Evanston Mini Maker Faire

A Mini Maker Faire pops up at Maple Avenue and University Place in Evanston Saturday and today. Hosted by the Technology Innovation Center and Pumping Station:One, the fair will feature a variety of family-friendly projects, exhibitions and workshops ranging from handmade barrettes to DIY digital photobooths. There will also be a Power Racing Series race at 8pm. The fair runs from 10am to 6pm today. Admission $15 for adults, $10 for seniors or with a college or military ID, and $4 for kids 18 and under.

Festival Cubano

The third annual Festival Cubano runs Saturday and today in Riis Park, 6100 W. Fullerton Ave., from 10am to 10pm. Enjoy music, Cuban and Latin American food, arts and craft vendors, carnival games and a domino tournament, plus a kids' activity area. Featured performers tonight include the Machito Orchestra and Isaac Delgado. Admission is $5, or $8 for a two-day pass; tickets may be purchased in advance.

Lollapalooza @ Grant Park

The annual 3-day festival known as Lollapalooza gets underway in Grant Park today at 11:30am with a lineup that ranges from kid-friendly bands and classic indie favorites to massive chart-busting rockers and DJs. Plan your day of music around sets from the likes of The Walkmen, Amadou & Mariam, Of Monsters and Men, The Big Pink, Justice, and Jack White, just to name a few. Look for previews and reviews of the weekend's festivities in Transmission.

Edge Fest

Edgewater's first-ever Edge Fest runs today and Sunday on Broadway between Thorndale and Ardmore. The festival boasts a bacon theme -- enjoy bacon in its many guises from food vendors, browse dozens of arts and craft vendors, and enjoy music on two stages. $5 suggested donation. The festival runs from noon to 9pm today.

Main Stage:
11am - Opal and Friends
2pm - Trevor McSpadden
4pm - Helo Nuvo
7pm - 16 Candles

Second Stage:
11am - TBD
1pm - TBD
3pm - Steve Sebby Trio
5pm - Swing Gitan
7pm - The Train Company

Youth Arts Showcase @ University of Chicago/Logan Center

The University of Chicago's Logan Center, 915 E. 60th St., presents "Youth Arts Showcase," today from 2pm-4pm. This free showcase, designed for ages 12 and up, will feature community youth in an exchange of dance, poetry, music, visual art, and an open mic. Special appearances by Kuumba Lynx, M.A.D.D. Rhythms, University of Hip Hop and more. RSVP to logancenter@uchicago.edu; for more information, call 773-702-ARTS (2787).

RM Opens Tonight in West Loop

Anticipated Champagne Salon, RM, opens tonight at 5:00 in the West Loop. 116 N. Green St.
Check out our preview in Drive-Thru

BLANK @ Prop Thtr

BLANK, a one-man play by Brian Stanton about adoption, hits the stage at Prop Thtr, N. Elston Ave., for one night only tonight at 7:30pm. Tickets are $20 in advance or at the box office. Half of proceeds will be donated to the Adoptee Rights Coalition.

Curiosity Landing Party @ Adler Planetarium

The Adler Planetarium is hosting a free after-hours party for the Mars rover Curiosity's landing tonight from 9pm till around 2am. Watch the Planetarium's "Night Sky Live!" show, listen to astronomers and educators explain Curiosity's mission and Mars exploration in general, try out the new Xbox Kinect Mars Rover Landing game, and watch NASA TV live before and after the landing at 12:31am. Park in the lot south of the museum, accessible off Lynn White Drive.