The best things to do in Chicago today

The largest and most immersive touring Titanic exhibition comes to Westfield Old Orchard mall in Skokie. Visitors will experience a narrative journey that brings to light the fates of the passengers and crew aboard the famous ship. Marvel at hundreds of artifacts that survived the sinking, plus props and costumes featured in James Cameron’s blockbuster film Titanic. Music from the era will play as patrons walk through detailed recreations of the ship’s interiors, including the grand staircase, while the Discovery Gallery will simulate what discovery teams saw during dives to the Titanic’s wreckage site.

Dive into a collection of spooky and scary films with this three-day festival devoted to stories about vampires, slashers, cannibals and more. The programming will boast a curated selection of both local and touring short films from independent filmmakers.

This annual festival assembles luminaries from the fields of politics, journalism and the arts for a multi-week series of programming across the city, with events ranging from lectures and discussions to screenings and musical performances. Not sure which events to hit? Some of the fest’s biggest speakers this season include former Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer, architect Jeanne Gang, musician Kathleen Hanna and comedian Reggie Watts. You can see a full schedule of programming on the Chicago Humanities Festival website.

The Chicago Children’s Museum hosts an adults-only night out, featuring three open bars, hearty appetizers, live music and camp-inspired activities like archery and bag toss. Guests are encouraged to put on their best glamping cocktail attire and explore the museum exhibits throughout the event.

The Joffrey Ballet is bringing back a favorite to close out its 2023-24 season—Swedish choreographer Alexander Ekman’s ballet rendition of A Midsummer Night's Dream, which takes cues from Scandinavian Midsummer traditions rather than Shakespeare. The Lyric Opera Orchestra performs the score by Swedish composer Mikael Karlsson, with Swedish singer Anna von Hausswolff joining the dancers onstage at every performance.

The Museum of Science and Industry debuts a new exhibit dedicated to the science and technology behind the world’s longest-running film franchise, James Bond. Fans can check out 13 vehicles and over 90 additional artifacts, including the prototype jetpack used in Thunderball, an MI6 Retina Scanner from GoldenEye and the Parahawk snowmobile hybrid from The World Is Not Enough. You’ll also be able to step into a lab space inspired by “Q” and test your skills developing the perfect vehicle for spy activities, designing stunts and more.

Chicago Media Project bring its ninth annual Doc10 Film Festival to the Davis Theater and Gene Siskel Film Center. The festival will screen 10 current documentaries culled from other top festivals around the globe, including Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story, a film about new wave band Devo, and Girls State, a political coming-of-age story.

Lace up your running shoes for a 5K, starting at Evanston's Temperance Beer Co. Suited for both beginners and seasoned runners alike, the course will take you through scenic surroundings before ending back at the taproom. Once you cross the finish line, enjoy a refreshing brew along with live music, games and more.

The Chicago Critics Film Association throws an annual film fest, giving the public a chance to see buzzed-about unreleased films and overlooked movies that deserve to be seen on the big screen. This year's lineup includes a 30th anniversary screening of Gillian Armstrong's Little Women, Chicago-made Sundance Film Festival breakout Ghostlight and The Fabulous Fleischer Cartoons Restored, a series of animated shorts originally produced by Max Fleischer between 1919-1942. Check out the complete festival lineup on the Chicago Critics Film Festival website.

Chicago Writers’ Bloc puts on this festival featuring staged readings of five new plays and five new musicals from local playwrights, lyricists and composers. The works range from comedy and drama to documentary theatre, including Hearts in the Wood, Hell is Canceled and No Kind of Hero.

Netflix star and television writer and producer Phil Rosenthal comes to town for a show at the Chicago Theatre. Expect plenty of stories about the funnyman’s travels, dining adventures and much more, plus a Q&A session with the audience. Check out Time Out Chicago’s interview with Rosenthal to see his thoughts on Chicago restaurants and The Bear.

Join Time Out Market Chicago for a week of Cinco de Mayo celebrations. Refreshing margarita specials will be available each day, as well as tequila and mezcal samplings courtesy of Tromba and Dos Hombres on May 3 and 5. Want to get extra festive? Pair your drink with tacos from Lil Amaru and head up to Tony's Rooftop Bar for a Mexican meal under the sun.

Put on your finest derby outfit and head to Tony's Rooftop Bar on May 4 to watch the most exciting two minutes in sports. Enjoy delicious food, refreshing drinks, giveaways, photo ops and more. The best dressed will have a chance to win prizes and the bar will be slinging mint juleps and sazeracs featuring WhistlePig. RSVP via Eventbrite.

Head to 360 Chicago on Saturdays for yoga with a killer view. Instructor Britta Eumann will lead an hour-long class on the 94th floor of 875 N Michigan Avenue (formerly the John Hancock Center) that’s suitable for all ages and skill levels—you just need to bring your own mat and arrived properly dressed. Registration is $55 and includes a cocktail or coffee, plus admission to the observation deck so you can stick around and snap some photos after you're done striking poses on the mat.

Downton Abbey: The Exhibition makes its way to Westfield Old Orchard Shopping Center in Skokie, giving fans an opportunity to step into the world of the hit series. The immersive experience showcases the elaborate sets, detailed costumes and luxurious jewelry of Downton Abbey’s high society inhabitants, and transport visitors to the grand home of the Crawleys and those who served them. From Mrs. Patmore’s hectic kitchen and Carson’s office to the family’s glamorous dining room, the exhibition provides a fascinating look into the post-Edwardian period.