Our picks for events in and around Chicago this weekend.
The Who
Won’t get fooled again. The Who’s been saying farewell since 1982, but given that Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend are both octogenarians, this really could be your last chance to see them play live in Chicago. Expect them to play 20+ songs spanning their 60+ years. Joe Bonamassa opens.
7:30 p.m. Sept. 7 at United Center, 1901 W. Madison St.; tickets from $118.55 at unitedcenter.com
Evanston Folk Festival
Returning for a second year in Dawes Park on the lakefront, the Evanston Folk Festival has a music lineup of more than 30 artists across three stages, including Margo Price, Iron & Wine, Bonny Light Horseman, Tune-Yards, Loudon Wainwright III, John Moreland, The Milk Carton Kids, Kara Jackson and Ezra Furman. Plus there’s the Chicago Public Media Tent Talks, with conversations with Rosanne Cash, Bonnie Koloc and others. A fine summer-capping festival, presented by Evanston’s SPACE music venue.
Sept. 6-7 at Dawes Park, 1700 N. Sheridan Road, Evanston; tickets from $89.85 at www.evanstonfolkfestival.com
Dua Lipa
The Grammy-winning pop star glides into town with her “Radical Optimism” tour, named for her latest album. It’s a solid follow on her smash hit “Future Nostalgia,” if not as defining. In any case, Dua Lipa’s put together a dance-party spectacle.
7:30 p.m. Sept. 5-6 at United Center, 1901 W. Madison St.; tickets from $172.60 at unitedcenter.com
Dua Lipa performs at Lollapalooza on July 29, 2022, in Chicago’s Grant Park. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
WWE SmackDown
Actor and WWE champion John Cena has already announced his retirement from the ring, but you’ve got one more chance to catch him in Chicago. The Friday Night SmackDown arrives in Rosemont, featuring Cena along with Randy Orton, CM Punk and Tiffany Stratton. It’ll be a finisher.
6:30 p.m. Sept. 5 at Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim Road, Rosemont; tickets from $663.60 at rosemont.com
Eladio Carrión
Eladio Carrión, who won a Latin Grammy for “Coco Chanel” featuring Bad Bunny, brings his reggaeton-Latin trap vibe to Rosemont. He’s on a tour pegged to his spring release, “DON KBRN.” The new album includes collaborations with Peso Pluma, Myke Towers and Jessie Reyez.
8 p.m. Sept. 7 at Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N. River Road, Rosemont; tickets from $49 at rosemont.com
Beach Bunny Presents Pool Party 2025
The garage rock band has serious cred — not only for their hit “Prom Queen” — but for their ability to curate a show. Their latest Pool Party installment features Sidney Gish, Soccer Mommy, Great Grandpa and, of course, Beach Bunny.
Doors at 3:30 p.m. Sept. 7 at The Salt Shed, 1357 N. Elston Ave.; tickets from $58.25 at saltshedchicago.com
Lili Trifilio of Beach Bunny on stage at Thalia Hall on Dec. 28, 2024, in Chicago. (Vincent D. Johnson/for the Chicago Tribune)
Chicago German-American Oktoberfest
Bust out the lederhosen. Oompah music is in the air. Head to Lincoln Square for the 103rd Chicago German-American Oktoberfest. The festival (and the beer and pretzels) runs all weekend long, but consider going Saturday to catch the pageantry Steuben Parade at 2 p.m.
5 p.m.-10 p.m. Sept. 5, noon-10 p.m. Sept. 6 and noon-9 p..m. Sept. 7 around 4521 N. Lincoln Ave.; details on the free event at germanday.com
Retro on Roscoe
Step back in time with classic cars, vintage shopping, three stages of live music and nostalgic fun for the whole family. Even the Wienermobile will be there.
5 p.m.-10 p.m. Sept. 5, noon-10 p.m. Sept. 6 and noon-8 p..m. Sept. 7 around 2000 W. Roscoe St.; $15 suggested donation. Details at chicagoevents.com
Have something to do around Chicago? Email events to day.chitribevents@gmail.com.
