1. Estrojam -- It may have started last night, but this annual celebration of girl power really gets going over the weekend, with concert performances from the likes of ESG, Psalm One, Grace Potter and the Nocturnals and Bettye LaVette (not to mention a whole bunch of panels and parties). Gay or straight, male or female, don't miss this!
2. Italian Style -- From cars to chocolates, everything Italian is on display at Navy Pier this weekend. Don't miss out on the many discussions and demonstrations, at which you can learn, among other things, how to distinguish quality cheese from run-of-the-mill parmesan.
3. Chinatown Moon Festival -- The mooncakes (flaky pastries stuffed with a variety of fillings like egg yolk and red bean paste) at this annual harvest celebration are unbeatable; see if you are, too, at the Chinese American Idol talent competition. Enjoy stage performances, lion dances and lantern shows as well.
4. Fox Valley Winery Harvest Fest -- This day of wine, food and baseball (the match between the Somonauk Blue Stockings and the Downers Grove Plow Boys starts at 1 p.m.) is all about relaxation. It'll be tough to get your ire up enough to take home the seed spitting trophy.
5. Dutch Festival -- You won't have to split the entrance fee to this beneficial fest with your date (it's free). Spend a day enjoying live music, kids' activities, shopping and more, all to help kids with Down syndrome and other disabilities.
