Our picks for events in and around Chicago this weekend.
Bulls Fest
Can’t watch the Chicago Bulls play until October, but this weekend, you can meet team members — not to mention Benny the Bull. Get in on the game with a 3-point contest or watch Tristan Jass and A.J. Rompza compete in a trick-shot showdown. Tap into a slam-dunk contest, a 3v3 tournament, $10 skills clinics for kids and much more. 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 22-23 at United Center, 1901 W. Madison St.; free tickets at nba.com
Kacey Musgraves
Rolling Stone called Kacey Musgraves’ “Middle of Nowhere” her “best album in nearly a decade.” She opens her tour for the album at United Center on Aug. 21, with guest Midland. She canceled the original opening night on Aug. 20 but seats are still available. 7:30 p.m. Aug. 21 at United Center, 1901 W. Madison St.; tickets from $98.80 at unitedcenter.com
Galantis
The Swedish EDM act spearheaded by Christian “Bloodshy” Karlsson lights up The Salt Shed. Karlsson, who won a Grammy for co-writing Britney Spears’s “Toxic,” is now touring as Galantis on his own following the departure of co-founder Linus Eklöw. 6:30 p.m. Aug. 22 at The Salt Shed, 1357 N. Elston Ave.; tickets at saltshedchicago.com
Alabama Shakes
With their first album in 11 years due out next week, Alabama Shakes rolls into the Ravinia Festival. Expect the band to offer a preview of their latest work from “I Must Be Dreaming.” Check out already released singles “I Feel Hope Coming,” American Dream,” “Garden” and “Another Life.” 7:30 p.m. Aug. 21 at Ravinia Festival, 201 Ravinia Park Road, Highland Park; tickets from $83 at ravinia.org
Bonnie Raitt
The winner of 13 Grammy Awards — three alone in 2023 for “Just Like That” and “Made Up Mind” — also plays Ravinia this weekend. And at 76, Bonnie Raitt is still as soulful as ever. Recent videos on social media show a seasoned performer with a voice that’s weathered the decades far better than some of her contemporaries. 7:30 p.m. Aug. 22 at Ravinia Festival, 201 Ravinia Park Road, Highland Park; tickets from $65 at ravinia.org
Living Newspaper Festival
Jackalope Theatre presents five one-act plays inspired by recent headlines. The festival, now in its 17th edition, echoes similar performances in the 1930s created under the Works Progress Administration’s Federal Theatre Project. This year’s installment will consider the Epstein files, GLP-1 drugs, UFOs and more. Through Aug. 24 at the Broadway Armory, 5917 N. Broadway; tickets $20-$35 at jackalopetheatre.org
More Top Picks Best Wide Toe Box Shoes For Women Uk
Villapalooza
Tropa Magica headlines Villapalooza, a daylong arts, music and culture festival in Little Village. Expect family fun, sports and a showcase of youth entrepreneurship. Noon to 10 p.m. Aug 22 in La Villita Park, 2800 S. Sacramento Ave.; details on the free event at villapalooza.org
Chalk Howard Street
A half-dozen or so artists will transform Howard Street with chalk art. Try your own hand by purchasing a sidewalk square for $25. A family-friendly festival accompanies the annual Rogers Park event. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Aug. 22 on Howard Street between Paulina Street and Ashland Avenue; details on the free event at howardstreetchicago.com
Supertri Chicago
Wonder what it’s like to compete in a triathlon? Try for yourself this weekend at Supertri Chicago. For the Olympic distance, wwim 1500 meters in Lake Michigan before biking 40 kilometers and running 10 more kilometers through Chicago streets. And if you’re not up for an Olympic feat, there are sprint and supersprint distances, or just come out and watch. The Corporate Challenge benefits Lurie Children’s Hospital. Aug. 22-23 along the lakefront and various Chicago locations; registration from $168 at supertri.com
“The Symbol of Safety”
This next week, the Chicago History Museum will open “The Symbol of Safety: The Story of Underwriters Laboratories and the Creation of Safety Science,” a new exhibition as part of its permanent “Chicago: Crossroads of America” collection. The Underwriters Laboratories organization was founded here in 1894, partly in response to electrical safety concerns at the Chicago World’s Fair; the exhibit has the whole story. Opening Aug. 26 at the Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark St.; more at chicagohistory.org
Have something to do around Chicago? Email events to [email protected].