Our picks for events in and around Chicago this weekend.
The Flip
Chicago holds a special place in pinball history, and now you can see just how fun that legacy is at The Flip. Part nonprofit museum, part arcade, The Flip opens this weekend with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 4 p.m. June 12. Learn about the art and tech that shape pinball games and see bagatelle tables from the 1800s. Even better, try your hand at 30 restored machines, dating as far back as 1932. Following 4 p.m. grand opening on June 12, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sundays at The Flip in Block 37, 108 N. State St.; details on this weekend’s free events at theflip.museum
Red Bull Spin Off Chicago
Sure, you can ride in a bike race. But can you build a tandem bike, ride it over the waves of Lake Michigan, and still cross a finish line? It’s too late to enter the contest, but you can still watch the fun unfold this weekend on 12th Street Beach as 40 teams attempt a silly feat inspired by a Dutch tradition. Be sure to vote for the People’s Choice Award for best build. 10 a.m. June 13 at 12th Street Beach, 1200 S. Linn White Drive; details at redbull.com
Nate Bargatze
See him on the big screen or see him live in Rosemont. After a stop last fall, comedian Nate Bargatze is back with his “Big Dumb Eyes” tour again — this time at Allstate Arena. His new movie, “The Breadwinner,” is also playing in area theaters. 7 p.m. June 13 at Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim Road, Rosemont; tickets from $40.15 at rosemont.com
Lupe Fiasco
Chicago’s own Lupe Fiasco is touring to mark the 20th anniversary of “Food & Liquor,” his debut album featuring “Kick, Push” and his Grammy-winner, “Daydreamin.’” Back when the album came out, the Tribune said Lupe’s “high, airy voice strings together multisyllable words with the flippant dexterity of a precocious younger brother.” Now that he’s 44, see if that still holds true. 7 p.m. June 12 at the Salt Shed (indoors), 1357 N. Elston Ave.; tickets from $58.25 at saltshedchicago.com
The Hold Steady
By the time The Hold Steady gets to the Salt Shed Fairgrounds this weekend, they’ll have already played a sold-out “Storytellers” set at Thalia Hall and another sold-out show at The Empty Bottle. The cult favorite is also celebrating a 20th anniversary — their third album, “Boys and Girls in America” — with a show featuring Built to Spill and Titus Andronicus.
4 p.m. June 13 at Salt Shed Fairgrounds, 1357 N. Elston Ave.; tickets from $79.50 at saltshedchicago.com
“Stand By Me: The Film and Its Stars 40 Years Later”
Corey Feldman, Jerry O’Connell, and Wil Wheaton will discuss what it was like to star in a classic 1986 coming-of-age film, “Stand By Me.” Go to see the film on the big screen, stick around for the conversation. It’s already a poignant story — the film is based on a terrific Stephen King novella — but even more so given the shocking deaths of director Rob Reiner last year and co-star River Phoenix in 1993. 7 p.m. June 14 at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St.; tickets from $66.65 at msg.com
Midsommarfest
Andersonville celebrates its 60th anniversary Midsommarfest this weekend. It still features a traditional maypole raising at 11 a.m. on June 13, but Andersonville has evolved from its Swedish roots. So, too, has Midsommarfest. Expect four stages of entertainment, vendors, food, and plenty of family-friendly activities. It’s a quintessential summer street fair, set along one of the most shoppable corridors in the city. 5-10 p.m. June 12 and Noon-10 p.m. June 13-14 on Clark Street between Foster Avenue and Gregory Street; $10 suggested gate donation (other donation packages available); details at andersonville.org
Old Town Art Fair
Glimpse more than 60 gardens — many of them private — and browse the works of more than 200 artists at this weekend’s Old Town Art Fair. The fair also hosts two stages featuring jazz, swing, folk, fusion, and blues. Kids’ activities and, of course, food and drink will be on offer. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. June 13 and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. June 14 centered around Old Town Triangle Center, 1763 N. North Park Ave.; $13 donation (children free); details at oldtownartfair.org
Wells Street Art Festival
If one Old Town street festival just isn’t enough, head over to the Wells Street Art Festival. It’s hosting 127 artists this weekend, along with three stages of entertainment, street art workshops, family activities, and even more food and drink. Noon-10 p.m. June 13 and Noon-8 p.m. June 14 around 1560 N. Wells St.; details at wellsstreetartfest.us
Gamer’s Universe
The Chicago Teen Gamer’s Guild stages its annual convention, designed to include kids of all ages. Sure, it’s all fun and games, but there’s some serious creativity on display here. Expect tournaments, an artist alley and exhibitor hall, and (of course) lots of opportunities to play video and tabletop games. Bonus: It winds up just in time to catch some pinball at The Flip. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. June 13 at Harold Washington Library Center, 400 S. State St.; register for the free event at cvent.com
Have something to do around Chicago? Email events to day.chitribevents@gmail.com.
