Best bets: Chicago hosts Eye on India Fest
Eye on India
The best of Indian music, theater, literature, film, visual art and more will be celebrated during the nine-day Eye on India Festival starting today at various Chicago locations ranging from Millennium Park's Harris Theater for Music and Dance (205 E. Randolph Drive), to the Chicago Cultural Center (78 E. Washington St.), to the Art Institute of Chicago (111 S. Michigan Ave.). Many events are free, though some require museum admission ($35-$70 and $25-$50 for Harris Theater events). (312) 334-7777 or eyeonindia.com. Friday, July 8, through Saturday, July 16
Infinity and beyond
Explore the far reaches of the universe with dramatic space imagery at the brand new “Deep Space Adventure” experience starting today in the newly renovated Grainger Sky Theater at the Adler Planetarium, 1300 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. Adler pass: $27; $21 kids; $16 parking. (312) 922-7827 or adlerplanetarium.org. Grand opening at 10 a.m. Friday, July 8, with the inaugural show at 10:30 a.m.; extended hours from 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. July 8; daily summer hours from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call for exact screening times.
Greek to me
Get your fill of Greek culture and tasty Mediterranean treats like gyros, souvlaki, saganaki and more this weekend at the St. Sophia Church Greek Fest at 525 Church Road (Route 31 and I-90), Elgin. $2 admission. (847) 888-2822 or St-Sophia.com. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 5 to 11 p.m. Friday, July 8; noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, July 9; and noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, July 10
Can do!
People with disabilities, seniors, caregivers and more can find new products and services at the Abilities Expo this weekend at the Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel and Convention Center, 1551 N. Thoreau Drive, Schaumburg. Free admission. (847) 303-4100 or abilitiesexpo.com/chicago. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, July 8-9, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, July 10
Bean bag bonanza
Grab a beer in one hand and a bean bag in the other for the Fifth Annual Windy City Cornhole Classic & Beer Fest this Saturday at the Sears Centre Arena, 5333 Prairie Stone Parkway, Hoffman Estates. Free admission to watch, but $10 parking. $25-$100 to compete. (847) 829-4538 or chicagocornholeclassic.com. 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 9
Yo ho & huzzah
The Bristol Renaissance Faire returns in its 24th annual edition with a special “Pirates of the Renaissance” theme this summer. Get in on the Elizabethan fun starting this weekend just west of the I-94 Russell Road exit, near Kenosha, Wis. Admission is $18.95-$19.95; $8.95-$9.95 kids ages 5-12; kids ages 4 and younger admitted free. (847) 395-7773 or renfair.com. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays and Labor Day from July 9 through Sept. 5
Jazz hub
Jazz Fest Glen Ellyn returns for its fifth year with headliners like the Orbert Davis Quintet, Two for Brazil, Marshal Vente & Tropicale and more. The festival runs Saturday along Main Street from Crescent Boulevard to Pennsylvania Avenue in downtown Glen Ellyn. Free admission, but contributions appreciated. (630) 942-4000 or jazzfestglenellyn.org. 3 to 10 p.m. Saturday, July 9
Operatic Spain
Members of the Elgin Opera Training and Performing Ensemble celebrate Spain operatically in the concert “Ole! La Fuerza de la Musica” this weekend at The Rider Center's Kimball Street Theatre at Elgin Academy, 350 Park St., Elgin. $10. (800) 838-3006 or elginopera.org. 7 p.m. Saturday, July 9, and 3 p.m. Sunday, July 10
3 Great Germans
Wheeling native and world-famous soprano Deborah Voigt teams with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra led by conductor Christopher Eschenbach to perform music of Beethoven, Wagner and Richard Strauss at Ravinia Festival, 418 Sheridan Road, Highland Park. $40-$70; $15 lawn. (847) 266-5100 or ravinia.org. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 9