Best Bets: Anime Midwest returns to Rosemont
'Japanimation' jam
Fans of Japanese animated shows, comics, video games and more won't want to miss the return of Anime Midwest at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N. River Road, Rosemont. Preregistration recommended. Three-day admission: $65-$150; $40-$50 one-day admission; $15 parking. (847) 692-2220, rosemont.com or animemidwest.com. 10 a.m. Friday, July 1; 10 a.m. Saturday, July 2; and 10 a.m. Sunday, July 3
Patriotic pottery
ClaySpace Ceramic Arts Center's resident artists' works are a part of the group show titled "Star Spangled Summer" throughout the month at 740 Front St., Lisle. Free admission. (630) 393-2529 or clayspace.net. Gallery hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday; through July 30
Elkhound around
Meet with merchants and other specialty dog owners at the Northeastern Illinois Norwegian Elkhound Association's Back to Back Regional Specialty Shows this weekend at the DuPage County Event Center & Fairgrounds, 2015 Manchester Road, Wheaton. Free admission. (630) 668-6636, dupagecountyfair.org or neinea.com. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, July 2-3
Funky elements
Get your groove on when Santana and Earth, Wind & Fire share a concert bill as part of the Miraculous Supernatural Tour at the Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre, Tinley Park. $39-$119; $176-$218 VIP premium packages. (800) 745-3000 or livenation.com. 7 p.m. Saturday, July 2
Pavilion music
The Grant Park Music Festival shares plenty of patriotism and cinematic circus dazzle with two upcoming concerts. The annual "Independence Day Salute" is on Saturday, while "Cirque Goes to Hollywood" is on Wednesday at Millennium Park's Jay Pritzker Pavilion, 201 E. Randolph St., Chicago. Reserved seating: $26-$130; lawn seating and back of the pavilion seating: free. (312) 742-7647 or grantparkmusicfestival.com. Independence Salute: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 2; Cirque: 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 6
Hard rockers
Rock on when Blue Öyster Cult and Foghat share a concert bill at RiverEdge Park, 360 N. Broadway, Aurora. $33. (630) 896-6666 or paramountaurora.com/ 7:50 p.m. Saturday, July 2
Laugh bash
The "Please Stop! My Ribs Hurt'N Super Summer Comedy Bash" featuring Tommy Davidson, Fat Joe & The Terror Squad, T.I. and more brings the laughs to the Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N. River Road, Rosemont. $105.25-$128.25. (800) 745-3000 or rosemonttheatre.com. 8 p.m. Saturday, July 2
Blues and more
Grammy Award-winner Sheryl Crowe shares a concert bill with Keb' Mo' and Southern Avenue at the Ravinia Festival, 201 Ravinia Park Road, Highland Park. $110-$145 pavilion seating; $49-$54 general lawn seating; $104-$109 premium lawn seating. (847) 266-5100 or ravinia.org. 6:30 p.m. Thursday, July 7