Chicago Air and Water Show
Get your earplugs ready and look up. This weekend, the Chicago Air and Water Show takes over the city skies. Watch performances by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team, and civilian pilots Susan Dacy and Kevin Coleman. The event runs from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on August 15-16, with a rehearsal on August 14. Events are centered at North Avenue Beach, 1600 N. DuSable Lake Shore Drive. Admission is free. For more details, visit chicago.gov.
Brahms X Radiohead at Ravinia
Ravinia presents a unique musical experience this weekend. Steve Hackman has created a fusion of Brahms’s First Symphony with Radiohead’s “OK Computer.” The Chicago Symphony Orchestra, along with three guest vocalists, will perform this seamless hybrid orchestration. The performance begins at 7:30 p.m. on August 14, with gates opening at 5 p.m. at Ravinia Festival, 201 Ravinia Park Road, Highland Park. Tickets start at $30. For more information, check ravinia.org.
Mon Laferte at Allstate Arena
Latin Grammy Award-winner Mon Laferte takes the stage at Allstate Arena following her latest release, “Femme Fatale Vol. 2.” Known for its ambitious and emotional style, her recent work has been praised by Pitchfork. The concert is at 8 p.m. on August 15 at Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim Road, Rosemont. Tickets are available from $56.45 at rosemont.com.
James Austin Johnson at Den Theatre
Known for his Trump impersonations on “Saturday Night Live,” James Austin Johnson tours with his stand-up show “Ideal Man.” Catch him live at Den Theatre. The shows are at 7:15 p.m. on August 14, and both 7:15 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. on August 15 at Den Theatre, 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave. Tickets start at $28 with a two-item minimum purchase. Purchase tickets at thedentheatre.com.
Tori Amos Performance
Tori Amos continues to captivate with her latest album, “In Times of Dragons.” Known for her intense piano playing and political themes, she performs live at 8 p.m. on August 14 at Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive. Tickets are priced from $47.80. For tickets, visit auditoriumtheatre.org.
Moe. and Umphrey’s McGee at Ravinia
Fans of jam bands won’t want to miss this. Enjoy the genre-blending performances of Umphrey’s McGee and moe. The show starts at 6:30 p.m. on August 15, with gates opening at 5 p.m. at Ravinia Festival, 201 Ravinia Park Road, Highland Park. Tickets begin at $60. Visit ravinia.org for more details.
“K-Love Live” at Chicago Theatre
Experience “K-LOVE Live” featuring gospel singer CeCe Winans and other Christian artists like Jeremy Camp and Andrew Ripp. The event kicks off at 7 p.m. on August 16 at Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St. Tickets start from $85.45. Find more information at msg.com.
Elston Skate Club at Salt Shed
Put on your skates and enjoy live DJ tunes at the Elston Skate Club located in the Salt Shed. The event includes lessons, roller-derby races, and contests. Limited skate rentals are available. Join the fun from 3 to 10 p.m. on August 16 at Salt Shed, 1357 N. Elston Ave. Tickets are priced from $21.38. Visit saltshedchicago.com for tickets.
World’s Largest Karaoke at Salt Shed
Be part of the attempt to set a record for the World’s Largest Karaoke. You can join 5,000 singers for this exciting challenge. The free event runs from 4 to 10 p.m. on August 15 at Salt Shed, 1357 N. Elston Ave. More details can be found at saltshedchicago.com.
Fan Expo at Donald E. Stephens Convention Center
Meet stars like Kurt Russell, William Shatner, and Elijah Wood at this year’s Fan Expo. Enjoy appearances by actors and directors across genres, from “Stranger Things” to “The Lord of the Rings.” The expo takes place through August 16 at Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N. River Road, Rosemont. Tickets are available from $51 at fanexpohq.com.