Cost: $5-$30 per show (tickets go on sale May 15)

Organizer: Chicago Improv Festival Productions

What to expect: Improv performers from 15 cities and four countries will take the stage at this renowned comedy festival.

Why to go: The artistic director, Mark Sutton, says this is the best lineup he's seen since he's been in the job; it includes star-studded acts like 313 (featuring performers from MadTV and "Thank God You're Here," as well as international groups like Mexican ensemble ImproTop.

Additional info: This year's main stage is at Lakeshore Theater. CIF will also present festival programming at various times throughout the week at Annoyance Theatre, Chemically Imbalanced Comedy, ComedySportz Chicago, Gorilla Tango Theatre, IO Comedy Theater, pH Productions, The Playground, The Second City ETC and The Second City Skybox.

There will also be a first-ever preview weekend, April 25-26 at the Second City Skybox. Five Chicago improv teams will perform each night, with tickets going for $12 each show ($10 for midnight shows). The schedule is as follows:

Friday, April 25:
8 p.m.: Whirled News Tonight
9 p.m.: Revolver
10 p.m.: pHamily
11 p.m.: Pimprov
midnight: Dirty Water

Saturday, April 26:
8 p.m.: BASSPROV
9 p.m.: Cornwallis
10 p.m.: The Reckoning
11 p.m.: Wingnight
midnight: Barinholtz and Belushi