Usher
In between winning countless awards and getting mad props for his slick styling skills, Mr. Entertainment actually has time to hit the road and perform for his fans. After belting out a few, he’ll head to Vision for his official afterparty. 8 p.m. Friday. $49.50-$69.50. Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim Rd., Rosemont, 312-559-1212; afterparty: midnight-3 a.m. Friday. $20-$100 (get tix at www.chicagonightlife.com). 640 N. Dearborn St. 312-266-2114.
84th Annual German-American Festival
Sure, you’re digging Deutsch drinks for Oktoberfest, but why not go whole hog and celebrate all things German? Food and beer will be available for your imbibing pleasure, as well as live music and dancing. Be sure to catch the annual Von Steuben Parade (Lincoln Avenue from Irving Park Road north to Lawrence Avenue) at 2 p.m. Saturday; 5-11 p.m. Friday; noon-11 p.m. Saturday; noon-10 p.m. Sunday. Free. Lincoln Square, 4700 N. Lincoln Ave. 630-653-3018.
Guinness Festival
Since the city decided to nix the oysters due to health concerns at this year’s Guinness Oyster Festival, this party’s now all about the stout. So grab some Guinness while listening to live sets by Marcy Playground and Elevation (Friday) and Mike & Joe and Cake (Saturday). 4-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday. $7-$10, benefits the Old Town Merchants and Residents Association and New City YMCA. New City YMCA, 1515 N. Halsted St. 773-868-3010.
Around the Coyote Fall Arts Festival
Get rid of your old “A Clockwork Orange” movie posters and buy some real art for your walls. This huge fest features works by hundreds of visual, film, video and performance artists all over Wicker Park/Bucktown. Find the full schedule on metromix.com. 6-10 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. $5-$7. 773-342-6777.
Bucktown’s Best Food, Fashion and Fun
Fashion and food rarely go together. Try on jeans after inhaling a dog? No thanks. But head to this sartorial soiree and bid on designs from 15 local boutiques, including Helen Yi, Robin Richman, G Boutique and I Candy during a fashion show. It may be the only time you see models eating. 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. $10-$50, benefits Friends of Holstein Park. Outside Club Lucky, 1824 W. Wabansia Ave. 312-409-8305.
Ukrainian Village Oktoberfest
Any fest with a beer garden and plenty of German and Ukrainian food is one we’ll like. After you’ve gorged, check out traditional live music and performances by the Hromovytsia Ukrainian Dance Ensemble. 3-10 p.m. Saturday; 1-10 p.m. Sunday. $5 donation benefits the parishes of Saints Volodymyr and Olha Ukrainian Catholic Churches. 750 N. Oakley Ave. 312-829-5209.
World Dance and Music Festival
Quit bruising your dance partner’s toes and learn how to shake it for real. The festival’s 45-minute classes are only a buck and will get you doing Flamenco twirls in no time. Or maybe you’re having a bellydance moment–hey, we hear it’s great for the abs. Dance styles include Latin, African, hip-hop, tap and more. Plus, watch how the pros do it with performances by One World Dance Theater on Saturday at 6 and 8 p.m; 4-8:45 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Sunday. Performance: $10. Danza Viva Dance Studio, 46 Lake St., Oak Park, 708-386-8681.
Norah Jones
Admit it: Her voice makes you a touch weak in the knees. Catch the sultry chanteuse live with Amos Lee opening. 7:30 p.m. Sunday. $49.50-$61. The Chicago Theatre (moved from Tweeter Center), 175 N. State St. 708-614-1616, 312-559-1212.
Fat Joe, Jadakiss
Hip-hop heavies hit the town for a night of rap a la the Bronx. Bigg Phill, Apple, Crucial Conflict and more open. $40. Congress Theater, 2135 N. Milwaukee Ave. 312-559-1212.
