The 18th annual African Festival of the Arts gives the Jazz Fest a run for its money this weekend, with more than 100 performances by jazz, funk, R&B, hip hop and world music acts — and takes it to another level with art exhibits, author readings, cultural and historical discussions, dance performances, films and children's activities. The whole of Washington Park will be abuzz with so much to do, you might want to pick up a full weekend pass to make sure you don't run out of time to do it all.
African Festival of the Arts, Aug. 31-Sept. 3
Washington Park
51st Street and Cottage Grove Avenue, Chicago