Jerry Rivera at The Arena on 10/1, Chicago

Since 2010, The Cuban Festival has celebrated Cuban culture and fostered cultural exchange among Chicago's Latino community through a weekend-long gathering. Musical acts command audiences to get grooving at two stages; in previous years, the roster has included El Gran Combo, India and Elvis Crespo, Rey Ruiz, Albita, Eddie Santiago, Brenda K. Starr, Pedrito Calvo, Los Van Van, El Canario and Jerry Rivera, among others. Fest-goers watch cigar-rolling demos and cook-offs, while little ones visit the Kids Zone to learn to conga and pet animals at the zoo. Visitors can also play Cuba's favorite game, dominos, in the festival tournament and possibly win prizes or extra sniffs at the food court.