Cost: Free.

What to expect: A celebration of Chicago's 27 sister cities; From Athens to Accra, Belgrade to Birmingham, Milan to Moscow, Paris to Prague. Chicago spreads love around the world through live performances, exotic eats and plenty of crafts to blow your paycheck on.

Why to go: To get a little culture and support Chicago's Sister Cities program, which brings us cultural events throughout the year. Plus, how else can you justify eating your way around the culinary planet in one weekend?

Additional info: If you can only make it for one day, make it Birmingham Day (June 5), where a flag-raising ceremony and loads of Midlands entertainment will be on hand to represent Sister City, Birmingham.

Centerstage Reviewer: K. Tighe