March 12 - 15

Spring is in the air, can you smell it? Well I'm sure that if it's thawed out you could smell it! Lots going on this weekend, the river will be dyed green, the Great Lakes Bears are going to see Dixie on Saturday and you can join them for a great night out and you can catch the famous Southside St Patricks Day parade on Sunday. Everyone is Irish this weekend!

THURSDAY, MARCH 12

There will be a Gallery Talk today at the Chicago Cultural Center - 78 E Washington to discuss the current exhibit - William Conger: Paintings 1958-2008, it starts at 12:15 and there's no charge.

Dixie Longate is kicking off her second week in Aurora with 'Dixie's Tupperware Party' which runs through the this Sunday. This is not your Mothers Tupperware Party! Tickets are $32. If you don't feel like driving, why not join the Great Lake Bears for a Road Trip on the 14th.

Mary Poppins opened last night at the Cadillac Theater, it's not too late to get tickets, $30-90. You can purchase them online. I'm going on the 21st and I don't know if I can wait that long!

Author Elaine Showalter will be at Women & Children First Books - 5233 N Clark, 7:30PM to share from her latest 'comprehensive history of American women writers' A Jury of her Peers

The Art Institute is open until 8PM this evening and General Admission is free!

FRIDAY, MARCH 13

Center On Halsted has expanded their Cyber Program with new classes starting today. Classes cover an Intro to Computers, Excel, Word and Powerpoint. Check the site for full details and cost.

It's your last chance to goIce Skating at Millennium Park. The McCormick Tribune Ice Rink closes for the season on Sunday but you can head down there still for some free staking from Noon-10PM. Skating is free, skate rental is $9

If you didn't stop by Navy Pier last weekend for the Flower Show you've got a few more days left - well at least until Sunday! Click here to find out how to save $2 on your tickets

The Gay Liberation Network is hosting a live call-in show on CAN TV from 6:30-6:55PM on Cable Channel 21. Be sure to check it out as they interview Camilla Taylor of Lambda Legal.

Queering the Night, a monthly LGBTQI open mic will feature Ian Hatcher at the Center for New Possibilities - 1505 W Morse at 7PM-9PM, $5 donation.

It's true, Xanadu is leaving soon, you can't miss this show. They're going to be packing up the stage and heading over across the ocean,but you still have time to see the show PLUS you can get special prices for Sun-Fri tickets by using the code HAPPY when buying your tickets online. Don't wait, go see it now!

Get ready for summer by downloading a copy of Andersonville's Neighborhood Guide, keep up to date on all the fun things that are coming down the pike!

Missy Higgins, queer Australian singer-songwriter, will be performing at the Vic Brew-n-View - 3145 N Sheffield at 7:30PM, $24 and can be purchased online.

Ever want to turn a straight bar gay? Stop by Villains - 649 S Clark St as part of Guerilla Gay Bar: South Loop as the crew turns it gay for the night, check here for Full Details

SATURDAY, MARCH 14

Center on Halsted will be offering Professional LGBT Career Development Training as part of their ongoing commitment to the community. Check out the site for full details.

You may not be green but the Chicago River will be this morning as the Chicago Journeymen Plumbers dye the river in this annual St Patricks Day tradition. Dyeing starts at 10:45, and it's best to view it from Columbus Dr or Wacker Drive, so make sure you have a great spot to watch it!

Chicago's annual St Patrick's Day parade kicks off at noon and runs the gamut of S Columbus Dr between E Balbo and Monroe, put on some green and get out there and enjoy it!

Navy Pier isn't the only place with spring. Head over to the Lincoln Park Conservatory - 2391 N Stockton for the free Spring Flower Show where you'll see spring flower annuals, perennials and Azaleas that are descendants of those that bloomed at the World's Columbian Exposition of 1893. 9AM-5PM

The Chicago Dragons - our own queer Rugby Team is hosting their annual clinic today for new and prospective members. Meet at Margate Fieldhouse - 4921 N Marine Dr from 1-4PM, check here for Full Details

It's time for Dyke Delicious, this month catch Pam Grier in the 1973 classic blackploitation film 'Coffy' at Chicago Filmmakers - 5243 N Clark. A social hour kicks off at 7PM with the screening at 8PM which will be followed by a discussion. Watch the Trailer Special Admission $10

Our Town - at Lookingglass Theater has been getting great reviews for their latest production of Thorton Wilder's classic play. Tickets are $30-60 and can be purchased online.

SUNDAY, MARCH 15

It's less than a week before Spring officially arrives but you can rush it along by heading down to the Garfield Park Conservatory - 300 N Central Park Ave where you can catch hundreds of spring flowers in full bloom. 9AM-5PM, free parking.

The Lincoln Park Lagooners are meeting at T's - 4923 N Clark St for an "informal get-together" starting at 5PM.

If you didn't get enough green yesterday, then head down to the South Side for what most consider the "official" St Patrick's Day Parade will step off from 104th & Western at noon sharp. Remember, everyone is Irish today!

Check out Chicago's 'Exclusive Lesbian Social Club' at Club 8138 - 8138 S Kedzie starting at 9PM, check here for full details.