When you think fall foods, you probably go straight to apples and pumpkins, maybe with a nice pot of chili thrown in. But the Lakeview Taco Fest is all about highlighting the humble taco, with more than a dozen local vendors showing off tortilla-wrapped masterpieces in hopes of being named Chicago’s Best. Plus, enjoy music and Mexican wrestlers for an extra spicy weekend. $7. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sept. 17-18. 3500 N. Southport, Chicago. (773) 868-3010.
Don’t let the rancor surrounding the election dull your kids’ sense of patriotism. At Family Workshop: My America, families with kids 6-12 can visit the exhibition “America After the Fall: Painting in the 1930s” and learn how artists such as Georgia O’Keefe and Jackson Pollock shaped our view of this country. Then kids can create their own artistic vision for America … hopefully one that’s defined more by peace than politics. $8, $5 members. 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. or 2-3:30 p.m. Sept. 10. Art Institute of Chicago, 159 E. Monroe, Chicago. (312) 443-3600.
There might not be a last-minute sprint through the airport to catch a flight to Mongolia, but Oak Lawn’s Famazing Race has pretty much everything else from the hit TV show. Teams made up of at least one adult and one kid (5 and up) compete in different challenges—both physical and mental—in a wild race for some prizes. Past challenges have included archery, a “snowball” throw, and something involving moving an Oreo across your face, so you really never know what you’ll be up against. Bonus for all snazzy dressers: there’s also a costume contest! $10. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Sept. 24. Oak Lawn Park District, 10444 S. Central Ave., Oak Lawn. (708) 857-2215.
