(Scene from “Indestructible Light.” / Todd Rosenberg Photography)
1. Applaud
Twenty American Ballet Theatre (ABT) dancers perform alfresco in “ABT Across America.” The 50-minute performance includes “Indestructible Light” created during quarantine by Darrell Grand Moultrie, featuring music by Duke Ellington, Count Basie and Billy Strayhorn.
Details: 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Millennium Park’s Jay Pritzker Pavilion, 201 E. Randolph St. Free / MAP
2. Nibble
Instead of a massive setup in Grant Park, this year’s Taste of Chicago is popping up in neighborhoods across the city with food trucks, food vendors, music and dance events.
Details: Hours vary by location through Sunday. Check the city’s schedule for times and locations.
Find more fests: 2021 Summer Festival Guide
3. Create
Put your crochet needles to work for Yarn Bombing The Forum. Crochet a triangle piece with your vision for the historic building, whether it be music, theater, dance, food or community. Don’t know how to crochet? No problem. Learn the basics Thursday at Crochet & Conversation. All supplies will be provided.
Details: 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday at Bronzeville Community Garden, 323 E. 51st St. Free (MAP) / 10:30 a.m.-noon installation Sunday at The Forum, 318 E. 43rd St. Free (MAP)
4. Relish
Celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Barrio Arts Fest and the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture with live entertainment, workshops and family events.
Details: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday at the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture, 3015 W. Division St. Free / MAP
5. Croon
Country music, barbecue and beers are on tap for Windy City Smokeout. Headliners of the four-day fest include Brett Eldredge (Thursday), Darius Rucker (Friday), Dierks Bentley (Saturday) and Jon Pardi (Sunday). All attendees must complete a health screening survey and provide proof of either full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of the event.
Details: 4-10 p.m. Thursday; 2-10 p.m. Friday; 1-10 p.m. Saturday; noon-9 p.m. Sunday at the United Center Parking Lot C, 1901 W. Madison St. $35-$65 / MAP
Brett Eldredge is scheduled to headline Thursday at Windy City Smokeout. (Courtesy of Windy City Smokeout)
6. Uncover
The “Civil War to Civil Rights at Oakwood Cemetery” tour reveals the stories behind prominent people buried there, including former Chicago mayors Hale Thompson and Harold Washington, journalist Ida B. Wells and Olympian Jesse Owens. Get a sneak peek from “Chicago Tonight: Black Voices.”
Details: 1 p.m. Friday at 1035 E. 67th St. $30 / MAP
7. Acquire
The Southport Art Fest showcases a myriad of art styles from jewelry to photography and painting, sculpture and mixed media. Keep the kiddos entertained with interactive games and activities.
Details: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Waveland and Southport avenues. Free / MAP
8. Jog
Lace up your best running shoes for the Illinois Brewery Running Series. A pair of 5K races kick off this weekend in Ravenswood that begin and end at local taprooms Burning Brush Brewery (Saturday) and Twisted Hippo (Sunday). Celebrate crossing the finish line with a cold brew or two.
Details: 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Saturday at Burning Brush Brewery, 4014 N. Rockwell St. $30-$45 (MAP) / 2-5 p.m. Sunday at Twisted Hippo, 2925 W. Montrose Ave. $30-$45 (MAP)
9. Record
Join the North America Butterfly Association’s Butterfly Count, which helps scientists learn more about the winged insects.
Details: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday at Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, 12545 W. 111th St., Lemont. Free / MAP
10. Stomp
In “Tap Secret!” ’90s and pop music are under attack. Can a young sound engineer save the music industry? Find out in this 65-minute show conceived by JC Brooks, with assistance from director Mike Weaver and choreographer Mark Yonally.
Details: 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sunday at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie. $42 / MAP
Events listed are subject to change. We recommend double-checking times and locations before you head out the door. Want to share your upcoming events with us for consideration in a future roundup? Send us an email.