NASCAR Chicago Street Race: Brace yourself for the rumble, Chicago, as NASCAR returns to Grant Park for 2024. Two races — a 50-lap NASCAR Xfinity Series and a 75-lap NASCAR Cup Series — will burn through the streets Saturday and Sunday as NBC broadcasts. In addition, The Black Keys, Keith Urban, Buddy Guy, The Chainsmokers and Lauren Alaina will perform. July 6-7 in and around Grant Park, 601 S. Michigan Ave.; tickets from $150 at nascarchicago.com
Independence Day celebrations: If you’re craving more fireworks and parades, you’re not too late. Several Fourth of July festivals continue into the weekend, including those in Arlington Heights, Bartlett, Beecher, Hoffman Estates, Morton Grove, Mundelein, Naperville and Palatine; see also the Tribune’s fireworks list at www.chicagotribune.com
Rose on the River: My Morning Jacket, Thundercat, Tash Sultana and Vulfpeck headline an outdoor four-day festival at the Salt Shed, promising no conflicting set times and no sound bleed. Sounds idyllic. July 4-7 at the Salt Shed Fairgrounds, 1357 N. Elston Ave.; tickets $89-$259 at deepcutpresents.com
African/Caribbean International Celebration of Life Festival: Held in conjunction with the Chicago Music Awards on July 5, the festival offers music, food, arts, crafts and games. Teejay headlines. The Music Awards, which run from noon-10 p.m, will honor Rev. Michael L. Pfleger, senior pastor of St. Sabina Parish. July 4-7 in DuSable Museum Garden, Washington Park, 55th Street and Cottage Grove Avenue; tickets $20-$189 at internationalfestivaloflife.com
“Zac Efron”: Token Theatre, a new Chicago company showcasing the Asian American experience, makes a funny debut with “Zac Efron,” a play by David Rhee and Wai Yim that has “nothing to do with the actor Zac Efron beyond his ability to spark desire,” according to a Tribune review. “The piece, set in a New York apartment, has few pretensions but bubbles along with splendid comic pep as the pair of friends try to hold off an internet audience for their YouTube live show that seems convinced they belong together, even as they themselves disagree.” Through July 21 at A Red Orchid Theatre, 1531 N. Wells St.; tickets $40 at tokentheatre.net
Daryl Hall and Elvis Costello & the Imposters: Sounds like a weird match at first glance, but Costello and Hall have a long history. Cross your fingers for a live performance of “The Only Flame in Town” as it was originally recorded in 1984, with Hall on backing lyrics. AM radio meets college rock? That’s Gen X heaven. 7 p.m. (gates at 5 p.m.) July 6 at Ravinia Festival, 418 Sheridan Road, Highland Park; tickets $59-$135 at tour.elviscostello.com
“Chicago Bound — The Great Migration of the Blues”: Lucy Smith and the Lucy Smith Quintet play the music of Muddy Waters, Memphis Minnie, Willie Dixon, Otis Rush, Koko Taylor, Lillian Green and more, as Cheryl Corley narrates the journey of the blues up from the Mississippi Delta to Chicago’s South and West Sides. This is the first of three performances in Chicago parks. 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m. July 6 in Ellis Park, 3520 S. Cottage Grove Ave.; free. More information at chicagoparkdistrict.com
Chicago Duo Piano Festival: Find out what four hands on two pianos can do during the weeklong Duo Piano Festival at the Music Institute of Chicago. It kicks off at 3 p.m. Sunday with a gala concert featuring the festival’s founders, Claire Aebersold and Ralph Neiweem, playing Liszt’s Don Juan Fantasy and more. Three other concerts, a master class and educational programming will follow. July 7-14 at Nichols Concert Hall, 1490 Chicago Ave., Evanston. More information at chicagoduopianofestival.org
Summer Family Festival: If you’ve been looking for an excuse to go out to the Kohl Children’s Museum in Glenview, here it is. The Summer Family Festival includes access to the usual museum fun (including the Butterfly Encounter and Van Gogh for All), but also a petting zoo, an opportunity to meet a sloth, performances by Randy the Magician, music, art, and more. 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. July 7 and 14 at Kohl Children’s Museum, 2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview; tickets $17-$30 at kohlchildrensmuseum.org
“Corduroy”: Fans of the children’s book take note: The beloved bear and his quest to restore his missing button is brought to life by actor and circus performer Jean Claudio. Directed by Amber Mak, the hour-long show offers plenty to keep young ones entertained. Through July 14 at Chicago Shakespeare’s Courtyard Theater on Navy Pier, 800 E. Grand Ave.; tickets $26-$42 at chicagoshakes.com
Have something to do around Chicago? Email events to day.chitribevents@gmail.com.
