(14 Parish Restaurant & Rhum Bar / Facebook)
1. Chow down
More than 300 establishments are serving up their best dishes as Chicago Restaurant Week returns. Reservations aren’t required but are strongly encouraged. Don’t feel like dining out? Takeout and delivery options are available as well.
Details: Friday through April 10. Prix fixe menus start at $25 for brunch or lunch; $39-$55 for dinner. Hours and locations vary.
2. Hark
Israeli mandolin player Avi Avital makes his debut with Chicago Philharmonic and Maestro Scott Speck in “Fanfare Chicago: Respighi, Higdon, Moya and Hubbell.”
Details: 3 p.m. Sunday at the Harris Theater, 205 E. Randolph St. $10-$75 / MAP
3. Uncover
Jazz Chats! Women in Chicago Jazz History: Lil Hardin Armstrong spotlights the gifted pianist and composer who helped guide and define the career of her husband Louis Armstrong. Hear recordings and live samplings of her work.
Details: 2 p.m. Saturday at the Epiphany Center for the Arts, 201 S. Ashland Ave. Free / MAP
4. Appreciate
The annual “Center Stage at Ruth Page” commemorates the center’s namesake founder and international dance icon with performances by in-residence artists and organizations. In honor of the center’s 50th anniversary, Saturday’s program will include performances by local dance companies, including M.A.D.D. Rhythms and Muntu Dance Theatre.
Details: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts, 1016 N. Dearborn St. $20; $35 for both performances / MAP
5. Indulge
The West Loop Festival of Spirits & Wine and Mouthwatering Treats features samples from dozens of local, national and international vintners and fine spirit makers. Complimentary artisanal chocolates and specialty treats, and live music are also on tap. Proceeds benefit nonprofit Voice of Care, and attendees can opt to donate $5 from each ticket to benefit Ukrainian refugees.
Details: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday at Stephen M. Bailey Auditorium in Plumbers Hall, 1340 W. Washington Blvd. $45 and up / MAP
(Courtesy of Gourmet Expos)
6. Pluck
A quintet of bands performs at the Naperville Bluegrass Festival, including The Gibson Brothers and The Baker Family. In addition to bluegrass tunes, the fest features a trio of instrument raffles.
Details: 6-10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the Sheraton Lisle Naperville Hotel, 3000 Warrenville Road, Lisle. $68 and up / MAP
7. Fantasize
This one’s for dreamers of all ages. Watch as the magic unfolds in “The Imagination Circus: to Dream” as cast members discover dreams they never knew they had and bring circus acts to life.
Details: 3-4 p.m. and 7-8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday through April 3 at Chopin Theatre, 1543 W. Division St. $18-$28 / MAP
8. Nosh
Nearly three dozen vendors showcase plant-based foods, clothing, and health and beauty products at the South Suburban Vegan Festival. Free food samples, chili and mac and cheese competitions, and guest speakers round things out.
Details: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Calumet Park Recreation Center, 12426 S. Loomis St., Calumet Park. Free / MAP
9. Marvel
Following a yearlong restoration, the Grand Army of the Republic Memorial Hall and Rotunda at the Chicago Cultural Center is reopening. Festivities include guided tours, dance performances, art workshops and talks about the real story behind the Grand Army of the Republic rooms.
Details: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph St. Free / MAP
10. Portray
Ballet Hispánico brings the story of Eva “Evita” Perón, the illegitimate daughter of a prosperous farmer who became a dancehall performer and rose to the rank Argentina’s first lady, to life in “Doña Perón.”
Details: 7:30 p.m. Saturday; 3 p.m. Sunday at the Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive. $37-$83 / MAP
(Photo by Christopher Ash)
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.
