FRIDAY (Jump to SATURDAY | SUNDAY)
Chicago Science Festival (through Saturday)
222 W. Merchandise Mart Plaza, 12th Floor
Get up to speed on the latest in science and technology at this two-day festival featuring over a dozen speeches and demonstrations. Hear from scientists on a wide array of timely topics – like deep ocean research, urban wildlife, climate change, black holes, 3-D printing and more. Facebook executive Monika Bickert delivers the keynote address on Friday. Times vary. Friday’s events are free, but require registration; events on Saturday cost $10-$15; day pass for Saturday costs $30.
Also on tap:
Activate (monthly through October)
205 E. 8th St., alley between State Street and Wabash Avenue
The Chicago Loop Alliance hosts this art series for the third year. Each month from May to October, art installations fill the Loop’s alleys. This year’s theme explores the five senses, with Friday’s event focusing on touch. Yes, you can touch the art at this installation. You can RSVP and get a free drink ticket. 5-10 p.m. Free.
Manifest at Columbia College Chicago
Various locations
Chicago’s largest student-run arts festival features over 100 free public programs that showcase the work of 2,000 Columbia students. See a massive street performance, live bands, gallery walks, live art-making and plenty of dance, theater and fashion shows along the Wabash Arts Corridor. Check out the schedule here. Noon-9 p.m. Free.
‘Cinderella’ at the Joffrey Ballet (through May 22)
Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Congress Parkway
One of the Joffrey’s most popular productions returns to close out its 60th anniversary season. “Cinderella” is considered Sir Frederick Ashton’s greatest full-length ballet, and more than 40 dancers will bring the classic fairy tale to life with music by the Chicago Philharmonic. Times vary. $35-$170.
Lake FX Summit + Expo (through Sunday)
Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St.
The event billed as the Midwest’s largest free gathering of artists and creative entrepreneurs is back for a second year. Hear from national leaders in the arts and creative industries during a series of talks, panels and workshops addressing everything from documentary storytelling to dance on camera. Check out the schedule. Registration is recommended. Times vary. Free.
SATURDAY (Jump to FRIDAY | SUNDAY)
BookCon
McCormick Place, 2301 S. Martin Luther King Drive.
Get up-close and personal with books – and those who write and publish them – at this celebration of storytelling in all its forms. Guests can attend Q&As and autograph sessions with Sherman Alexie, Veronica Roth and other authors, listen in on storytelling podcasts, attend special screenings, play literary quiz shows and more. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. $5-$30.
Also on tap:
Chicago Sky vs. Connecticut Sun
Allstate Arena, 6920 Mannheim Road, Rosemont
The 20th season of the WNBA opens with this matchup on Saturday. Chicago's team returns with its eyes on improving defense after last year’s solid offensive performance. 7 p.m. $16-$250.
Hand*Made Chicago Festival (through Sunday)
Plumbers Union Hall, 1340 W. Washington St.
Browse jewelry, art, soaps and lotions, candles and more locally handmade goods while enjoying live music and food. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is free.
Gluten Free and Allergen Friendly Expo (through Sunday)
Schaumburg Convention Center, 1551 Thoreau Drive
Have a diet restriction that makes food festivals hard to attend? Visit this expo to sample gluten-free and allergen-friendly brands, collect coupons, attend informative classes and meet authors and bloggers. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. $5-$35.
SUNDAY (Jump to: FRIDAY | SATURDAY)
Andersonville Wine Walk
5226 N. Clark St.
The 10th annual event features two walking routes, each with 12 local businesses that serve as your wine-tasting destination. Each route features 36 wines provided by several distributors. 3-6 p.m. $40.
Also on tap:
Six Corners Tour
Portage Theater, 4050 N. Milwaukee Ave.
The Northwest Chicago Historical Society hosts this walking tour that explores the shopping district’s history as a prominent retail center. Walkers will learn about the area’s history, grab a T-shirt, score Six Corners post cards and more along the one-and-a-half-mile walk. $30. 4 p.m.
Elmhurt Biggest Museum Day Ever
Various locations
Hop aboard a trolley and enjoy free admission at the Elmhurst Art Museum, Elmhurst History Museum, the Elmhurst Public Library, Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art and Wilder Park during this 20th annual event. 1-5 p.m. Free.
Beyond the Score: Falla in the South of Spain
Chicago Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave.
Manuel de Falla spent 20 years composing in Granada, examining the rich blend of Islamic, Christian, Jewish and Romany cultures. This Beyond the Score program explores Falla’s music with live actors, visual projections and musical excerpts by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. For this performance, the CSO will perform Falla’s Suites No. 1 and 2 from “The Three-Cornered Hat” and “Nights in the Gardens of Spain.” 7:30 p.m. $26-$132.
Events listed are subject to change. We recommend double-checking times and locations before you head out the door. Want to share your upcoming events with us for consideration in a future roundup? Send us an email.
