Lollapalooza parties
Through Sunday, all around town
Hey, have you heard about that big festival in Grant Park? Lollapa-somethingorother? ... OK, we assume you know Lollapalooza is taking over the city this weekend, and if you don't have tickets, you better hurry. But there's also all sorts of pre- and post-parties, related shows and DJ sets all over the city. Some of our faves: Peter Bjorn & John at the Cubby Bear, (Friday at 10 p.m., free), MSTRKRFT, L.A. Riots, Dark Wave Disco DJs at Bottom Lounge (Saturday at 9 p.m., $18) and of course, the in-demand Dave Grohl/John Paul Jones/Josh Homme super-show at Metro on Sunday night (midnight, sold out).
More on Lolla: Schedule picks | Local acts | Fest survival guide
Taylor Street Festa Italiana
Friday-Sunday until 11 p.m. on Taylor Street between Ashland and Loomis, $7
It's cover band mania on Taylor Street, as Crash Trio (Dave Matthews Band) headlines on Friday and Bad Medicine (Bon Jovi) plays Saturday night. You can also catch tributes to Frank Sinatra (Friday), Dean Martin (Saturday) and the 3 Tenors (Sunday). Oh, and plenty of the best Italian food this side of Tuscany.
Some pretty prominent people have been a part of the Bud Billiken Parade over the years.
High school drill teams, floats, marching bands and more march down MLK Drive in the country's largest African-American parade, which celebrates its 80th year. Be sure to check out the after-parade picnic, which boasts more than 80 local businesses.
Iowa Cubs vs. Las Vegas 51s
Sunday at 1:20 p.m. at Wrigley Field
Want to sit in the bleachers at Wrigley for 10 bucks and drink a $3 beer? Well, this is probably your only chance. The Cubs' minor league team plays a game every year at the Friendly Confines, giving fans a chance to see an affordable ball game in the historic park. And really, up until a few weeks ago, you couldn't even tell the difference between the minor leaguers and the real Cubbies. Get tickets here
Plaza Suite
Through Sunday at 7:30 p.m. (6:30 on Sunday) at Theater on the Lake
The first sign that summer is winding down is the last show of the season at Theater on the Lake. Might as well make the most of it with this Neil Simon classic from the Eclipse Theatre Company, featuring three couples and three stories in one fancy hotel room.
Just missed the cut: Andrew Bird, Wrigleyville Summerfest, Veggie Fest Chicago, Caribbean Festival
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