Various locations throughout Chicago

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? Attendees can explore the five Festival Days, full days of programming in a given neighborhood, including in Lakeview on April 27, in Bridgeport on May 10, in Lincoln Park on May 18, and at the Art Institute of Chicago on June 7, as well as thought-provoking discussions and exciting live performances sprinkled throughout the schedule.  Some of the fest’s biggest speakers this season include Broadway star Leslie Odom, Jr., beloved comedian Ed Helms, artist Tonika Lewis Johnson, musicians like Jon Batiste and Jim Jaramusch, podcaster Ezra Kein, TV icon Paul Reiser, bestselling author Ron Chernow and more. You can see a full schedule of programming on the Chicago Humanities Festival website.

In its 14th year, One Earth Film Festival offers a slate of environmental films aimed at understanding climate change, sustainability and the power of human involvement from April 22 to April 28, for the celebration of Earth Week. Screenings cover topics including water justice, public housing, deforestation, more. The fest unfolds with a diverse lineup of films, interactive panels, and community-driven events at 20-plus locations across the greater Chicago area.

She's beauty and she's grace, she's Miss United States! And you can be, too, at this Miss Congeniality-themed bar crawl, held on — when else? — April 25th, the perfect date when it's not too hot, not too cold and all you need is a light jacket. Break out your pageant best (or, you know, an entire Statue of Liberty costume) and get ready for registration and a meet-and-greet at The North End at 7pm, followed by prelims at Replay at 8pm and the finals (including that big dance number) at Sidetrack at 9pm. There will also be a talent and question-and-answer portion of the evening, along with the crowning of this year's Miss Congeniality!  

Take a springtime stroll through Chicago’s Northalsted neighborhood and indulge in a culinary adventure on Saturday, April 26. From 2pm to 5pm, you’ll have the chance to savor bites from more than 20 of the area’s top restaurants and bars, including El Taco Cart, The Villa Toscana, Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club, Elevate Coffee, Big Gay Sal’s Pizza, Roscoe’s Tavern, AJI Omakase, GoodTimes Brewery and more. A $25 ticket will get you unlimited tastings, including samples of a variety of beers, spirits and cocktails. (Note: Due to the presence of alcohol, the crawl is 21-and-over.)