WED 5/30
Treasure chest
Did dishing out $19 to see the new “Pirates” flick last weekend nearly sink your money ship? Don’t stew at home with TiVo. Instead, make International Connections for free. The weekly screening series featuring recent films from around the world kicks off with Argentinean director Gustavo Corrado’s moody crime drama “Garua.” Spanish with English subtitles. 7:30 p.m. Series continues through Aug. 29. Claudia Cassidy Theater at the Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph St. 312-683-0121.
Turkish delights
With erratic temperatures and a steady pollen count, spring is off to a shaky start. Here’s a recipe for seasonal cheer: the Chicago Turkish Festival in Daley Plaza. The fifth annual event includes traditional dancing and music, fashion shows, food, art and more. 10 a.m. Through Saturday. Free. Entertainment schedule: chicagoturkishfestival.org. 50 W. Washington St.
Olde English
Instead of throwing back pints of Bass and Newcastle on Wednesday, try this stately British mix: one part Agatha Christie with a pinch of Hogwarts chaos and a dash of Sherlock Holmes. What do you get? “Competing Elderly British Detectives,” a sketch comedy revue with a mystery theme, starring Second City Touring Company alums Brendan Dowling and Tim Sniffen. 9:30 p.m. Through June 20. $8. The Annoyance Theatre, 4840 N. Broadway. 773-561-4665.
THU 5/31
Hot dogs
You can’t even e-mail your mother once a week, yet Suzan-Lori Parks wrote one play a day for an entire year. The collected works, “365 Days/365 Plays,” currently are on stage across Chicago (details at metromix.com); now her drama “Topdog/Underdog” opens in a staging by the Rogers Park Theatre Ensemble. The story follows a pair of African-American brothers, abandoned by their parents, who fight for limited economic and romantic opportunities. Presented as part of the second annual Rogers Park Theatre Festival. 7:30 p.m. Through June 10. $5-$10. Loyola University Studio Theatre, 1125 W. Loyola Ave. 773-831-4481.
Natty light
There are some advantages to meeting a romantic prospect in a dark bar. Typically, these reasons escape us when the lights come up. Leave the smoke and mirrors behind and make eyes with other unattached types at a Singles Alfresco Dinner. Includes a reception and three-course meal. Cash bar. 6 p.m. $49. Includes tax and tip. Registration required. Parlor, 1745 W. North Ave. 773-772-3535.
FRI 6/1
Gore-y stories
We’ll be slathering on the SPF and channeling Al Gore when we peek at the new “Cool Globes: Hot Ideas for a Cooler Planet” exhibit, a collection of more than 120 sculpted globes depicting ways to reduce global warming. The outdoor art exhibit stretches along the lakefront from the Field Museum (1400 S. Lake Shore Drive) to East Balbo Drive. Additional pieces are on display at Navy Pier (600 E. Grand Ave.). Exhibition continues through Sept. 30. Pictures and locations: coolglobes.org.
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