10 Things to do around Chicago: Jazz Fest in Bronzeville, Lionel Richie and ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’

It’s Lollapalooza weekend, Chicago, but it’s not only Lollapalooza weekend. As the four-day fest churns away in Grant Park, may we suggest some alternatives?

Activate Games

Is this like an escape room? Like laser tag? The new-to-Chicago Activate Games in west suburban Oak Brook looks like something different, an indoor “immersive gaming experience” where players test their physical and mental skills on LED checkerboard grids, a glowing basketball court or in a labyrinth of laser beams. For groups of two to 10 players in 75-minute experiences.

Open daily at Activate Games 1600 16th St., Unit 6, Oak Brook; tickets from $24.99 and more information at 630-756-7563 and activate.games

Lionel Richie

The longtime, Grammy-winning singer-songwriter was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame last year and is now on the road with his Sing A Song All Night Long tour. His concert in Chicago also features guests — and stars in their own right — Earth, Wind & Fire.

7:30 p.m. Aug. 5 at United Center, 1901 W. Madison St.; tickets from $36.95 at unitedcenter.com

Matchbox Twenty

The ‘90s rock band’s fifth studio album “Where the Light Goes” was released by Atlantic in May. They arrive in Tinley Park this weekend on their Slow Dream tour, with guest Matt Nathanson.

7:30 p.m. Aug. 6 at Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre, 19100 S. Ridgeland Ave., Tinley Park; tickets from $30 at livenation.com

Bruce Springsteen

Our reminder that the Boss is arriving in Chicago this next week with his E Street Band for two of the biggest, most sold-out concert dates of the summer.

7:30 p.m. Aug. 9 and 11 at Wrigley Field, 1060 W. Addison St.; mlb.com

‘To Kill a Mockingbird’

Broadway plays don’t always go on tour. They do if they’re Aaron Sorkin’s new stage adaptation Harper Lee’s classic novel, directed by Bartlett Sher. The play has been the source of strong opinions since it first opened on the Great White Way in late 2018.

Aug. 8-13 at the CIBC Theatre, 18 W. Monroe St.; tickets from $31.50 at 800-775-2000 and broadwayinchicago.com

Destination Asia Festival

Head out to the Morton Arboretum this weekend to be transported to different places in the world at this event that celebrates the traditions and cultures of Asia. Sample food from local vendors, listen to music, and watch traditional dances and performances. Plus, many of the arboretum’s plants and trees are from various countries across Asia.

5:30-8:30 p.m. Aug. 4 and 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Aug. 5-6 at the Morton Arboretum, 4100 IL-53, Lisle; more information at mortonarb.org

LeakyCon

This three-day convention celebrates all things magical, from “Harry Potter” to “Lord of the Rings.” Special guests this year include Tom Felton, Elijah Wood and Sean Astin. Browse the marketplace for a souvenir, listen to your favorite fandom podcast record a special live episode, participate in a cosplay contest, listen to guest interviews on the mainstage, and get autographs and photos with your favorite celebrities.

Aug. 4-6 at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place, 2233 S. Martin Luther King Drive; single-day tickets are $79, more information at leakycon.com

Saturday Night at the Zoo

Stroll through Lincoln Park Zoo while sipping on beer, wine, a seltzer or a cocktail at this after-hours event for adults aged 21 and older. Catch musical performances by DJ Marcus Carter, Maddy Griseto and Gerry D’ Antonio or get in on the musical action with karaoke at the foreman pavilion. Concessions stands will be selling food and lawn games will be available to play.

6:30-10 p.m. Aug. 5 at Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N. Clark Street; tickets are $20-$35, more information at eventbrite.com

Jefferson Park Arts & Music Festival

The 22nd annual Jeff Fest brings music and food to Jefferson Park. Performers include tribute bands Petty Union, Think Floyd and Kashmir, as well as The Four C Notes and Infinity. Plus, a kid’s area on the north part of the park has family-friendly activities.

5-10 p.m. Aug. 4, 2-10 p.m. Aug. 5-6 at Jefferson Memorial Park, 4822 N. Long Ave.; chicagoevents.com/event/jeff-fest/

Bronzeville Neighborhood Jazz Festival

This festival honors the Bronzeville neighborhood, which has a rich history of jazz and blues music. Catch musical performances by Buddy Fambro, Marqueal Jordan, Joan Collaso, and Willie Fultz Band featuring Skinny Williams.

Noon-8:30 p.m. Aug. 5 on Martin Luther King Drive from 39th to 37th; free, more information at eventbrite.com