. The National Sports Collectors Convention will convene this weekend, featuring more than 600 vendors and a who’s who of star athletes: Carlton Fisk, Ozzie Guillen, Sammy Sosa, Kurt Becker, Jim Covert, Jay Cutler, Julius Erving, Dennis Rodman, Hakeem Olajuwon, Megan Keller, Grant Mulvey, Jerry Korab, Evander Holyfield, Mike Tyson, Lennox Lewis. Dozens more are scheduled to appear, not to mention, bonus celebrities Ralph Macchio along with Chuck D and Flavor Flav. Through Aug. 2 at Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N. River Road, Rosemont; tickets from $30 at nsccshow.com
“Vroom, Screech”
Love a good car chase? Pick a hot night and head to the movies to revel in a film series dedicated to edge-of-the-seat rides. It kicks off this weekend with “Bullitt” (1968), starring Steve McQueen (who else?) and Joseph H. Lewis’s B-movie classic, “Gun Crazy” (1950). Plan your next few weekends, too, with a pack of flicks gunning for your nerves: Jean-Luc Godard’s “Weekend” (1968), William Friedkin’s “The French Connection” (1971), Jacques Tati’s comedy “Traffic” (1971), Quentin Tarantino’s “Death Proof” (2007), the Hong Kong thriller “Motorway” (2012) and George Miller’s “Mad Max: Fury Road” (2015). Through Aug. 27 at Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State St.; tickets $15.50 at siskelfilmcenter.org
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks
If you need to feel the real rumble of cars, head to United Center. Tiger Shark, Bone Shaker, Bigfoot, Skelesaurus, Mega Wrex and the rest of the gang are back in their latest “Glow-n-Fire” show. See the latest addition, Rhinomite, rev up, along with a transforming robot and the awe-inspiring motocross team. 11:30 a.m. or 6:30 p.m. Aug. 1 and 1:30 p.m. Aug. 2 at United Center, 1901 W. Madison St.; tickets from $35.30 at unitedcenter.com
Ville-a-Palooza 15
Canaryville’s homegrown festival celebrates 15 years this weekend. Promising “the loudest local acts,” an open mic, vendors, family fun and a raffle, it’s a good excuse to check out a South Side fixture. A portion of the proceeds supports the Canaryville Youth Initiative. Midday to midnight Aug. 1 around Canaryville Little League, 455 W. 45th Place; details at ville-a-palooza.square.site
Laurie Berkner
Can you score one of Ravinia’s hottest tickets? Children’s songstress Laurie Berkner returns to delight the little ones in a sold-out 11 a.m. concert. Let’s go swimming, swimming, swimming … 11 a.m. Aug. 1 at Ravinia Festival, 201 Ravinia Park Road, Highland Park; tickets at ravinia.org
Have something to do around Chicago? Email events to [email protected].
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