Our picks for events in and around Chicago this weekend.
Bud Billiken Parade
The Bud Billiken tradition is 97 years old and still going strong. One of the largest parades in the country, it marks the start of the back-to-school season. Actress and South Side native LisaRaye McCoy (“The Players Club”) will serve as grand marshal, and a festival will follow in Washington Park. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Aug. 8 on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive between 39th and 51st Streets, followed by a festival in Washington Park; details on the free event at budbillikenparade.org
Foo Fighters
Party like it’s 1999 at Soldier Field, as Foo Fighters and Queens of the Stone Age make their third stop on their “Take Cover” tour. Earlier this year, Foo Fighters released its 12th album, “Your Favorite Toy.” Rolling Stone called it “a healing album out of heroic noise,” noting it’s “some of the most powerful music the band has made.” 5:30 p.m. Aug. 8 at Soldier Field, 1410 Special Olympics Drive; tickets from $88.40 at www.soldierfield.com
Chance the Rapper
The West Chatham native makes his Ravinia debut and his first appearance since his 2025 Northerly Island appearance celebrating the release of his first album in six years. 7 p.m. Aug. 8 at Ravinia Festival, 201 Ravinia Park Road, Highland Park; tickets from $70 at ravinia.org
Hugh Jackman
Expect musical theater, pop and plenty of charm as Hugh Jackman performs with the Chicago Philharmonic at Ravinia. The beloved Australian actor, singer and dancer — who’s an Oscar short of an EGOT — is perhaps best known for his longtime stint as Wolverine in the “X-Men” movies. If you can’t make it, consider watching him play a charming corpse in his latest flick, “The Sheep Detectives,” now streaming. 8 p.m. Aug. 9 at Ravinia Festival, 201 Ravinia Park Road, Highland Park; tickets from $103 at ravinia.org
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Jack Harlow
Whats Poppin: The Grammy-nominated pop-rap star plays Salt Shed following the spring release of “Monica,” an album shifting toward neo-soul and R&B. 7:30 p.m. Aug. 8 at the Salt Shed, 1357 N. Elston Ave.; tickets from $75.70 at saltshedchicago.com
Hermanos Espinoza
Touring for their new album, “Linaje,” the Hermanos Espinoza take the stage at Rosemont Theatre. The new wave norteño band drew significant crowds at South by Southwest this spring. 8 p.m. Aug. 8 at Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N. River Road, Rosemont; tickets from $79.05 at rosemont.com
Windy City Comedy Fest
Get some laughs this weekend at the Windy City Comedy Fest. Isabel Hagen opened the festival, and Bob Keen will tape a show at Lincoln Hall on Aug. 8. Dozens more comedians will perform at nine venues across the city. Through Aug. 9 at various Chicago venues; tickets at windycitycomedyfest.com
Cedric the Entertainer
A little more than a week after wrapping up his warmly received role on Broadway in “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone,” Cedric the Entertainer appears at Aurora’s Paramount Theatre. Cedric’s expansive career has always been rooted in comedy. Fellow stand-ups Malik S. and Rita Brent will join him. 8 p.m. Aug. 8 at Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora; tickets from $41 at paramountaurora.com
Northalsted Market Days
Northalsted knows how to throw a party — and one of its standards is happening this weekend. Expect four stages of entertainment, including drag and dance, along with more than 250 vendors. Keri Hilson, Daya, JORDY and Dawn Richard are headliners. 4-10 p.m. Aug. 7, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Aug. 8-9 on Halsted Street between Belmont Avenue and Addison Street; $20 suggested donation; details at northalsted.com
Back to School with Chicago Public Library
We’re in the donut hole of summer, the weeks where camps have ended but school hasn’t yet begun. Parents, we feel you. So check out the Chicago Public Library’s roundup of back-to-school events. Branches across the city are hosting story times (including a sleepover for your kids’ stuffies), craft classes, neighborhood clean-ups, parties, children’s theater, movies, and even a clothes swap. Through Aug. 26 in various Chicago Public Library branches; details on free events at chipublib.bibliocommons.com
Have something to do around Chicago? Email events to [email protected].