Carifete

Carifete is a Caribbean street masasquerade, in the style of carnival, parading down Midway Plaisance (6,000 South) between Stoney Island and Cottage Grove. Bright costumes, good music, lots of food and vendors. More info here. Runs from Noon to 9pm. Free, as far as we could tell, but you should probably bring a little cash just in case.

Stitches Midwest

If you're the type of person to wander through yarn stores, fondling hanks of silk, admiring hand-dyed skeins of wool, or just dreaming while looking through knitting patterns, then Stitches Midwest will send you into overload. Imagine a room filled with more than 500 of the best yarn suppliers in the country, classes offered by the people who design for magazines and books, and free demos of different techniques and tools. You'll have to make your way to St. Charles to find this amazing display of fibery fun, but its a pretty drive. Pre-registration is suggested.

American Craft Exposition

The 19th annual American Craft Exposition is being held August 22-24, 2003, at the Henry Crown Sports Pavilion in Evanston, Illinois on Northwestern University's campus. Over 150 artists are exhibiting this year, selected from a pool of more than 1000 applicants. Handcrafted works in media such as ceramics, fiber, glass, jewelry, leather, mixed media, paper and wood will be displayed. The exposition is open to the public. Tickets are $10 for unlimited entry throughout the three days of the show. The hours are Friday, August 22, 10am-9pm; Saturday, August 23, 10am-6pm; and Sunday, August 24, 11am-5pm. Check out the website for more information.