Our picks for events in and around Chicago this weekend.
Chicago Humanities Festival
Every year, it seems the spring installment of the Chicago Humanities Festival gets a little bit meatier and this year is no disappointment. Don’t look for a unifying theme. It’s a bunch of interesting people, and who can argue with that? Here’s a far from comprehensive list: John Waters, Walter Isaacson, Ann Patchett, Padma Lakshmi, Jelani Cobb, Ibram X. Kendi, Jill Biden, Lynda Barry, Veronica Roth, Dave Eggers and Billy Eichner. Through June 28 in venues throughout Chicago; tickets and more information at chicagohumanities.org
“Crazy Ex-Girlfriend: The 10(ish) Year Reunion Concert”
The cast of the cult favorite musical CW TV show, “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,” reunites this weekend on the stage of the Chicago Theatre. The show — created by, written by, and starring Rachel Bloom — lasted four seasons, garnering several awards and critical acclaim, despite low ratings. 7 p.m. April 19 at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St.; tickets from $52.25 at msg.com
Michelle Buteau
Michelle Buteau — star of “Survival of the Thickest,” a Netflix series based on her memoir — performs this weekend. The entertainment reporter-turned-comedian also co-starred with Ilana Glazer in the 2024 film “Babes,” directed by Pamela Adlon and co-written by Glazer and Jonathan Rabinowitz. 7:30 p.m. April 18 at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St.; tickets from $52.35 at msg.com
Adam Conover
The comedian, writer and star of “Adam Ruins Everything” is filming a special this weekend at the Den Theatre. Adam Conover, perhaps known best for explaining and debunking anything from nachos to the federal government, takes a more personal turn in his “Big Divorce Energy” tour. No, he hasn’t been through an actual divorce, but he has been through a break-up of a long-term relationship — with Lisa Hanawalt, the cartoonist perhaps best known for the “BoJack Horseman” Netflix series. 7:15 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. April 18 at the Den Theatre, 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave.; tickets from $25 (plus two-item minimum) at thedentheatre.com
Michael McIntyre
British comedian Michael McIntyre has a bit where he compares his touring experience at home vs. in the United States. In the U.S., he says, the crowds go wild — at least in his estimation. At home, in the U.K.? “He didn’t disappoint,” McIntyre says. “Even when we’re happy we have to reference our disappointing lives.” See for yourself this weekend. 8 p.m. April 17 at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St.; tickets at msg.com
Blessd
The Colombian rapper-singer-songwriter makes an area stop on his first U.S. tour, pegged to his new album, “El Mejor Hombre del Mundo.” Billboard says the album delivers “a vibrant soundscape that fuses mainstream appeal with raw, heartfelt storytelling.” Blessd was nominated for three Latin American Music Awards in 2023, including two for Medallo,” a collaboration with Justin Quiles and Lenny Tavárez. 8 p.m. April 22 at Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N. River Road, Rosemont; tickets from $35.90 at rosemont.com
“Masters of the Mic”
OK, party people in the house … Doug E. Fresh, MC Lyte, Big Daddy Kane, Treach of Naughty by Nature, and Black Sheep assemble for a show honoring the pioneers of hip hop. Groove to 50 years of beats this weekend at the Auditorium Theatre. Hit it. 8 p.m. April 18 at the Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive; tickets from $84.40 at auditoriumtheatre.org
“Prison Break! Films of Escape”
Need an escape? The Music Box continues its series celebrating nail-biters centered on prison breaks. This weekend, you can see “Holes,” based on Louis Sachar’s young-adult novel about boys digging around a juvenile detention center. Or if you need something that packs a gory punch, consider a midnight movie: the Hong Kong dystopian gut-buster “Riki-Oh: The Story of Ricky.” The series wraps up next weekend with “Escape from Alcatraz” (1979, starring Clint Eastwood), “Black Mama White Mama” (1973, starring Pam Grier), and “A Man Escaped” (1956, directed by Robert Bresson). Through April 28 at the Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport Ave.; tickets $11 at musicboxtheatre.com
“Becoming: Where Plastic Meets Nature”
Cody Norman, a Chicago-based artist and faculty member at the School of the Art Institute, recycles plastic into sculptures that raise questions about waste and beauty. His work, now on display at Garfield Park Conservatory, is inspired by organic structures yet entirely synthetic. Swing by the Spring Flower Show, “Showers of Flowers,” while you’re visiting the Conservatory. Through June 7 at Garfield Park Conservatory, 300 N. Central Park Ave.; reservations ($10 suggested donation) at garfieldconservatory.org
Spring Fling Writers Conference
Romance fans take note: Meet your favorite authors, including Brenda Jackson, Adriana Herrera and Sherry Thomas, at the biennial Spring Fling Writers Conference. More than 70 authors will sign books.
3:30-5:30 p.m. April 18 at Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown, 71 E. Wacker Drive; details on the free event at chicagonorthromancewriters.com
Have something to do around Chicago? Email events to day.chitribevents@gmail.com.
