1. See a legendary musician perform
Yo-Yo Ma—perhaps you’ve heard of him? The internationally renowned cellist is playing an all-Bach program at the Symphony Center tonight. Tickets are (remarkably) still available, so jump on this. (Symphony Center, 220 S Michigan Ave, Mon 8pm. $140–$190)
2. Catch Chicago’s top improvisers at work
You’ve seen improv, and then you’ve seen 3Peat perform improv. Head to iO to see one of Chicago’s quickest, most surprising and in-sync improv teams play. (iO Chicago, 1501 N Kingsbury St, Mon 10pm. $5)
3. Watch dozens of Latino films
The Chicago Latino Film Festival returns for its 33rd year with an impressive lineup of documentaries, features and shorts from the Spanish-speaking world. Check out the full lineup to make your plans. (Various venues, Mon–Fri)
4. Shop Chicago’s hippest market
Sauced Night Market is back for the season with a great lineup of local jewelry vendors, excellent food options and craft beer. Head to Logan Square’s Emporium Arcade to get in on the fun. (Emporium Arcade Bar, 2363 N Milwaukee Ave, Tue 6pm. Free)
5. Laugh out loud over a craft beer
BrewTube Comedy is a new webseries that puts stand-up comics in local craft breweries. Watch Chicago comics perform at On Tour Brewing for the series’ third episode taping. (On Tour Brewing, 1725 W Hubbard St, Tue 8pm. $15)
6. Party it up on a work night
Fabitat somehow manages to make a Thursday morning hangover well worth it. Dance it up at one of Chicago’s most consistent alt-queer drag parties. (Beauty Bar, 1444 W Chicago Ave, Wed 9pm. Free)
7. Drink your way through Lincoln Square
Spend a spring evening hopping through the North Side at the biannual Lincoln Square Wine Stroll. Pick from one of several routes to tour neighborhood businesses, tasting wine and hors d’oeuvres along the way. (Lincoln Square, see site for route options, Thu 6:30pm. $40
Catch Porchlight Musical Theatre’s Marry Me A Little, a two-actor musical pieced together by Sondheim songs that didn’t make the final cut for various musicals. (Stage 773, 1225 W Belmont Ave, Thu 7:30, Fri 8pm. $40–$51)
9. Learn from the best and brightest
Chicago Humanities Festival’s spring programming kicks off on Friday, bringing an assortment of innovative speakers to Chicago for one jam-packed weekend. Check out our picks for the top five programs to see. (Various locations, Fri–Sun, see website for full details. $10–$44)
10. Blow off some workweek steam
Say goodbye to April by seeing instrumental post-rock group Tycho in concert. Their sound blends synthesizer, trance and house music, which means you’re going to want to dance—at least a little bit. (Riviera Theatre, 4746 N Racine Ave, Fri 8pm. $35)
Want more? Sign up here to stay in the know.