May the force be with you this weekend
Grab your cape: Wizard World Comic Con Chicago is back in Rosemont this weekend.
The massive pop-culture event is just one of five ideas for the weekend ahead. For others, go to dailyherald.com/calendar.
<h3 class="breakHead">Fan-tastic</h3>
Comic book and movie fans of sci-fi, fantasy and other pop-culture genres can dress as their favorite characters and see celebrities such as Jeremy Renner, Bruce Campbell and more at Wizard World Comic Con Chicago this weekend at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N. River Road, Rosemont. $40-$60 per day or $94.95 for a multiday pass (autograph and special events are extra). (847) 692-2220 or wizardworld.com. Noon to 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 21; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 23.
<h3 class="breakHead">That's Italian</h3>
Celebrate Italian culture, music, food and more at Little Italy Fest West at Centennial Park, 1776 W. Centennial Place near Lake Street, Addison. $8 donation; kids admitted free. (630) 962-7000 or oshows.com. 5 to 11 p.m. Friday, Aug. 21; noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22; and noon to 10 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 23.
<h3 class="breakHead">Taking sides</h3>
Pick a team and root for the reds or blues when Comedy Sportz comes to the suburbs this weekend to help open the revitalized Leela Arts Center, 620 Lee St., Des Plaines. $25; $20 seniors; $15. (800) 838-3006 or leelaartscenter.com. 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Aug. 21 and 22.
<h3 class="breakHead">Sweet home, Chicago</h3>
<h3 class="leadin">Hear the Windy City's namesake rock band Chicago perform its many hits this weekend at the Ravinia Festival, 418 Sheridan Road, Highland Park. $100-$115 pavilion seating; $43-$48 lawn seating. (847) 266-5100 or ravinia.org. 7:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 22 and 23.</h3>
<h3 class="breakHead">'Boogie' down</h3>
Enjoy more blasts from the past as the funk band Earth, Wind & Fire plays hits such as "Boogie Wonderland," "Let's Groove" and more in concert on Saturday at RiverEdge Park, 360 N. Broadway, Aurora. $45. (630) 896-6666 or riveredgeaurora.com. 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22.