Weekend picks: The fun of Wizard World continues in Rosemont

Posted August 24, 2019 7:32 am

By Scott C. Morgan

Henry Winkler, aka "Fonzie," comes out from behind his autograph table to greet people in line during Wizard World at the Donald E. Stephens convention center in Rosemont Friday. Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com

Wizard World tunes

As the annual pop culture convention pops into Rosemont this weekend, the focus will be on celebrities, artists, comics, vendors and panel discussions. But keep in mind, there's musical entertainment all through the weekend. The Chicago-area duo Face Time Police brings their pop culture-inspired originals (and some fun covers with a twist) to the stage in a masked spectacle that always pleases the con crowd. Plus, see actors like John Travolta (Saturday only), Thomas Ian Nicholas, Billy Zane, Henry Winkler, Melissa Joan Hart, Zachary Levi and more at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N. River Road, Rosemont. Saturday admission is $54.99; Sunday admission is $44.99. See pricing for VIP packages, autograph and photo sessions and more at wizardworld.com. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 25

56 Music Fix

If it worked the first time, make it even bigger the second! When the 56 Music Fix launched last summer, it packed a number of Mount Prospect bars, restaurants, boutiques and outdoor locations with music from the Chicago and suburban music scenes. This year's edition has grown, with even more venues, more acts and more to see and do - check out Saturday's 56 Artisan Fix, a juried art show and market at the Lions Park Memorial Band Shell; food will also be available for sale at the park. Admission to all performances is free. Free. Check out the venues and schedules at 56musicfix.org. The music starts at 11 a.m. Saturday and 11:30 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 24-25

A-Maize-ing fun

The DeKalb Corn Fest returns with loads of games, concerts, family activities and delicious corn creations this weekend on Lincoln Highway between 1s t and 4th and Grove and Locust streets, DeKalb. Free admission, but purchases necessary for soundstage entry and carnival rides. (815) 748-2676 or cornfest.com. 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 25

Australian entertainers

Australia's celebrated kid-rock band The Wiggles returns to North America with "The Party Time Tour!" for a Saturday stop locally at the Rosemont Theatre, 5400 River Road, Rosemont. $40. (800) 745-3000 or rosemonttheatre.com. 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24

Up, up and away!

The Grayslake Chamber of Commerce & Industry presents the seventh annual Color Aloft Balloon Festival on Saturday. The event features hot-air balloons (weather permitting), concerts and more family activities at Central Park, 250 Library Lane, Grayslake. Free admission. (847) 223-6888 or grayslakechamber.com. 3 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24

Walkabout: Scary tales

Scary tales are on tap this weekend during the latest production in Janus Theatre's Walkabout: Theater on Your Feet series in which guides lead small groups to locations in downtown Elgin where actors perform short plays. This edition's theme is "Tales of Horror - In the Shadows" and it includes works by Edgar Allan Poe and H.P. Lovecraft among others. Meet at Elgin Public House, 219 E. Chicago St., Elgin. $15. See janusplays.com or elginwalkabouthorror.eventbrite.com. Tours start every 15 minutes beginning at 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 25

Sting returns to the Ravinia Festival in Highland Park for his "My Songs" tour on Friday and Saturday, Aug. 23 and 24. Associated Press, 2019

'My Songs'

Tickets are scarce to catch Grammy Award-winning star Sting ("Englishman in New York," "Fields of Gold") and his "My Songs" tour this weekend at the Ravinia Festival, 418 Sheridan Road, Highland Park. $170-$180 pavilion seating; $49-$54 lawn seating (sold out, but call for possible turnbacks). (847) 266-5100 or ravinia.org. 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24

Shrine's Sinker

Comedy Shrine founder and owner David Sinker performs his one-man standup show "Almost 61 Years in the Making! Words, Wit & Wisdom from Six Decades of Dave" this weekend at the Comedy Shrine, 4034 Fox Valley Center Drive, Aurora. $25 plus a two-drink minimum (proceeds to help with expansion of The Comedy Shrine). (630) 585-0300 or comedyshrine.com. 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24

Actor and comedian Jon Lovitz plays the Arcada Theatre in St. Charles on Saturday, Aug. 24. Associated Press, 2015

'That's the ticket!'

Actor and comedian Jon Lovitz ("Saturday Night Live," "The Critic") performs a standup set on Saturday at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. $25-$89. (630) 962-7000 or arcadalive.com. 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24

Ballet preview

Elements Ballet presents a special preview of its forthcoming "Atlantis" ballet with an "Atlantis Rising" performance on Saturday at Studio5 of the Dance Center Evanston, 1938 Dempster St., Evanston. $25-$35; $15 post-show reception. (847) 328-6683 or elementsballet.org. 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24

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