Chicago Humanities Fest Date Night

Most important thing you can bring to a date: meaningful conversation. The easiest way to do that is to make the whole evening a conversation-starter. Good news: that’s why the Chicago Humanities Festival exists. Tickets go on sale today.

On hand: 130+ talks and discussions across the city exploring the theme of “Citizens,” from scholars and thinkers like Salman Rushdie and Elvis Costello. We suggest making a night of it with your favorite +1. Here be your plan.

Step One: Read Up
Books, check ‘em out. The slightest cursory knowledge of the festival’s featured literature can not only guide you to the right talk, but will make said talk a lot more interesting for you and your date. On our shortlist:

Atlantic columnist Ta-Nehisi Coates’s new memoir Between The World And Me
So You’ve Been Publicly Shamed by Jon Ronson
The Innovators: How a Group of Hackers, Geniuses, and Geeks Created the Digital Revolution by famed biographer Walter Isaacson

Get a jump on your fall reading list by perusing the complete catalog here.

Step Two: Grab Your Tickets
Among the events already mentioned, a few more that’ll inspire some engaging tête-à-tête: Patton Oswalt chatting about his love of cinema. Paul Magee, who just sold half of Lagunitas to Heineken, discussing the politics of beer. House of Cards senior story editor Laura Eason talking women and culture, and Elvis Costello explaining how black-rimmed glasses just really suit him.

Step Three: Grab a Relaxed Place to Talk
Wherever you end up, your subsequent game plan must involve a relaxed, slow-paced locale. Not too much distraction or noise. The newly-rebooted Cafe Spiaggia is the perfect spot for moments akin. The dress is casual, the eats elevated Italian (the new menu is here). Order up a bottle of wine and settle into the Lobster Pasta for two. Reservations not necessary, but highly recommended.