Best bets: Summer Fling debuts in Des Plaines
Re-branded bash
The "Taste of Des Plaines" is no more. In its place this weekend is the re-branded Des Plaines Summer Fling, which features music, food, carnival rides and more near the intersections of River Road and Ellinwood Avenue, Des Plaines. $3 admission donation (carnival rides extra). (773) 868-3010 or chicagoevents.com. 5 to 11 p.m. Thursday and Friday, July 21-22, and noon to 11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, July 23-24
Outdoor olio
A musical mixture of styles comprise the fourth annual Music in the Park today at Memorial Park, 208 W. Union Ave., Wheaton. On the bill is folk duo Cathy Barton and Dave Para, gypsy-jazz band Swing Gitan and bluegrass band Sunnyside Up. Free admission. (630) 393-1247 or wheatonparkdistrict.com. 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, July 22
Tribute rock X 5
If you're a fan of R.E.M., Neil Young, the Rolling Stones, Rush or AC/DC, then don't miss 5 Tribute Bands in 5 Hours tonight at the Metropolis Ballroom, 6 S. Vail Ave., Arlington Heights. $20-$35 (includes gourmet appetizers). (800) 838-3006 or metropolisballroom.com. 5:30 p.m. dining, concerts start at 7 p.m. Friday, July 22
Strummin' air
Chicago hosts the US Air Guitar National Finals for the first time this Saturday at the Metro, 3730 N. Clark St., Chicago. See the nation's best air guitar artists compete and cheer the ultimate winner (who will then head to Finland to compete in the Air Guitar World Championships). $21. (773) 549-4140 or metrochicago.com. 9 p.m. Saturday, July 23
Happy bog day
Walking tours, art displays and even a "bog dog picnic" are all part of International Bog Day Celebration activities this Sunday at the Volo Bog State Natural Area, 28478 W. Brandenburg Road, Ingleside. Free admission. (815) 344-1294 or dnr.state.il.us/lands/Landmgt/PARKS/R2/VOLOBOG.HTM. Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, July 24
The music survives
Conductor James Conlon continues his drive to revive the music of composers who were killed or oppressed by the Nazis during World War II with the concert Breaking the Silence featuring music by composers who were inmates at the interment camp at Terezin. The ARC Ensemble and pianist Jeanne Golan perform the music of Ullmann, Klein and Krasa on Tuesday at Ravinia Festival's Martin Theatre, 418 Sheridan Road, Highland Park. $40-$60 reserved seats; $10 lawn admission. (847) 266-5100 or ravinia.org. 8 p.m. Tuesday, July 26
Comedy contest
See which local comedian will be headed to Las Vegas during the World Series of Comedy competition starting Wednesday at Zanies at Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles. $15-$20 plus a two menu-item purchase. (630) 584-6342 or zanies.com. 8 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, July 27-28; 8 and 10 p.m. Friday, July 29; and 7:30 and 9:45 p.m. Saturday, July 30
Old new wave
See a screening of Jonathan Demme's 1984 Talking Heads concert film "Stop Making Sense" with syndicated radio show "Sound Opinions" hosts Greg Kot and Jim DeRogatis on Thursday at the Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport Ave., Chicago. $8-$10. (773) 871-6604 or soundopinions.org. 7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 28