There are almost too many events to pick from in Chicago this weekend, but these are the ones that top the Reader‘s list:
8/12-10/2: Revel in the risqué at “Private Eyes: Selected Artwork From the Kinsey Institute Collection,” a new exhibition at Intuit: the Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art (756 N. Milwaukee). Works collected by notorious sex historian and professor Alfred Kinsey constitute this extensive compilation of handmade erotic artwork. Opening reception Fri 8/12, 5:30-8:30 PM.
Fri 8/12: Onetime Indiana University classmates Joshua Bell and Chris Botti reunite to perform with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra at Ravinia Festival (Green Bay & Lake Cook, Highland Park). Trumpeter Botti makes his CSO debut, and veteran violinist Bell leads with seasonal symphonic selections: the “Spring” and “Summer” concerti from Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons, as well as “Verano” from Piazzolla’s medley of Argentinian tangos. 8 PM
Fri 8/12-Sat 8/13: For $35, you can stuff yourself with all the Italian pizza you want, and more this weekend at Eataly’s All You Can Pizza event (43 E. Ohio). A new batch of fresh pizzas will be baked by the hour to keep crowds content and stomachs satiated. 5, 6, 7, and 8 PM
Fri 8/12-Sun 8/13: Trekkies, Potterheads, bookworms, and comedy geeks convene at Chicago Comedy Nerd Fest at Stage 773 (1225 W. Belmont). Highlights include performances from Team Starkid and Jackson Bird on Friday, improv performances inspired by Star Trek and Jane Austen on Saturday, and a series of comedy workshops on Sunday. Various times
Fri 8/12-Sun 8/14: Juan Esteban, Orishas, Elvis Crespo, India, and Albita Rodriguez headline at Riis Park’s Festival Cubano (6100 W. Fullerton Ave) this weekend. The Caribbean cultural carnival also boasts a classic car shoe, cigar rolling, Cuban dominoes, and more. Fri 4-10 PM, Sat-Sun 10 AM-10 PM
Sat 8/13: It’s all fun and games at Bit Bash, Chicago’s alternative games festival. Organizers from the altruistic Indie City Collective have transformed a Fulton Market warehouse (1215 W. Fulton) into a giant arcade and gamer’s wonderland, showcasing over 50 international games. 2-10 PM
Sat 8/13: Carrying on the vision of Chicago Defender founder Robert Sengstacke Abbott, the Bud Billiken Parade has displayed the achievements of underprivileged Chicagoan youth for 87 years. The historical spectacle starts Saturday morning at King Drive and Oakwood Blvd, and is followed by activities in Washington Park throughout the day. 9 AM
Sat 8/13-Sun 8/14: Kites fly high at the Chicago Botanic Garden (1000 Lake Cook, Glencoe) this weekend for their annual Kite Festival. Fly your own or watch the professionals from the Chicago Fire Kite Team and the Kite Society reach insurmountable heights. 10 AM-3 PM
Sat 8/13-Sun 8/14: Yet another customary Chicago festival takes to the streets this weekend: Northalsted Market Days between Belmont and Addison on Halsted. DJ, drag and cabaret performances rock the festival’s four stages, amidst food, drink and art vendors galore. 11 AM-10 PM
For more stuff to do this weekend—and every day—check out our Agenda page.