Chicago Hot Dog Fest A celebration of the Chicago dog and Vienna Beef featuring bites from local vendors along with a performance by Robert Cornelius & Friends paying tribute to Prince. 8/11-8/13: Fri-Sat 11 AM-9 PM, Sun 11 AM-8 PM, Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark, 312-642-4600, chicagohotdogfest.com, $5 suggested donation.
Bud Billiken Parade Chance the Rapper serves as grand marshal for this year’s parade, themed “Honoring Hometown Heroes.” The day also features local bands, drill teams, marching units, and floats. A picnic follows. Sat 8/12, 10 AM, King Dr. and Oakwood, budbillikenparade.org, free.
Belle & Sebastian The Scottish band performs in Chicago ahead of the release of a new album later this year. Wed 8/16, 7 PM, Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State, 312-462-6300, thechicagotheatre.com, $37.50-$59.50.
Tacos y Tamales Festival This inaugural street fair is inspired by tianguis, outdoor Mexican markets, and includes authentic Latin American and Mexican food, art installations, local vendors, music and dance performances, and a beer garden. Fri 8/18-Sun 8/20: noon-10 PM, 16th and Peoria, chicagotacofest.com, $5 suggested donation.
Wizard World Comic Con Nerd out to the max with four days of science fiction, fantasy, film, horror, anime, manga, cosplay, comic books, card games, and celebrity appearances. Among those in attendance this year: Charisma Carpenter, John Cusack, Dulé Hill, and Gene Simmons. 8/24-8/27: Thu 5-10 PM, Fri noon-7 PM, Sat 10 AM-7 PM, Sun 10 AM-5 PM, Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N. River Rd., Rosemont, wizardworld.com/comiccon/chicago, $40-$60 one-day pass, $94.95 four-day pass.
Taste of Greektown A celebration of Greek culture in—where else?—Greektown. There’s plenty of drinks, dancing, and food from neighborhood restaurants like Artopolis, Parthenon, and Santorini. 8/25-8/27: Fri 4-11 PM, Sat-Sun noon-11 PM, 400 S. Halsted, tasteofgreektown.com, free.
Villapalooza This all-ages festival celebrates nonviolent spaces for arts, music, and community. Past performers have included the likes of Los Crudos, Dos Santos Anti-Beat Orquesta, and M.A.K.U. Soundsystem. Sat 8/26, time TBA, 26th and S. Central Park, villapalooza.org, free.
Wisconsin Bat Festival Take a road trip for this celebration of our furry, winged nocturnal friends. Sat 8/26, 9 AM-5 PM, Mitchell Park Conservatory, 524 S. Layton Blvd., Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 414-257-5611, milwaukeedomes.org, free.
Chicago Triathlon Lucky for you, there’s a whole summer ahead to train for this annual test of endurance. All participants are invited to the Chicago Triathlon Multisport & Fitness Expo at the Hilton Chicago (720 S. Michigan) on Fri 8/25 and Sat 8/26. Sun 8/27, 6 AM, Monroe Harbor, 700 S. Lake Shore, chicagotriathlon.com, $145.
Chicago Fringe Festival The city hosts 50 local, national, and international innovative performing arts acts, complete with workshops and events focusing on dance, theater, music, and more. 8/30-9/10, various times and locations, chicagofringe.org, $10.