Things to do around Chicago: Fan Expo in Rosemont, P!NK at Wrigley and the Bud Billiken Parade

This is a big expo weekend in Rosemont, plus live music and the annual parade in Bronzeville.

Fan Expo Chicago

For devotees of comics, sci-fi, horror, animé, gaming and cosplay, this is your weekend in Rosemont. Fan Expo Chicago is four days of booths, panel discussions and celebrity greatness — and yes, Hollywood actors can still appear during the SAG-AFTRA strike, providing that they’re representing themselves and not promoting a new movie. With that in mind, two of the biggest faces this year are Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd of the “Back to the Future” films. Also Chevy Chase, filmmaker Sam Raimi and “Battlestar Galactica” star Katee Sackhoff.

Through Aug. 13 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N. River Road, Rosemont; tickets from $47 and more information at fanexpohq.com

P!NK at Wrigley Field

The singer born Alecia Beth Moore Hart is in Chicago and taking the stage at Wrigley the night after Springsteen. She’s touring behind “Trustfall,” her ninth studio album, and her Summer Carnival 2023 tour also features Pat Benatar, Neil Giraldo and others.

6:30 p.m. Aug. 12 at Wrigley Field, 1060 W. Addison St.; (sold out) mlb.com

LL Cool J. F.O.R.C.E. Live

The rapper’s first headline arena tour in 30 years includes performances by The Roots, DJ Jazzy Jeff and DJ Z-Trip. Those bands aren’t openers. Instead, the night promises to be a musical mashup of onstage collaborations.

8 p.m. Aug. 13 at the United Center, 1901 W. Madison St.; tickets from $90 at unitedcenter.com

Bud Billiken Parade

Nicknamed “The Bud,” this parade has celebrated African American music, dance and food since 1929. Thousands of people are expected to gather along the two-mile route to watch various performers, including bands, dance and drill teams, tumblers and cheerleaders.

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 12 in Bronzeville down South Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive into Washington Park; free, more information at budbillikenparade.org

Northalsted Market Days

This half-mile-long street festival features live music across five stages, more than 20 vendors, food and beverages, dance exhibitions and drag performances. Performers include Betty Who, Shea Couleé and CupcakKe.

11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Aug. 12-13 in Northalsted on Halsted Street from Belmont to Addison; $20 suggested donation, more information at northalsted.com

Ginza Holiday

The Midwest Buddhist Temple is throwing its Ginza annual fundraiser, which celebrates Japanese culture and will include food, entertainment, cultural arts and crafts. Main stage performances include Minyo dancers and Taiko drummers, while Waza artisans will display their crafts.

5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Aug. 11, 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Aug. 12 and 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 13 at the Midwest Buddhist Temple parking lot, 435 W. Menomonee; $5 suggested donation, more information at ginzaholiday.com

Sam Smith’s Gloria Tour

The Grammy-winning singer-songwriter is coming to Chicago early next week, touring behind their fourth studio album “Gloria.” With guest Jessie Reyez.

8 p.m. Aug. 15 at the United Center, 1901 W. Madison St.; tickets from $50 at unitedcenter.com

Fest for Beatles Fans

Just across town from Fan Expo is a gathering of all things Fab Four, with Beatles tribute bands, noted authors and experts, and musicians with a single degree of separation from John, Paul, George and Ringo. Plus a marketplace, dance parties, trivia events and singing and costume contests.

Through Aug. 13 at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare, 9300 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Rosemont; tickets from $75 and more information at thefest.com

Sundays on State

This is the summer’s second and final Sundays on State date. The interactive block party will shut down a portion of State Street and allow attendees to enjoy food, drinks, art, shopping and performances, including by Sheman “Dilla” Thomas, Ballet Folklorico de Chicago and DJ Ron Carroll.

11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 13 on State Street between Adams and Lake; free reservations at loopchicago.com