We’re gonna go out on a limb here and assume you’ve had your fill of “Summer’s almost over, folks!” stories. So we won’t waste your time reminding you that it’s almost time to pack up the flip-flops or that your grilling nights are numbered or that hat hair is just around the corner. Nope, we’re just here to tell you that if you do feel a sense of impending dread and you do want to soak up every last ounce of nice weather and you do appreciate Chicago’s vast entertainment riches: Well, then this is your weekend.
1. AROUND THE COYOTE
What: Hundreds of visual artists, filmmakers and performers descend on hipster ground zero to strut their stuff.
When: 6-10 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday
Where: Galleries, bars, theaters, clubs throughout Wicker Park and Bucktown. A good place to start is the intersection of North, Milwaukee and Damen Avenues.
Price: Individual performances free-$10; day passes $5-$15; all-access and opening night pass $40; 773-342-6777 or www.aroundthecoyote.org (also see page XX for more On the Town coverage)
2. GREAT PERFORMERS OF ILLINOIS
What: A big ol’ celebration of this great state of ours, featuring more than 200 performers from Illinois. Indie rock, square dancing, drumming circles and Abe Lincoln pound cake are just a few of the scheduled treasures.
When: Noon-6:30 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: Throughout Millennium Park, 55 N. Michigan Ave.
Price: Free; 312-742-1168 or www.millenniumpark.org
3. BLOCKBUSTER WEEK
What: Lyric Opera, Steppenwolf Theatre Company and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra provide a series of performances at Chicago’s crown jewel.
When: Kicks off at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, runs through Thursday
Where: Millennium Park
Price: Free; 312-742-1168 or www.millenniumpark.org
4. LYLE LOVETT
What: The four-time Grammy winner and one-time Julia Roberts husband croons under the stars.
When: 8 p.m. Friday
Where: Ravinia Festival, 200-231 Ravinia Park Rd., Highland Park
Price: $15-$100; 847-266-5100 or www.ravinia.org
5. LINCOLN SQUARE GERMAN FEST
What: German music, dancing, bratwursts and perhaps a beer or seven kick off the Oktoberfest season.
When: 5-11 p.m. Friday; noon-11 p.m. Saturday; noon-10 p.m. Sunday
Where: Lincoln, Leland and Western Avenues in Lincoln Square
Price: Free; 630-653-3018 or www.germanday.com
