Without a doubt, Taste of Chicago (running through July 10) is the biggest event this weekend in Chicago. But there’s a whole lot more entertainment happenings that might also fill the bill when it comes to your get-out-of-the-house plans:
HELLO, INDEED
The one and only Adele arrives in Chicago for three shows, July 10, 11 and 13 at the United Center, 1901 W. Madison. Show time is 7:30 p.m. each night. It’s her first North American tour in five years, which kicked off July 5 in St. Paul, Minn. Tickets, $39.95-$149.50.
ROCK, PAPER, SCISSORS
That’s what old pals Sting and Peter Gabriel are calling their current collaborative tour, which rolls into the United Center, 1901 W. Madison, for an 8 p.m. concert July 9. Tickets, $50-$250. Visit ticketmaster.com.
SQUARE FARE
The annual Square Roots Festival runs July 8-10 at Lincoln Square, 4400 N. Lincoln. An eclectic mix of music from across the globe is presented on two stages and in concert at the Old Town School of Folk Music. Plenty of food and craft beer are also part of the mix. Suggested donation: $10 (extra tickets required for some concerts). Music highlights include Dessa, Lydia Loveless, Cracker and Sarah Jarosz (read our conversation with Jarosz here).
STILL HUNGRY LIKE THE WOLF
MTV icons and synth-pop superstars Duran Duran headline two shows at Ravinia, (Lake Cook and Green Bay Roads), at 7 p.m. July 8 and 9. Sharing the bill are Chic, featuring Nile Rodgers. Tickets, $55-$160. Visit Ravinia.org
ALL’S FAIR
It’s not exactly in Chicago, but it’s only a 90-minute drive (depending on traffic) northward! It’s the Bristol Renaissance Faire — voted the “Country’s Best Renaissance Faire” — and all the 16th century merriment is back for its 29th incarnation, running nine weeks (Saturday and Sundays), July 9-Sept. 5 at the fairgrounds, 12550 120th Ave., Kenosha, Wisc. The Faire opens July 9, for nine weekends through Labor Day Monday. Jousting knights, arts and crafts, food, drink, games, street theater, parade, a Queen and her court and a host of other family-friendly fun awaits. Visit renfair.com/bristol.
HOW THE COENS CUT THEIR TEETH
The first film of Joel and Ethan Coen, “Blood Simple,” is looking better than ever after a 4K restoration supervised by the brothers themselves. The 1984 modern noir starring John Getz and Frances McDormand is back on screen with a week’s worth of showings starting at 2 and 7:20 p.m. July 8. It’s at the Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport, which also is presenting the other Coen favorites “Inside Llewyn Davis,” “Fargo,” “Barton Fink” and “The Man Who Wasn’t There.” Visit musicboxtheater.com.
Be sure to check out these neighborhood festivals as well:
Chicago Irish American Heritage Festival, July 8-10, Irish American Heritage Center, 4626 N. Knox; visit irish-american.org
Roscoe Village Burger Fest, July 9-10, Belmont and Damen; visit chicagoevents.com
West Fest Chicago, July 8—10, Chicago and Damen Avenues; visit westfestchicago.com
