Cost: $10-$25; $5 for students and seniors

What to expect: A week-long celebration of yarn-spinning, whoppers, and whale tales.

Why to go: To listen to Chicagoans from all walks of life tell their stories, and to tell a few of your own.

Additional info: The little ones get in on the tall-tales at KidSkald, which takes place on Thurday, June 19; improv meets literary art at Maelstrom on Friday, June 19; watch the pros trade tales and compete for a panel of judges at the big event on Saturday, June 21. If you aren't yet confident in your ability to dazzle an audience with your words, sign up for one of the storytelling workshops.

Centerstage Reviewer: K. Tighe