What to do in Chicago: Jazz in Bronzeville, Noche de Danzón and, of course, Lollapalooza

Lollapalooza: The four-day phenomenon takes over Grant Park, with eight stages, more than 170 bands and dozens of food vendors. SZA, Stray Kids, The Killers, Future X Mega Boomin, Skrillex, Blink-182 and Melanie Martinez headline. Not up for schlepping to the main Lolla village? Consider an aftershow at one of nearly 30 venues spread across the city. Aug 1-4 in Grant Park, with entrances at Michigan Avenue and Ida B. Wells Drive and Monroe Street and Columbus Drive; more at lollapalooza.com 

Edison Park Fest: What began as an Edison Park sidewalk sale more than 50 years ago has evolved to become a weekend of family fun, bingo and bands. Look for a bike parade at 11 a.m. Aug. 4. Proceeds from the $10 suggested donation go to local beautification and community programs. 5 p.m.-10 p.m. Aug. 2 and noon-10 p.m. Aug 3-4 on Olmsted Avenue; more information at edisonparkfest.org

Bronzeville Smooth Jazz Festival: Saxophonist and vocalist Marqueal Jordan leads a lineup including Carlos Cannon, Corey Wilkes, and the Chris Miskel Band. Noon-8:30 p.m. Aug. 3 at 3701 S. King Drive; more information on the free show at facebook.com

Noche de Danzón: Get dressed to dance to the Afro-Cuban music of Orquesta Sabor Latino, a 55-year-old 18-piece Chicago band known for danzón, bolero, cumbia and mambo. Inspiración Danzonera, a Chicago group that aims to preserve and foster appreciation of danzón ballroom dance and culture, will also perform. 6 p.m.-10 p.m. Aug. 3 at the National Museum of Mexican Art, 1852 W. 19th St.; register for the free event at nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org

“A Case for the Existence of God”: Samuel D. Hunter’s drama about a mortgage broker in small-town Idaho and a down-on-his luck client offers a portrait of despair, resiliency and hope. The show’s leads, Nate Faust and Debo Balogun are “individually superb and, together, even better,” according to a Tribune review. Through Aug. 25 at Steep Theatre Co. at Edge Off Broadway, 1133 W. Catalpa Ave.; tickets $30 at steeptheatre.com

Nate Faust and Debo Balogun in “A Case for the Existence of God” by Steep Theatre Co. at the Edge Off Broadway in Chicago. (Joseph Chretien-Golden)

Comedy Bang! Bang!: Scott Aukerman and Paul F. Tompkins bring their tour to the Chicago Theatre. Expect an improvised version of the podcast and former TV show. 8 p.m Aug. 3 at Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St.; tickets $39.75-$54.50 at comedybangbangworld.com

“FareWellington” Open House Celebration: TimeLine Theatre is leaving its home of 25 years at Baird Hall. To commemorate the move, TimeLine is hosting an open house and yard sale, featuring housewares, props, clothing, office supplies and TimeLine ephemera. Take a building tour, peruse items for sale, share memories with members of the TimeLine community and enjoy refreshments. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Aug. 4 (yard sale continues 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Aug. 18) at TimeLine Theatre, 615 W. Wellington Ave.; more information on the free event at timelinetheatre.com

Laurie Berkner: Parents, win yourself some time to relax on the grounds of Ravinia. Little ones will be happy as clams to “go swimming / in the bottom of the ocean” with beloved children’s songstress Laurie Berkner. 11 a.m. (gates at 9:30 a.m.) and 4:30 p.m. (gates at 3 p.m.) Aug. 3 at Ravinia Festival, 201 Ravinia Park Road, Highland Park; tickets $20 at laurieberkner.com

Brumby, a male koala, makes his public debut at the Brookfield Zoo on June 18, 2024. He's one of two male koalas on loan for at least two years. They're both around 2 years old and are the first koalas to live at the zoo in its 90-year history. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune)
Brumby, a male koala, makes his public debut at the Brookfield Zoo on June 18, 2024. He’s one of two male koalas on loan for at least two years. They’re both around 2 years old and are the first koalas to live at the zoo in its 90-year history. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune)

Animal Adoption Summer Evening: The Brookfield Zoo Chicago stays open late for a series of special zoo chats and animal viewing. Meet animal care specialists, learn about animal nutrition and find out about new animals zoo-goers can support through final donations. A DJ will be on hand, and those who attend will receive discounts in the gift shop and restaurants. 4 p.m.-8 p.m. Aug. 4 at Brookfield Zoo, 8400 31st St., Brookfield; tickets $55 at brookfieldzoo.org

The Sugar Hole: It’s hard to beat soft serve in the summertime, but Color Club found a way — puppets! Wander up to a “round hobbit door” in the side of Color Club, which bills itself as a gathering space for Chicago’s creative community, and you’ll be greeted by Puddles or one of the other felt puppet friends. After engaging in friendly banter, the puppet takes your order — chocolate, vanilla or swirl, with or without sprinkles. A few minutes later, a human appears with your cup or cone, and you get to keep watching the impromptu show unfurl as the line of customers ebbs and flows. Deliciously delightful. 3 p.m.-8 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays throughout summer at Color Club, 4146 N. Elston Ave.; more information at colorclub.events

Have something to do around Chicago? Email events to day.chitribevents@gmail.com.

 

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