White Sox host the A’s (Thursday-Sunday)

Two of the worst baseball teams in the Major Leagues go at one another in a four-game series on the South Side this weekend. The White Sox should pay you to attend these games.

Vanilla Ice performs on Friday at Guaranteed Rate Field

Wrigley Field gets Fall Out Boy, Guns N Roses, and Bruce Springsteen, to name a few, but don’t worry, South Siders, Vanilla Ice (joined by Rob Base and Tone Loc) will be playing after the Sox game on Friday. Get into it.

Ratboys Album Release Show at Schubas (Friday) 

Chicago standouts Ratboys will be dropping a new album on Friday, August 25. “The Window”, the band’s fourth studio album, is the focus of the band’s intimate show at Schubas on Friday night. The gig is sold out, but Ratboys will be back playing another hometown gig in December at Thalia Hall. Get a ticket for that before it’s too late.

Taste of Greektown (Friday-Sunday) 

A mix of local Greektown businesses and food vendors will provide refreshments and authentic Greek cuisine, like feta, tzatziki and roasted chicken, so Windy City foodies can experience traditional Mediterranean dishes. Lively Greek bands, dance troupes, local musicians and The Jesse White Tumblers will perform throughout the weekend, and attendees can also participate in fun activities, like a gyro eating contest, to take their Greek food tasting to the next level. Get all the info you need here.

Skokie’s Backlot Bash featuring Eve 6, a Carnival, a 5K, and more! (Friday-Sunday) 

Skokie is ready to party. The town’s biggest event of the year, the Backlot Bash, is this weekend. On top of the usual summertime festivities, the event has a loaded music lineup this year featuring Sponge, Eve 6, and more. Shoutout to Crew Member Truck Mike (honk honk) for putting this on our radar. Learn everything you need to know about this outstanding event at their website.

Great American Dog Show at McCormick Place (Friday-Sunday) 

Dog lovers, unite. The Great American Dog Show trots into McCormick Place this weekend for three days of good boy-approved action. Tickets can be purchased here.

The Offspring, Sum 41, and Simple Plan at Credit Union 1 Amphitheater in Tinley Park (Saturday)

One of the most anticipated shows of the year, The Offspring head to Tinley Park for their Let The Bad Times Roll Tour. Joined by Sum 41 and Simple Plan, this should be one of the best shows of the year.

Chicago Triathlon at Foster Beach, Monroe Harbor (Saturday, Sunday) 

If you’re into watching freaks excel at their craft, the Chicago Triathlon is for you. Head downtown to Foster Beach on Saturday and Monroe Harbor on Sunday to feel bad about yourself as super-athletes shine bright.

Pizza City Fest at The Salt Shed (Saturday, Sunday) 

Pizza City Fest brings together the region’s best pizza makers for two days of pizza making and appreciation, all in one location. The Salt Shed hosts what should be an utterly delicious event. Tickets can be purchased here.

Arctic Monkeys at The UC (Sunday)

For the first time since 2018, UK’s finest, Arctic Monkeys, are back in Chicago. This marks the first time since 2013 that they’ve been in town and have NOT played Lollapalooza, as well. They head to the Madhouse on Sunday for a sold-out event.

X at Old Town School of Folk Music (Sunday) 

Legendary punk band, X, heads to the Old Town School of Folk Music on Sunday (and Monday) for an intimate evening of the bands finest hits. You can get a ticket here.