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16 Of Our Favorite Events In Chicago This Weekend

By Michelle Meywes Kopeny in Arts & Entertainment on Aug 19, 2016 3:13PM

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You won't miss the Air & Water Show this weekend. Photo via DCASE.

The weekend is roaring, especially with the Air & Water Show flying overhead all weekend. We've also got festivals, arts, tastings and more in this weekend's favorite events.

FRIDAY AUGUST 19

EDISON PARK FEST: Head to Edison Park for their annual neighborhood fundraiser going all weekend. The fest has it all from a beer garden to a parade and craft fair. Entry is a $5 donation benefiting Edison Park Chamber of Commerce.

NPR POLITICS: See a live NPR Politics Podcast at Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts from 8 to 10 p.m. Reporters will talk about about this year’s election and more. Tickets are $25.

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Photo courtesy of Tapman.

TAP DANCE: A thrust-style theater is viewed from three different sides at the same time, and Tapman Productions takes the idea to the stage at Stage 773 with the world premiere of Thrust!. The combination tap and modern dance performance features new musical arrangements of popular music and takes advantage of this unique stage design. Show runs through Aug. 28. Tickets are $20.

REPORTING IN THE OPEN: Learn more about the City Bureau and what their reporting fellows have been investigating at a special open house from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Watch presentations, give feedback and enjoy refreshments.

SATURDAY AUGUST 20

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Photo courtesy of Special Events Management.

ALBANY PARK WORLD FEST: More than 70 languages spoken in the Albany Park community, and that diversity is represented in their restaurants, retailers and artists. The 3rd annual Albany Park World Fest brings them all together for one eclectic street fest that includes a sampling of world music and a carnival. Admission is a $5 donation benefiting Albany Park Neighbors.

AIR AND WATER SHOW: The 58th Annual Chicago Air and Water Show hits the skies and the water at North Avenue Beach this weekend, though you'll be able to see (and hear!) the planes all over town. It’s a Thunderbirds year, with the Air Force’s finest show off jaw dropping aerial moves as the main event both days. The U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights, U.S. Navy Leap Frogs, and the F-35 Heritage Flight are also performing. Check out viewing parties high above sea level at John Hancock’s Signature Room, Green River, Willis Tower J. Parker and elsewhere. Free.

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Image via Dance For Life Chicago's Facebook page.

DANCE FOR LIFE: Dance For Life started 25 years ago as a benefit for dancers suffering from the AIDS virus, and now includes those affected by other critical health issues. The evening at Auditorium Theatre includes performances from top local companies Giordano Dance Chicago, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago and the Joffrey Ballet. A special anniversary gala reception precedes the performance at the Hilton with funds raised benefiting The Dancers’ Fund and the AIDS Foundation of Chicago. Tickets for the 7:30 p.m. performance start at $15, and tickets for both the gala and performance start at $250.

WINE TASTING: Get to know Rieslings at Webster’s Wine Bar’s wine tasting from 3 to 5 p.m. Try 20 noble wines from around the world, including some older vintages. Hors d'oeuvres included. Tickets are $50.

PILSEN FEST: Pilsen Fest celebrates diversity, art, culture and food in the Latin neighborhood. Three stages of entertainment feature local artists as well as international headliners. Free.

SLUT WALK: March against the acceptance of rape culture at the 2016 SlutWalk. Supporters and protesters will meet at Cloud Gate in Millennium Park at noon. All are welcome, but no intolerance is allowed.

SUNDAY AUGUST 21

SOUTH SHORE SUMMER FEST: Con Funk Shun, Michon (with T.L. Williams), and Ieshia are among the performers at this year’s South Shore Summer Festival at the Cultural Center on South Shore Drive. The neighborhood festival goes from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and will also have food, drink and fun for the kids. Free.

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Photo courtesy of Vintage Garage.

VINTAGE GARAGE: The Andersonville vintage market is back in the parking garage at 5051 N. Broadway. Vintage Garage will have lots of one-of-a kind merchandise including home decor, clothing and jewelry from different vendors at this month’s 80s-themed event. They’ve also got an Antiques Roadshow thing going on with free vintage appraisals (one item free with paid admission, $5 each extra). Admission is $5.

TASTE OF SUMMER: Local grill masters face off at Thrillist's Taste of Summer from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Bridgeport Art Center. Frontier, Porkchop and Barn & Company are among the restaurants showing off their goods at this “open-flame competition.” Tickets are $40.

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Image courtesy of Nando Milano.

PUPS + PASTA: Anything is better with puppies, and that includes pasta night. Nando Milano hosts a Pups & Pasta Night supporting PAWS. Four-legged friends are welcome at the event on the patio and will get free pup-cannolis from the folks at Doggy Style Pet Shop and ARF! Barking Fresh! Ten percent of all proceeds from the evening will go directly to PAWS Chicago.

WINE TASTING: Explore the wines of Australia and New Zealand as ENO Wine Room hosts a "down under" tasting at 3 and 6 p.m. Sip Sauvignon Blanc and Shiraz from the islands while also enjoying assorted cheeses, charcuterie and chocolates. Tickets are $55.

WILCO SCHMILCO: It's been quite a while since Wilco last played their hometown, so Sunday will be your chance to see Jeff Tweedy and company (and Pat Sansone's amazing halo of hair) in Millennium Park at the Pritzker Pavilion. The band's new album Wilco Schmilco (out Sept. 9) is a very mellow affair, but onstage the band is a powerhouse. Local garage poppers Twin Peaks opens. Tickets range from $30 to $85.