1. Cheer on some of the world’s best athletes
International athletes are descending upon Chicago this weekend for this weekend’s Bank of America Chicago Marathon. Bust your vocal cords cheering for elites and first-timers alike—here are the best places to watch. (Start/Finish line in Grant Park, 337 E Randolph St. Sun 8am. Free.)
If you’ve got a few hundred dollars lying around and weren’t at Magnificent Coloring Day, see Kanye West perform this weekend. He’ll be back in his old stomping ground, so who knows what surprises he has in store? (United Center, 1901 W Madison St. Fri 8pm. $168–$700. Allstate Arena, 6920 N Mannheim Rd, Rosemont. Sat 8pm. $168–$700.)
3. Celebrate Oktoberfest afloat
Hop onboard Shoreline Cruise’s special Oktoberfest cruise for an evening of beer, German music, dancing and Paulina Market meats on the Chicago River. (Navy Pier, 600 E Grand Ave. Sat 7pm. $59.)
4. Catch a hilarious one-man show
Daily Show correspondent Hasan Minhaj brings his one-man show to Chicago this weekend, which recounts his experience as a first-generation Indian-American. (Thalia Hall, 1807 S Allport St. Sun 4pm and 8pm. $25.)
5. See some close-to-home theater
Mat Smart’s Naperville is a meditation on community and connection in the suburbs. The playwright grew up in Naperville, so the show’s themes will feel very familiar to Chicagoans. (Theater Wit, 1229 W Belmont Ave. Fri, Sat 8pm, Sun 2pm. $12–$36.)