Lauryn Hill
She’s been avoiding the spotlight since releasing 2002’s “MTV Unplugged No. 2.0,” but the R&B queen is ready to take the stage again. Rumor has it her long-awaited new album is set to debut in November–here’s hoping she’ll play at least a few new tunes. Don’t miss opening act Lyfe, a 26-year-old singer/songwriter sure to knock your socks off. 8 p.m. Sunday. $35 (18+). Congress Theater, 2135 N. Milwaukee Ave. 312-559-1212.
Turkish Festival
It’s Turkey time! Celebrate all things Turkish at this second annual bash with traditional music, dance, gourmet fare and plenty of super-strong Turkish coffee. Don’t miss the fashion show on Saturday night. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday-Saturday; music performances 9 p.m. Friday; fashion show 8 p.m. Saturday. Free admission; concert tickets and fashion show $15. Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington St.
Erykah Badu
Fill your night with some soul–catch the singer/songwriter/actress (she’s in a new flick written and directed by David Duchovny) with Nina Sky. 8 p.m. Friday. $35 (18+). Congress Theater, 2135 N. Milwaukee Ave. 312-559-1212.
Chicago International Reel Shorts Festival
Who wants to sit through a three-hour flick? Satisfy your short attention span with more than 75 short films in every genre imaginable. 5 p.m.-1 a.m. Friday-Saturday; 12-8 p.m. Sunday. $6 per program; $25 weekend pass. Complete schedule: projectchicago.com. Three Penny Cinema, 2424 N. Lincoln Ave. 312-804-2260.
World Music Festival
Get your Macedonian groove on at this ultrainternational fest. More than 60 acts from Algeria, Brazil, China, Jamaica and scores more countries take the stage through Sunday. Check metromix.com for the schedule. Ticket prices vary. 312-742-1938.
The Wine Crush
Wells Street will be transformed into a European-style market with 50 wines from around the globe, not to mention plenty of grub, arts and crafts, and music from the likes of Mavis Staples (8 p.m.). 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday. $5. North Wells Street, between Schiller Street and North Avenue. 773-868-3010.
Celtic Music Festival
Dance a jig to traditional and contemporary music while scoping out dance performances from more than a dozen dance companies. Of course, a party ain’t a party without bagpipes–check it out both days at noon. 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Free. Grant Park, 300 S. Columbus Drive, 312-744-3370.
Green Tie Ball XIII: Emerald City
Slip on some ruby slippers and skip over to this “Wizard of Oz”-meets-Vegas bash. Expect live music, DJs and lots of gambling. Plus, enter the raffle to win a diamond and emerald necklace. And while you’re glitzed up, scarf down food from more than 60 different restaurants. 6:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Saturday. $125-$250. A. Finkl & Sons, 2011 N. Southport Ave. 800-965-4827, 312-645-8992.
Eli’s Cheesecake Festival
This party dishes up free cheesecake and live bands. Stop by Friday’s benefit bash for New Horizons Center for the Developmentally Disabled ($15-$20) from 6 to 9 p.m. 10 a.m.-5 p.m Saturday; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Free. Eli’s Cheesecake World, 6701 W. Forest Preserve Drive, 773-736-3417.
Hankfest
Celebrate the life and sounds of the long-gone daddy himself, Hank Williams (the first). If you got what it takes, enter the look-alike contest. Live bands will be playing, so no tears in your beer please. 10 p.m.-1 a.m Saturday; 5 p.m-12 a.m. Sunday. $7. Wishbone, 1001 W. Washington Blvd. 773-989-5341, 312-850-2663.
2004 Rock ‘n’ Roll Gymnastics Championship Tour
Pretend you’re at the Olympics (a cooler Olympics, mind you) and watch Team USA flip, jump and twirl to pop music. Be on the lookout for U.S. Olympians Paul and Morgan Hamm, Blaine Wilson and Shannon Miller. 4 p.m. Sunday. $15-$45. Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim Rd., Rosemont, 847-635-6601, 312-559-1212.
