Best bets: Pop culture fans meet up for Wizard World Chicago Comic Con
Pop! Culture!
Thousands of fans of comics, sci-fi, video games and more meet up this weekend (many in costume) for the Wizard World Chicago Comic Con. Meet stars like David Duchovny, Gillian Anderson, Sophie Skelton, Ian Somerhalder, Karl Urban, Lotte Verbeek, Jon Heder, Michael Rooker and many more. It all goes down at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N. River Road, Rosemont. $45-$55 daily; other VIP packages available. Up to two children 10 and younger admitted free with a paid adult. (847) 692-2220 or wizardworld.com. Noon to 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 24; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 25; and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 26
Sophisticated tastes
The 16th annual Naperville Wine Festival features more than 250 vintages from around the world. There are also cooking demonstrations, seminars, music and more at Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. $35-$45; $15 designated driver; $75 VIP tickets. napervillewinefestival.com. 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 24, and 3 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 25
They get around
Rock out to surf music and more when the Beach Boys share a concert bill with The Righteous Brothers and special guest John Stamos at Ravinia Festival, 418 Sheridan Road, Highland Park. $60-$85 pavilion seating; $48-$53 lawn seating. (847) 266-5100 or ravinia.org. 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 24
Chicago's own
Catch up with Chicago actor and comedian Corey Holcomb (“The Cleveland Show,” “Black Jesus”) when he performs a series of standup sets at the Improv Comedy Showcase, 5 Woodfield Road, Schaumburg. $33-$44. (847) 240-2001 or chicago.improv.com. 8 and 10:15 p.m. Friday, Aug. 24; 7 and 9:15 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 25; and 7 and 9:15 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 26
Sweet treats
The touring Gelato Festival America features original flavors they have created just for the event. Have an all-you-can-eat taste of the many varieties this weekend at Chicago Premium Outlets, 1650 Premium Outlet Blvd., Aurora. $30; $25 seniors and kids 3-12. gelatofestivalamerica.com. Noon to 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 25, and noon to 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 26
Country confab
Country fans won't want to miss seeing Miranda Lambert & Little Big Town as part of “The Bandwagon Tour” with Tenille Townes at the Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre, 19100 S. Ridgeland Ave., Tinley Park. $25-$84.75. (800) 745-3000 or livenation.com. 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 25
R&B mix
Charlie Wilson headlines the touring “Summer R&B Jam” with special guests Tamar Braxton and En Vogue at the United Center, 1901 W. Madison St., Chicago. $55-$129. (800) 745-3000 or unitedcenter.com. 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 25
Sampling of sport
Participate in games of soccer and dodgeball or try climbing the rock wall as part of Tween Night at the Ackerman Sports & Fitness Center, 800 St. Charles Road, Glen Ellyn. Each participant gets a piece of pizza. Parents must accompany their kids for check-in and checkout. $25. (630) 858-2462 or gepark.org. 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 24