1. Drink up
At Whiskyfest Chicago you can learn why the Irish spell it with an 'e' and why the Scots leave it out. Or just forget the spelling lesson and sample more than 300 whiskies, bourbons and scotches from around the world. (Hyatt Regency Hotel, 151 E Wacker Dr, Fri 6:30pm, $275-$295)
Head to C2E2 to mingle with comic creators like Sanya Anwar and Chrissie Zullo in Artist Alley or find out what reading comics really does to your brain from a panel of experts. The annual convention offers plenty of ways to celebrate your inner geek through cosplay, collectable toys, memorabilia and art. (McCormick Place, 2401 S Lake Shore Dr, Fri-Sat 10am-7pm and Sun 10am-5pm, $40-$70, $30-$60 advance, $5 kids)
Although you won't get to experience Iceland's dramatic volcanic landscape or black-sand beaches, you will get a delicious sample of Nordic culture at Taste of Iceland. Icelandic chef Thrainn Freyr Vigfússon introduces guests to Icelandic cuisine at Cité and you can also enjoy free music, film and literature events during this four-day festival. (Multiple venues, Thurs-Sun, Free and $70 Icelandic dinner)
4. Get some ink
Get inspiration for your next (or first) tattoo at the Chicago Arts Tattoo Convention. Artists can enter tattoo contests and guests have a chance to meet tattoo stars from reality shows like Ink Master and Tattoo Nightmares. (Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N River Road, Fri 2pm-12am, Sat 11am-12am, Sun 11am-8pm, $20 and $40 three-day pass)
Dance the night away with Bag Raiders, a duo that offers up bouncing beats and synth lines that make you want to hit the club. The Aussie pair's tour hits Lincoln Hall on Friday with support from Plastic Plates. (Lincoln Hall, 2424N Lincoln Ave, Fri 8pm, $15)