Our picks for events in and around Chicago this weekend.
Chicago Humanities Festival
The Chicago Humanities Festival kicked off earlier this week and continues Friday with a conversation on “End Times Fascism” with Naomi Klein and Astra Taylor. As always, the festival’s lineup is deep: Marlon James, Daniel Kraus, Leïla Slimani, David Byrne, Barbara Kingsolver, Eric Idle, John Green, Jesmyn Ward, Ruben Molina, Emily St. John Mandel, and more. Running for two months, expect a series of talks, concerts and performances that dig into meaningful cultural phenomena.
Through Nov. 14 in various locations; tickets at chicagohumanities.org
Chicago River Swim
Last year marked the first organized open-water swim in the Chicago River in 98 years. It’s happening again on Sept. 20 (water conditions permitting) — and proceeds will benefit ALS research as well as swim safety programs for underserved communities. Swimmers will pursue a one- or two-mile course while spectators watch from the Riverwalk. And if you’d rather just jump in the river, you can do that Sept. 18 in a plunge featuring Olympians, civic leaders and more.
The Big Jump will be at 10 a.m. Sept. 18 and the Chicago River Swim will be from 6:30-10 a.m. Sept. 20 in the Chicago River Main Stem; details at chicagoriverswim.org
Navy Pier Chicago Live Festival
Common headlines the Navy Pier Chicago Live Festival this weekend, a two-day spectacle gathering some of Chicago’s most beloved arts groups. See The Second City, Annoyance Theatre, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Old Town School of Folk Music, Giordano Dance Chicago, Red Clay Dance Company, Porchlight Music Theatre, Jazz Institute of Chicago, Kokandy Productions, Black Ensemble Theater, Chicago Tap Theatre, Remy Bumppo, The Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company and more. All on Navy Pier, all for free.
Noon-9 p.m. Sept. 19 and noon-6 p.m. Sept. 20 on Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave.; details on the free event at navypier.org
Phoebe Bridgers
Rolling Stone called Phoebe Bridgers’ Madison Square Garden appearance “unforgettable.” Variety said she “dazzled.” And nearly all the reviews mentioned her no-phone policy, noting how it kept the crowd rapt. An in-the-moment experience we all could use right now.
7:30 p.m. Sept. 18-19 at United Center, 1901 W. Madison St.; tickets from $84.75 at unitedcenter.com
Role Model
Tucker Pillsbury (aka Role Model) has played Lollapalooza three times — most recently last year — but now he’s back to wind down summer at The Salt Shed Fairgrounds. Expect him to play hit song “Sally, When the Wine Runs Out” sans celebrities. He announced earlier this year that the surprise stunt has been retired.
7 p.m. Sept. 19-20 at The Salt Shed Fairgrounds, 1357 N. Elston Ave.; tickets at saltshedchicago.com
Kany García
Following the spring release of her new album, “Puerta Abierta,” Kany García stops at The Auditorium Theatre on her 80+-date tour. According to Billboard, the Latin Grammy Award winner offers “captivating and moving” performances.
8 p.m. Sept. 20 at The Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive; tickets from $43.20 at auditoriumtheatre.org
Reeling: The Chicago LGBTQ+ International Film Festival
Twenty-five narrative films, 11 documentaries and more than 50 shorts chronicle the LGBTQ+ experience this weekend at Reeling. Start Sept. 18 with “Before I Do” — as the program says, “Think Hallmark — but gayer, funnier, and a whole lot sexier.” Or go Sept. 20 to see “The Brittney Griner Story.” The festival features films spanning the globe — far more than we can address here — so start planning.
Through Sept. 27 in various locations; tickets from $16.79 at reeling2026.eventive.org
Destinos: 9th Chicago International Latino Theater Festival
Immerse yourself in the latest in Latino theater this month as Destinos kicks off. Explore the lineup of more than a dozen shows throughout the city, including a documentary-style play, dance and movement theater, a coming-of-age puppetry drama, and much more. Workshops will also be offered to help surface more diverse voices.
Through Oct. 11 in various locations; tickets at clata.org
Christina P.
Earlier this summer, on her podcast, “Your Mom’s House,” Christina Pazsitzky talked about her divorce from fellow comedian Tom Segura after 20 years together. Pazsitzky’s family life has long inspired her comedy, drawing on her experience raising two boys to create two Netflix specials, “Mom Genes” and “Mother Inferior.” See how this turn of events inspires her latest standup.
7:15 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Sept. 18-19 at The Den Theatre, 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave.; tickets from $31 at thedentheatre.com
Retro on Roscoe
Classic cars, live music and vintage shopping will be on offer at Retro on Roscoe, a nostalgic street fair promising “old-school fun for all ages.” Headliners include cover bands playing the music of ABBA, Pearl Jam, The Beatles and other throwbacks.
5-10 p.m. Sept. 18, noon-10 p.m. Sept. 19 and noon-8 p.m. Sept. 20 around Roscoe Street and Damen Avenue; $15 suggested donation; details at roscoevillage.org
Have something to do around Chicago? Email events to day.chitribevents@gmail.com.
