Celebrate the start of festival season with outdoor events in Lakeview, Lincoln Park, Skokie, Edgebrook, Oak Park and beyond.

Embrace your inner geek at the Chicago Science Festival, meet your favorite authors at BookCon and stroll through Andersonville for the annual Wine Walk.

(Crystin Immel)

Raise a glass to the NFL draft, bacon-infused dishes, rum cocktails and the Cinco de Mayo Parade in Little Village. 

Celebrate spring weather and the planet with a bounty of events, from feminist films to fireworks and a culinary smackdown to classical music.

Gingger Shankar (Courtesy of CIMM Fest)

See films and music acts from around the globe at CIMMfest, check out a free screening of the documentary "Peace Officer" and stop by the Greek Independence Day Parade in Greektown. 

Get your feet tapping this weekend for Chicago Tap Theatre’s latest show, grab a donut from donut fest or get your fill of deep dish at the Chicago Pizza Summit. 

Mavis Staples (Jalylah Burrell)

From performances to seasonal treats to a spirited class in Wicker Park, your springtime agenda is in full bloom this weekend.

(Flickr / Jamie McCaffrey)

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day a little early with three parades and the annual river dyeing. Live music, some impressive Lego-building skills and an acclaimed dance company round things out.