10 things to do around Chicago: Cirque, Gospel Music Fest and a run for the zoo

There’s more on offer this weekend than Taylor Swift, with everything from a return of Cirque du Soleil and “West Side Story” to the Lincoln Park Run for the Zoo.

‘Corteo’

The famed Cirque du Soleil has returned to the Chicago area for the first time since 2019 with “Corteo,” a multicultural production with performers from around the globe. Aerialists, circus artistry and of course the famous cirque clowns.

Through June 4 at the NOW Arena, 5333 Prairie Stone Parkway, Hoffman Estates; tickets from $54 at www.cirquedusoleil.com

Chicago Gospel Music Festival

Start off the summer season with this festival that focuses on the power of gospel music. Highlights include performances by Praize Production RIZE Youth Company, Karen Clark Sheard and Tye Tribbett. The festival starts off at The Bean, while mainstage performances begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion.

Noon to 9 p.m. June 3 at Millennium Park, 201 E Randolph St; free, more information at chicago.gov

57th Street Art Fair

The oldest juried art fair in the Midwest is back for its 76th year. Browse vendor booths selling ceramics, digital art, drawings, glass pieces, jewelry, leather items, mixed media pieces, paintings, photography, prints, sculptures, wooden items and furniture. Musical acts include the Hilton/Hart Project and Ivan Singh. There will be arts and crafts activities for children.

11 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 3 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 4 on 57th Street between Woodlawn and Kenwood Avenues and on Kimbark between 56th and 57th Streets; free, more information at 57thstreetartfair.org

Maifest Chicago

This fest in Lincoln Square celebrates German heritage. The opening ceremony features the crowning of the Mai queen and a traditional keg tapping, with The Phenix Band and The Polkaholics providing live entertainment.

June 1-4 at Lincoln and Leland avenues in Lincoln Square, 4700 N. Lincoln Ave.; free, more information at maifestchicago.com

Do Division Street Fest

This fest has two stages of live music programmed by The Empty Bottle and Subterranean, with artists including Vundabar, Dan Deacon, Cloakroom and Bobby Oroza. There will be local food vendors and local shops will host sidewalk fashion sales during the fest. A family-friendly portion of the event will feature a petting zoo, slide and music.

5 p.m. to 10 p.m. June 2 and noon to 10 p.m. June 3-4 on Division Street between Damen and Leavitt; free, $10 suggested donation, more information at westtownchamber.org/do-division

Lincoln Park Greek Fest

The St. George Greek Orthodox Church and the Lincoln Park Greek community present this annual celebration of Greek culture that features food, music and dancing. Live entertainment includes performances by the Ormi Orchestra, which will play modern and traditional Greek music, as well as performances by the Perifania School of Hellenic Music & Dance troupe.

5 p.m. to 11 p.m. June 2, noon to 11 p.m. June 3, and noon to 10 p.m. June 4 at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 2701 N. Sheffield Ave.; free, $10 suggested donation, more information at lincolnparkgreekfest.com

Chicago Dance Month Kickoff Celebration

The opening event of the city’s monthlong celebration of dance includes performances from artists across genres and from various countries, including Ajumma Rising, Center of Peruvian Arts, Chicago Korean Dance Company, Hedwig Dances, MADD Rhythms, MOMENTA Dance Company and Surabhi Ensemble. Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket and a picnic to enjoy while watching the show.

3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. June 3 at Navy Pier’s Lake Stage, 600 E. Grand Ave.; free, more information at seechicagodance.com/chicago-dance-month

Lincoln Park Run for the Zoo

Catch views of the zoo animals, Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline during this race, which is marking its 45th year. There is a 10K run, a 5K walk and run, and a course for kids ages 3 to 8.

June 4 at the Lincoln Park Zoo; 10K is $54.99, 5K is $49.99 and kids’ course is $24.99 at runsignup.com/Race/IL/Chicago/RunForTheZooChicago

‘West Side Story’

“Something’s Coming,” indeed. Lyric Opera of Chicago is bringing back its hit production of Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim’s “West Side Story,” starring Ryan McCartan as Tony and Kanisha Marie Feliciano as Maria, plus a Broadway ensemble of singers and dancers.

Through June 25 at the Lyric Opera House, 20 N. Wacker Drive; tickets from $44 at www.lyricopera.org

Rhinoceros Theater Festival

The 34th annual Rhino Fest opens this weekend at four venues in Chicago, with an extensive lineup of work by 30 artists — including music and variety, comedy, monologue and spoken word, as well as traditional plays.

Through July 1 at Facility Theatre (1138 N. California Ave.), Chicago Dramatists (1105 W. Chicago Ave.), Labyrinth Arts (4477A N. Elston Ave.) and Color Club (4146 N. Elston Ave.); tickets $20 or pay-what-you-can at rhinofest.com