March 26 - 29

Ah the fresh smell of spring is in the air. The crocus are popping their heads out of the ground, the daffodils and tulips won't be far behind. It may be a little soggy this weekend, but that doesn't mean it has to be a downer, there are plenty of exciting things going on this weekend for you to get involved in. Reeling is kicking off a monthly screening on Friday night or you could learn how to play Mahjong on Thursday, get out there and have fun!

THURSDAY, MARCH 26

Just in time for spring stop by the Chicago Cultural Center - 78 E Randolph for a discussion about the Lurie Gardens located within Millennium Park at 6PM, admission is free.

One of the things I love about spring is being able to get out for a walk and enjoy the city. Check out these Chicago based walking tours provided by the Chicago History Museum, there's everything from a tour of Graceland Cemetery to Pub Crawls, start planning your summer!

Part of Chicago History Museums 'Out at CMH' program they will host E. Patrick Johnson & Sharon Bridgforth for an oral history discussion centered on lives and experiences of Southern African Americans. $12/$10 Cocktail hour at 5:30PM, Program at 6:30PM and an after-party at 8PM

It's a late night at the Art Institute tonight as they're open until 8PM and admission is free at 5PM.

Are you going to see Katy Perry at the House of Blues tonight? Hope you have your tickets already!

This is your last weekend to catch Xanadu. I had an amazing time when I went for my birthday. The show officially closes on Monday, so catch it before it's too late.

Learn how to play Mahjong at Gaysia, hosted by Asians & Friends at Wild Pug tonight from 7-9PM.

Alexian Brothers AIDS Ministry will host 'Art for Life' at the University Club 76 E Monroe from 6-9PM, you'll have an opportunity to purchase local artists work through both silent and live auctions with proceeds benefiting Bonaventure House in Chicago and The Harbor in Waukegan. Tickets are $100 and can be purchased online.

FRIDAY, MARCH 27

Women & Children First Rachel Shteir will present her latest book: Gypsy: The Art of the Tease at Women & Children First Books - 5233 N Clark at 7:30PM. You thought you knew everything about the world's most famous stripper - Gypsy Rose Lee - well apparently there's more.

Reeling Film Festival is holding their first "Monthly Screening" with a screening of Die Mommie Die at Chicago Filmmakers. A Social Hour will kick off at 7PM with food provided by Hamburger Mary's and the screening will start at 8PM. What a great way to kick off the Reeling Season, tickets: $10/$8

Are you running in the Shamrock Shuffle, or are you just a runner? There is a Health & Fitness Expo at Navy Pier today (10a-8p) and tomorrow (9a-6p) with more than 75 vendors showing their fitness related wares. Admission is free and there is a flat rate parking fee, check the site for full details.

Cinema Lesbiana will be held at Gerber/Hart Library - 1127 W Granville this evening at 7:30PM, stop by and enjoy this womens film screening group.

The Lakeview Chamber of Commerce is hosting a networking group 'WOW - Women Out Working' at the Chicago Photography Center - 3301 N Lincoln from 8:30AM to 10:30AM. You'll have a chance to mingle, enjoy a continental breakfast and hear from special guest Angie Garbot. $20(non-members)/$15(members)

Check out an evening of queer short films at Threat Level over at Elegant Mr. Gallery - 1355 N Milwaukee starting at 7:30PM. $5-10 sliding entrance fee. Check out the site for full details.

Do you enjoy your bedtime stories? Then check out Hydrates first-ever theater production of Snow White and the Seven Drag Queens, your $10 donation gets you entertainment an open bar from 8-9:30PM.

The Illinois Gay Rodeo Association (ILGRA) is hosting a 'Dollar Dance' fundraiser at Charlie's starting at 8PM with dance lessons, followed by the Dollar Dance at 9PM. How's that work, it's easy, grab a dollar, walk up to a hot man and ask him "Would you like to dance for a dollar?" All proceeds benefit ILGRA to support the Windy City Gay Rodeo, Vital Bridges and Howard Brown.

It's time for Women Out Loud at Insight Arts - 1505 W Morse Ave, celebrate International Women's Month at this open-mic event by the "Women of Insight" from 7-9PM $5/$3 donation.

SATURDAY, MARCH 28

It's Earth Hour tonight from 8:30-9:30, join in with people from around the world as they shut off the lights to raise awareness about energy efficiency and the global climate change that is occurring around us.

Are you a beer whiz? Stop by Drinks over Dearborn - 650 N Dearborn for a free beer tasting. Which Ale sounds better: Sara Buckwheat or Wostyntje Mustard, find out. 2-8PM

State Legislature - a film depicting a full year of democracy in action will be screened at Chicago Filmmakers at 7PM, $8/$7/$4

Stop by the Lakeshore Theater this evening for the 8PM Lakeshore Channel Premiere & Live Taping. They're showing viral videos, showcasing comics and giving you a chance to get on stage and tell your own jokes! Tickets are only $10 and can be purchased online.

You know what Spring means don't you? SOFTBALL! If you want to play but don't belong to a team, new player sign up takes place at Spin from 4:30-6:30PM. Registration fee for the season is $60

Check out the Positive Spin Mixer tonight from 8-11PM, it's hosted by TPAN and there's a hosted Absolut Bar, a $5 donation is requested. I haven't had a chance to stop in yet, but I hear the new space at Spin is HUGE!

The Center on Halsted is holding it's first organizational meeting for a Women’s Advisory Council on Community and Cultural Programs at 1PM. Make your voice heard and join the council to create social and cultural events that will inspire the community.

SUNDAY, MARCH 29

Today is the day you've been waiting for if you're running in the Shamrock Shuffle! The 8K run steps off at 9:30AM and the 5K Fitness Walk starts at 10AM. Check the site for full details.

Head up north for the Rogers Park Dinner Crawl: A World of Taste from 4-8PM, this fundraiser for the DevCorp (the Rogers Park Business Organization). You'll get a chance to sample 15 restaurants in the neighborhood including: Grande Noodle, Luzzat and Heartland Cafe. $25 in Advance, $30 at the door. Purchase tickets online.

The Center on Halsted will host a screening of Hineini - Hebrew for 'Here I Am' - at 1PM. The documentary follows one students battle to establish a gay-straight alliance at a Jewish high school in Boston. A Q&A with the first openly gay Rabbi Steve Greenberg will follow the screening. FREE, check out the site for full details.

David Daniels, the out Countertenor, will perform at the Harris Theater at 3PM, he'll perform selections from Bach and Handel, tickets $30-110

Diva Diva Diva! Diva Brunch at the Spot 4437 N Broadway with Scooty & JoJo, join them at 11AM or 1PM. This week you'll get a sample of Ann McGregor, Za Za, Calidonia Olivares and of course the delicious Scooty on piano and JoJo giving you the dirt. $35 includes a selection from a delicious menu and unlimited Bellini's or mimosas during the show!

Tonight starts the 7th annual Windy City Gay Idol at Stargaze, 6-11PM. Tonight is the first night for you to get out there and compete to win the grand prize of $1000 plus other great gifts during the finals in June!