Our picks for events in and around Chicago this weekend.
26th Street Mexican Independence Day Parade
The theme of this year’s Little Village parade is “United We Ride, Stronger Than Ever.” Support the community this weekend as equestrian riders, floats, mariachi bands, and folkloric dancers flood 26th Street for the 55th time, in a celebration of Mexican Independence Day. Sinaloa-born singer-songwriter and El Grito headliner Adriel Favela will serve as grand marshal. The Little Village Chamber of Commerce is partnering with legal and immigrant-rights organizations to provide resources in the wake of immigration enforcement. The parade will also be broadcast on Telemundo Chicago. Noon-3 p.m. Sept. 13, stepping off from the Little Village Arch at 26th Street and Albany Avenue to Kostner Avenue; details on the free event at littlevillagechamber.org
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El Grito Chicago
After a year’s hiatus, El Grito returns to Grant Park for Mexican Independence Day. In addition to Favela, Emmanuel Cortés leads a lineup of about a dozen performers along with DJs on the Kombi Dancefloor. Expect local and international artists, a Mexican mercadito, kids activities, Mexican food and drinks and fireworks. Named for “El Grito de Dolores,” the 1810 cry for independence made by Miguel Hidalgo, the festival will feature a civic ceremony at 8 p.m. Sept. 13. 2 p.m.-10 p.m. Sept. 12-13 at Butler Field in Grant Park, 235 S. Columbus Drive; tickets from $20 (free tickets may be available for the Grito Civic Ceremony from 8-10 p.m. Sept. 13 only) at elgritochicago.com
Eric Clapton
Chicago is the third stop on Eric Clapton’s limited U.S. tour. It’s the first time in four years that Clapton, now 81, has played here. On the first two stops of his tour, Clapton played “Give Me Strength,” a song he hadn’t previously performed in more than 50 years. 7:30 p.m. Sept. 11 at United Center, 1901 W. Madison St.; tickets from $149.85 at unitedcenter.com
Robyn
Swedish pop star Robyn has been around since the 1990s, but recent collaborations with Zara Larsson have generated plenty of buzz. Robyn appeared on Larsson’s remix album, “Midnight Sun: Girls Trip,” and Larsson returned the favor with a new version of a song on Robyn’s ninth album, “Sexistential.” The album’s gotten strong reviews, with Pitchfork writing, “If there’s anything bad to say about ‘Sexistential,’ it’s that it’s too damn short.” 7:30 p.m. Sept. 12 at United Center, 1901 W. Madison St.; tickets from $70.90 at unitedcenter.com
Lily Allen
The British singer-songwriter-actress returns to Chicago on her “West End Girl” tour less than six months after her packed two-night stand at the Auditorium Theatre. This leg of the tour was originally scheduled for arenas (including the United Center in Chicago) but was moved into smaller venues in several cities. The album that inspired it chronicles her divorce from “Stranger Things” actor David Harbour. 8 p.m. Sept. 13 at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St.; tickets from $93.15 at msg.com
Garth Brooks
Garth Brooks is bringing back the 1990s at Allstate Arena this weekend, with a four-night stand of his “Blame It All on My Roots” tour, designed to mimic his 1996-98 world tour. 8 p.m. Sept. 11-12 and 2 p.m. Sept. 13 at Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim Road, Rosemont; tickets from $153 at rosemont.com
Alison Krauss & Union Station
Bluegrass star and Illinois native Alison Krauss plays Ravinia Festival a year after her last stop in Chicago. Last year, Krauss and Union Station released “Arcadia,” their first album in 14 years. 7 p.m. Sept. 12 at Ravinia Festival, 201 Ravinia Park Road, Highland Park; tickets from $65 at ravinia.org
Printers Row Lit Fest
Book-lovers, it’s your weekend: Printers Row Lit Fest sets up in the South Loop for an annual celebration of all things literary. Browse the book stalls, but also take note of the robust program featuring such authors as Pulitzer Prize winners Heather Ann Thompson and Viet Thanh Nguyen. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sept. 12-13 on Dearborn between Ida B. Wells Drive and Polk Street; details on the free event at printersrowlitfest.org
Ravenswood ArtWalk
For the 24th year, Ravenswood is showcasing its vibrant creative scene. Studios and galleries will open, makers will market their wares, musicians will play, performances will pop up — and you’ll get a glimpse of the architectural history and the working artists and manufacturing businesses that define the neighborhood. Plus kids’ activities, food trucks, a beer garden and more festival fun. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sept. 12-13 in the Ravenswood Industrial Corridor, between Lawrence Avenue and Irving Park Road; donation suggested; details on the event at ravenswoodchicago.org
Mandala Makers Festival
You’ve got three opportunities to immerse yourself in South Asian culture this weekend at the Mandala Makers Festival. On Sept. 11, Arushi Mudgal will perform Odissi classical dance. Then, on Sept. 12 and 13, two concerts will offer jazz fusion: On the 12th, Vijay Iyer, Alam Khan and Nitin Mitta will play pieces from their 2025 improvisational EP “Sanctuary”; on the 13th, Fareed Haque and Selvaganesh Vinayakram will play jazz standards as well as live compositions. Through Sept. 13 in various locations; tickets from $20 at mandalaarts.org
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Have something to do around Chicago? Email events to [email protected].