The Way We Were
Tuesday 4/4: Who built Boston into the nation's most civilized city? When and how did it become so progressive? Boston College historian Thomas H. O'Connor delivers his thoughts on ''the Athens of America," according to the title of his latest book. 6:30 p.m. Old State House, 206 Washington St., Boston. Free. 617-720-1713. T: Orange/Blue lines, State.
Crave of the Future
Wednesday 4/5: What's on the horizon for taste buds in Boston? Find out at the Rising Stars Revue, a food-tasting gala from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. hosted by StarChefs.com. To complement the signature dishes from local chefs, guests will enjoy different premium wines. The Seaport Hotel, 1 Seaport Lane, Boston. $95; $135 VIP. 617-385-4212. T: Red Line, South Station; Silver Line bus, World Trade Center Station.
Munchkins Only
Friday 4/7: How does a wicked witch melt hearts? It's easy when a child plays her. Boston Children's Theatre does its take on ''The Wizard of Oz," opening tonight at 7 with a benefit performance including a sing-along, prizes, and audience costume parade. The McCormack Theatre, McCormack Hall, UMass-Boston, 100 Morrissey Blvd., Boston. $50 adults; $30 ages 4 to 11. Proceeds benefit the theater's outreach programs. 617-424-6634. T: Red Line, JFK/UMass.
Roll the End Credits
Saturday 4/8: Istanbul-born pianist Fahir Atakoglu and his trio perform at the close of the Fifth Boston Turkish Film and Music Festival at 7:30 p.m., Museum of Fine Arts. The festival's final film, ''All About Mustafa," screens at 2:15 p.m. Remis Auditorium, Avenue of the Arts, 465 Huntington Ave., Boston. Concert: $25 general, $20 students, seniors, members; Film: $9 general, $8 students, seniors, members. 617-369-3306. T: Green Line E, Museum of Fine Arts.
GLENN YODER
Cheap pick of the week
Ask any college students and they'll tell you: The quickest way to their hearts is free stuff. You don't have to be a student to get freebies at EXPO, Wednesday, 8 to 10 p.m. at the Hard Rock Cafe, 131 Clarendon St., hosted by the M.I.N.T. Network and Berklee Entrepreneur Action Team. Representatives from companies such as Zildjian, Newbury Comics, Sonicbids, and Rock Star Energy Drinks will be there, all doling out free goodies. Near the Copley T stop.
NATHAN HURST
City Picks features treasures the Boston area has to offer: things to do, unusual sights to see, places you might not think of going. If you have an item worth picking, e-mail it to City Weekly at ciweek@globe.com. 