Be the first to see the season’s highly anticipated East of Eden, opening this week at Steppenwolf. Frank Galati adapts Steinbeck’s 20th-century tale of two families in California for the stage in a production directed by Terry Kinney. Although we haven’t seen it yet, let’ just say that when Galati adapted Steinbeck's Grapes of Wrath for Steppenwolf, it won a Tony Award for Best Play. (Steppenwolf Theatre Company, 1650 N Halsted St, Fri 7:30pm, Sat 3 & 7:30pm, Sun 3 & 7:30pm. $20–$89)
2. Expo-se yourself to galleries galore
Get more art than you can handle at the Chicago Expo. Art lovers amass at Navy Pier this weekend, where the fantastic event space designed by Chicago architect Jeanne Gang displays a wide array of art from more than 100 galleries and 17 countries. Get to know the work of younger galleries this year at EXPOSURE, and check out IN/SITU and IN/SITU Outside’s site-specific works. (Navy Pier, Festival Hall, 600 E Grand Ave, Fri & Sat 11am–6pm, Sun 11am–5pm. $20, weekend pass $30)
3. Abandon your stale shopping routine
Be one of the tens of thousands of shoppers who flock to the Renegade Craft Fair this weekend to browse fabulous handmade wares from the area's best vendors. With finger-licking food from local vendors, live music and DIY workshops and activities, this isn’t your typical cat-sweater hawking fair. Although Professor Paws need knits too, you know. (Division St between Damen and Paulina, Sat & Sun, 11am–6pm. Free)
Goose Island throws its annual music-focused bash at its two-day 312 Urban Block Party. Sip Chicago suds and fill up on Hot Doug’s wieners as you enjoy top indie acts. Turn up for tUnE-yArDs, Calexico and Pelican on Friday and get energized with Matt and Kim, !!! and Jukebox the Ghost on Saturday. (Goose Island Brewery, 1800 W Fulton St, Fri 5–10pm, Sat 4–10pm. $20)
5. Let’s taco ‘bout Mex(ican food)
If you live in Chicago, you also live for tacos, and we boast some of the best in the Midwest. Celebrate our city’s favorite Mexican handheld meal at Lakeview Taco Fest, complete with beer pairings and Lucha Libre wrestling in addition to a mouthwatering spread of tacos to taste. (Southport Ave between Addison & Roscoe, Sat 11am–10pm, Sun 11am–9pm. $8 suggested donation)