The Fest for Beatles Fans returns to Rosemont this weekend
Attention Beatles fans
Mickey Dolenz of The Monkees, Randy Bachman of Bachman Turner Overdrive, WXRT radio personality Teri Hemmert, “Ted Lasso” co-creator/actor and longtime Beatles fan Brendan Hunt and “Let it Be” directors Peter Jackson and Michael Lindsay-Hogg are among the guests scheduled to appear during the 50th “Fest for Beatles Fans” taking place this weekend at The Hyatt Regency O’Hare, 9300 Bryn Mawr Ave., Rosemont. Events include artist meet-and-greets, live music, Beatles trivia contests, videos and author panels, among other activities. Single day tickets range from $85-$115. Multi-day passes range from $160-$275. thefest.com. 5 p.m. to midnight, Friday, Aug. 9; noon to midnight, Saturday, Aug. 10; noon to 11 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 11
Lakefront thrills, up close and personal
Chicago City Cruises offers front row seats to spectators attending the Chicago Air and Water Show. Cruises include lunch during Friday’s preview and lunch or brunch options for the main event on Saturday and Sunday. Two-hour cruises start at $134 and include a three-course buffet, DJ entertainment, shuffleboard and giant Jenga. (312) 766-8624 or citycruises.com/chicago. 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 9; 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 10 and 11
• The Chicago Air and Water show takes place along the lakefront from Fullerton Avenue to Oak Street, with North Avenue Beach the premiere viewing location. Free. chicago.gov. 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 10 and 11
Happy together in Aurora
“The Happy Together Tour 2024,” featuring 1960s and 1970s pop stars Badfinger, The Turtles, The Association, Jay and the Americans, The Vogues and The Cowsills, returns to Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. $59.50. (630) 896-6666 or paramountaurora.com. 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10
Art Institute film series
As part of its upcoming exhibition “Project a Black Planet: The Art and Culture of Panafrica” beginning in December, The Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, hosts “Screens: A Panafrica Film Series.” The series showcases seven films, most from the 21st century, that examine the anti-colonial, civil rights and independence movements that swept Africa between the 1950s and 1970s. On Sept. 26, the museum unveils a related mural, “A Massive Concentration of Black Interscalar Energy” by the London-based Otolith Group (Kodwo Eshun and Anjalika Sagar). $32 adults; $26 seniors, students and teens. artic.edu. Saturday, Aug. 10, through Jan. 6, 2025
Free Broadway in Chicago concert
Broadway In Chicago, in cooperation with the city of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, presents its annual free concert in Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph St., Chicago. The program includes selections from upcoming shows including “Back to the Future: The Musical,” “Some Like it Hot.” “A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical,” “Romeo & Juliet” and “Shucked,” among others. The concert also includes favorites from “Les Miserables,” “Beauty and the Beast” and “Ain’t Too Proud — The Life and Times of The Temptations.” Free. broadwayinchicago.com. 6:15 p.m. Monday, Aug. 12
Family night at the arboretum
Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle, hosts “Noche de Familia,” during which visitors can experience and celebrate Hispanic heritage through stories, crafts and food. The mini-fest is included in a $5 discounted-rate admission per adult and child (ages 2 and older). Timed-entry reservation required. Arboretum admission: $17 for adults, $15 for seniors, $12 for kids. mortonarb.org. 5 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 15