Pride weekend in Chicago: America’s first recognized LGBTQ community (established in Chicago in 1924) is hosting Chicago’s 2021 Pride Fest. Three stages provide live music, local favorites, dancing, DJs and drag shows. This year’s street festival is home to more than 100 vendors selling arts, crafts, food and drink. (Don’t forget your pet for Sunday’s Pet Pride parade with registration beginning at noon.) The Chicago Pride Parade is slated to return in 2022. Chicago Pride Fest 5-10 p.m. Oct. 1, and 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Oct. 2-3; Halsted Street from Addison to Grace Street; $15. Full event information at northalsted.com
Give back to the environment: We only have one planet Earth we all call home. To raise awareness for waste reduction, guests are invited to learn different techniques to turn trash into works of art including by dissecting, cooking, pressing and shredding. This drop-in demonstration offers workshops taught by local artists to create tote bags, journals, mandalas and more. Hack-a-thon from 1-4 p.m., Oct. 3, at the Hyde Park Art Center, 5020 S. Cornell Ave.; free, hydeparkart.org
Local storytellers: Community members submitted local stories to the Jackalope Theater Co. and the writers took it from there, creating scripts for each story. Touring the parks in Edgewater, East Side and Humboldt Park, this year’s Night Out in the Parks brings the voices of the neighborhood to the stage. Neighborhood Narratives at 4 p.m., Oct. 2 at Calumet Park Beach, 4001 E. 98th St..; free, jackalopetheatre.org
Let the Halloween fun begin: Throughout the month of October, guests can drive-through an illuminated Halloween adventure. From the comfort of their vehicles, guests wind through lighted pathways past illuminated and decorated trees and holiday displays. Halloween Glow runs through Oct. 31 at the Racine Zoo, 2131 N. Main St., Racine; note that Wisconsin carries a Chicago travel advisory; tickets $5 at racinezoo.org
Wine as the answer: Sip and stroll through Andersonville’s historic district and celebrate the return of this 15th annual event. This year, two routes are offered: cork or bottle. Upon check in, guests receive a commemorative wine glass and route card displaying the wine and occasional food pairings offered along the way. Each route includes 10 host locations. The Andersonville Wine Walk runs from 3-6 p.m. Oct. 3, check in at US Bank, 5340 N. Clark St.; tickets $35 at andersonville.org
Two legends for the price of one: Pop music legends Enrique Iglesias and Ricky Martin are arriving in Rosemont this weekend and bringing their most memorable hits with them. From “Hero” to “Livin’ La Vida Loca,” guests will sing their hearts out as this duo presents a world-class setlist. Also performing is Grammy Award nominee Sebastián Yatra. Enrique Iglesias and Ricky Martin at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 1 at Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim Road, Rosemont; tickets $60+ at rosemont.com
Monthlong look at architecture: Every year, the Chicago Architecture Center invites guests on a self-guided history and architecture tour throughout Chicago. Special, behind-the-scenes access is given to sites that are significant to the city’s rich architectural and cultural history. Open House Chicago times vary beginning Oct. 1, throughout Chicago; free, participate at openhousechicago.org
Cheers for a great cause: More than 30 craft breweries and cider houses throughout Chicagoland are coming together in one spot for a beer fest. Proceeds from this event benefit The Trotter Projects Pillar of Excellence Program recognizing outstanding culinary arts and hospitality management students. Chicago Brew Fest runs from 1:30-5:30 p.m. Oct. 3 at Rockwell on the River, 3057 N. Rockwell St.; $65. Full event information at ibw-chicago.com
Springtime music fest in the fall: Each June, Chicago celebrates Spring Awakening, the largest all-electronic music festival in the Midwest. For health and safety concerns the fest was rescheduled, but it’s back and has been renamed in honor of the changing season. More than 70 artists are performing including Martin Garrix, RL Grime b2b Baauer and AC Slater. Spring Awakening: Autumn Equinox runs from 1-10 p.m. Oct. 2-3 at Addams/Medill Park, 1301 W. 14th St.; tickets $99+ at springawakeningfestival.com
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