Cost: $15-20

What to expect: A week-long celebration of yarn-spinning, whoppers, and whale tales at the Chicago Cultural Center.

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 judged performance, SKALD 11, is Saturday, May 15 (7:30 p.m.). The little ones get in on the tall tales at KidSkald, which takes place on Saturday, May 15 (3 p.m.) and improv meets literary art at Maelstrom on Friday, May 14 (7:30 p.m.). If you aren't yet confident in your ability to dazzle an audience with your words, sign up for one of the free storytelling workshops.

Centerstage Reviewer: Centerstage Chicago Staff