(Credit: Chicago Park District)

Colorful flowers, cabaret shows, dance performances and circus acts usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago this weekend.

Shedd Aquarium’s Kayak for Conservation program aims to introduce residents to the Chicago River ecosystem and the wildlife that call the waters home. (Hilary Wind / Shedd Aquarium)

Chicago summers are nature’s way of rewarding your winter survival skills. And now that warm weather is here, it’s time to get off the couch and actively embrace the season. Here are 10 fun, easy ways to do just that.

They’re round, flat and hold some of your favorite fillings. We visit the Chicago-area factories where tortillas and pitas are made.

They’re round, flat and hold some of your favorite fillings. We visit the Chicago-area factories where tortillas and pitas are made.

Fall color is on display this weekend in Oak Park and other area locations. (Quinn Dombrowski / Flickr)

Events in and around Chicago the weekend of Sept. 15-18

Morrissey comes to Douglas Park, craft beer spills in Oak Park and Elmhurst, a global jam unites musicians from India and Chicago, book fans toast Quimby's, lovers of the grape head to North Kenwood and DIY types search for treasure in Andersonville. Those events and more in this weekend's jam-packed roundup.

Pinballs from Stern's company are destined for spots across the U.S. and around the world. (Dan Andries / Chicago Tonight)

An inside look at the world of pinball machines with the president of the world's largest pinball company, Gary Stern.