By Giselle Dominguez

Shakespeare 400 Chicago highlights the playwright’s legacy with April 23 events

In the midst of the world’s largest yearlong celebration of Shakespeare — bringing 850 events to more than 500,000 Chicagoans and visitors throughout 2016 — Shakespeare 400 Chicago announces highlights for the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death on April 23, 2016, a date which also marks the playwright’s 452nd birthday. Culminating in a spectacular fireworks display over Lake Michigan set to a Shakespeare-inspired score, Shakespeare takes center stage in two signature events on April 23: Riccardo Muti leads the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Chorus and internationally celebrated soloists in Verdi’s Falstaff at Chicago’s Symphony Center, and Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Amy Rule serve as honorary co-chairs for an event that hosts the city’s civic community at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater featuring a special guest performance by Tony, Olivier and Golden Globe winner Alan Cumming.

Spearheaded by Chicago Shakespeare Theater, this yearlong festival unites 60 of the city’s world-class institutions and welcomes scores of leading artists from nations around the world.

For updated programming, tickets and event venues, visit www.Shakespeare400Chicago.com

Chicago Cocktail Social April 28

The folks at Green Curtain Events are hosting their third annual Chicago Cocktail Social. This event will feature bartenders from some of Chicago’s most reputable beverage programs in a night of cocktail excellence from 6-10 p.m. on Thursday, April 28 at Galleria Marchetti (825 W. Erie).

Ticket info: https://gce.hastickets.com/cocktailsocial2016

Kyle Abraham’s When the Wolves Came In at the Museum of Contemporary Art April 28-May 1

The Museum of Contemporary Art is opening its doors April 28-May 1 for the dance production When the Wolves Came In, choreographed by Kyle Abraham and performed by his dance company, Abraham.In.Motion. The performance examines the legacy of the Emancipation Proclamation and the abolishment of apartheid in South Africa. The production will be performing April 28-30 at 7:30 p.m. and May 1 at 3 p.m. Visit www.MCAChicago.org for more information.

One of a Kind Spring Show April 29-May 1
It’s spring, and that means shopping is in season in the city. And with that comes The One of a Kind Spring Show, making its debut in Chicago April 29-May 1 at the Merchandise Mart’s seventh floor. The One of a Kind Spring Show will feature 300 artists selling a variety of handmade pieces from bath and body items to ceramics, fashion, fiber art, furniture, glass, home goods, jewelry, photography, sculptures and much more.

The 16th annual One of a Kind Holiday Show will take place Dec. 1-4, also at The Mart.

For schedule and tickets, visit www.OneOfAKindShowChicago.com

Sommelier for a Day wine tasting at III Forks May 4
III Forks Prime Steakhouse is hosting a “Sommelier for a Day” wine tasting on Wednesday, May 4 beginning at 5 p.m. Led by sommelier Brian Speh, guests will enjoy a tasting of six different wine selections from California as well as hors d’oeuvres prepared by executive chef Cedric Harden. To RSVP, call III Forks at (312) 938-4303.

III Forks is located at 180 N. Field Blvd. www.IIIForks.com

AIRE opens atop the Hyatt Centric May 10

See Chicago’s skyline light up from the new rooftop bar AIRE — and then lounge, eat small bites and sip handcrafted cocktails in urban chic décor. Located on the 24th floor of the new Hyatt Centric (100 W. Monroe), AIRE and its 360-degree views, officially opens May 10. For more information, click here.

Osteria La Madia’s “5 for $5” pizzetta happy hour

The popular Italian eatery in River North has introduced a new happy hour menu with a focus on hand-crafted artisan pizzettas. The 5 for $5 menu, offered from 4:30-6:30 p.m. weekdays, includes five of chef Jonathan Fox’s Neapolitan-style pizza creations, five house wine and five beer selections — all for $5. Osteria La Madia is located at 59 W. Grand Ave. in River North. To see the full menu, visit www.OsteriaLaMadia.com

Laugh Out Loud Theater opens in North Center
Looking for a good laugh in a new establishment? Laugh Out Loud, a fixture in the northwest suburbs for nearly a decade, opened a city location in Chicago’s North Center neighborhood in late March. The theater hosts improv comedy shows every Friday and Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. (family friendly) and 9:30 p.m. (more adult oriented), as well as occasional open-mic nights, improvised Broadway musicals and more on select weekdays.

Laugh Out Loud Theater is located at 3851 N. Lincoln Ave. For show times and tickets visit www.LaughOutLoudTheater.com

Blackfinn Ameripub’s new happy hour specials

Blackfinn Ameripub has added new drink and food specials to their weekday happy-hour menu from 4-7 p.m., including $5 select drafts, $6 wines and $7 cocktails on tap and $8 flatbreads (buffalo chicken, margheria, etc.) and appetizers (chicken parmesan sliders, quesadillas, fried chicken tacos, etc.).

Blackfinn’s Chicago location is located at 65 W. Kinzie in River North. www.BlackfinnAmeripub.com