Cost: Free

Organizer: Eli's Cheesecake

What to expect: Live music, kids' activities, culinary demonstrations and, of course, lots of cheesecake.

Why to go: If you're a glutton for, well, gluttony, you'll love the cheesecake-eating contest. Other fun entertainment options include the Jesse White Tumblers (who will jump over a giant cheesecake), the Michigan Apple Queen and a classic car show.

Additional info: The festival celebrates the 13th anniversary of Eli's Cheesecake World, the 62,000 square foot state-of-the-art bakery, café, retail store and visitors' center where Chicago's favorite dessert is made. This year, the festival will be benefiting the New Horizon Center for the Developmentally Disabled and the Greater Chicago Food Depository. If you bring a non-perishable food donation, you get a free slice of cheesecake! Admission is free and open to the public.

Centerstage Reviewer: Ben Rubenstein