47th Arts Experience
You’ve been ogling friends’ bejeweled fingers and wrists all summer. Now’s your chance to dress your own digits (in more than corduroy and denim). Browse jewelry, accessories, and other artworks for your body, mind and home (or get a start on your Xmas shopping). 8 a.m. Friday-Sunday. Free. Plaza of the Americas, 420 N. Michigan Ave. 312-751-2500.
Don’t miss: Chunky necklaces and other funky jewelry from Bead Designs by Dana.
Bucktown Arts Fest
This 20th annual celebration is a pupu platter for the arts, featuring two stages of theatrical performances, poetry readings, dance and live music, plus jewelry, photography, sculpture and more. Wanna get lit? Browse used books at the annual Damen Avenue Branch Library Sale, located in nearby Holstein Park, 2200 N. Oakley Ave. 11 a.m. Saturday-Sunday. Free. Senior Citizens Park, 2238 N. Oakley Ave. 312-409-8305.
Don’t miss: Salsa and merengue classes at 6 p.m. each night.
DeKalb Corn Fest
Eat some fest foods this weekend that aren’t dripping with grease (butter doesn’t count). More than 70 tons of sweet corn are waiting for you at this 28th annual affair. Wash down the kernels with beer and wine while nodding to live music and browsing arts and crafts. Noon Friday; 9 a.m. Saturday; 10 a.m. Sunday. Free. Downtown Dekalb, 400 E. Lincoln Hwy. 815-748-2676.
Music highlights: Night Ranger and Fabulous Janes. See metromix.com for schedule.
FlavorFest
Want to completely forgo the fest fare but still party alfresco? Whole Foods Market celebrates 25 years in the biz this weekend. Cooking demos with chefs Charlie Trotter, Rick Bayless and others (noon-6 p.m.), free organic food and drink samples, live music, beer and food vendors are on tap. 11 a.m. Saturday-Sunday. $5 donation. Jonquil Park, 1023 W. Wrightwood Ave. 773-868-3010.
Music highlights: 10,000 Maniacs and Spyra Gyra. See metromix.com for schedule.
Hamsa–From the Middle East to the Midwest
Chicago’s Harold Ramis serves as emcee for this second annual bazaar showcasing live music, dance, food, art and literature from the Middle East. Noon Saturday-Sunday. $5-$10 suggested donation. Lincoln Park South, 100 W. La Salle Drive (at Stockton Drive). 773-929-0224.
Taste of Greece
Roll up your sleeves again; it’s time to nosh souvlaki, feta and other Greek eats in one of our favorite dining destinations, Greektown. Area restaurants provide the fare; the bash also features music, dancing and crafts. Noon Saturday-Sunday. $3 suggested donation. Proceeds benefit the Hellenic Museum. Halsted Street, 250 S. Halsted St. 847-509-8050.
Viva! Chicago Latin Music Festival
If the only salsa you’ve seen this summer comes in a jar, put down the bag of chips and get yourself to this 17th annual international Latin music fest, featuring salsa, cumbia, merengue and more. 10:30 a.m. Saturday-Sunday. Free. Grant Park, 300 S. Columbus Drive. 312-744-3370.
Music highlights: Angel Melendez and the 911 Mambo Orchestra. See metromix.com for schedule.
COMING SOON:
27th Annual Chicago Jazz Festival
The city’s longest-running lakefront music festival features performers on several stages. 7:30 p.m. Sept. 1; 11 a.m. Sept. 2-4. Free; $13-$45 for opening night concert. Grant Park, 300 S. Columbus Drive. 312-744-3370.
African Festival of the Arts
Billed as Chicago’s largest neighborhood festival, this 16th anniversary celebration of African influence in America features live blues, jazz and neo-soul, ethnic cuisine, market vendors, drumming and more. 10 a.m. Sept. 2-5. $10; $30 for a weekend pass. Washington Park, 5100 S. Cottage Grove Ave. 773-955-2787.
Taste of Polonia
This celebration of Poland includes polka dancing, crafts, food and more. 5 p.m. Sept. 2; noon Sept. 3-5. $3-$7. Copernicus Cultural Center, 5216 W. Lawrence Ave. 773-777-8898.
