May 21 - 25th, 2009

Grr, Woof, Grunt, crashing waves and SPIKE! I'm sure those are just some of the noises you'll probably hear this Memorial Day Weekend. The Bears are here, the Leather Men are rocking their new host Hotel and the Grabbys are heating things up. There's plenty of other events going on this weekend - who knows it might even include the beach! Get out there and enjoy the official kick off to summer!

THURSDAY, MAY 21

Don't forget that you can get tickets to the current production ART at the Steppenwolf for only $10 through Sunday. Check here for all the details on this special offer.

Rachel DeWoskin will read from her latest work: Repeat After Me at Women & Children First Books in Andersonville at 7PM.

International Mr. Leather officially started yesterday when the contestants checked in. But the fun starts tonight at 8PM with the Opening Ceremonies at the new host hotel Hilton Chicago at 720 S Michigan. Check the site for full details. And get ready to meet the men vying for the title of Mr. International Leather 2009

The Grabbys may be on Saturday, but there's a kick-off party with Chi Chi Larue and The Men of Fabscout at Hydrate starting at 10PM. $5 donation at the door benefits TPAN.

GRRRR, The Bears are coming! The Bears are coming! BearPride 15: It's All About Chicago is taking over the Crowne Plaza this weekend! Stop by Touche and Jackhammer tonight for the Welcome Party and Registration.

There's more than sex, leather and bears this weekend. Hundreds of volleyball players will descend on Navy Pier to compete in the 27th North American Gay Volleyball Championship this weekend. Check out the site for a full list of details - I even heard there's going to be a Jock Strap Contest at Crew on Friday night!

FRIDAY, MAY 22

It's officially Beach Season, whether the weather wants to participate or not. All of the beaches in the Chicago Park District officially open today! So when are you heading to Hollywood Beach, let me know, I'll meet you there.

This weekend only, catch Haram Iran, the story of two Iranian teenage boys sentenced for crimes against God. It's at the Hoover-Leppen Theater at Center on Halsted for this brief resurrection. Tickets are $25 check the site for full details and to purchase tickets.

There are so many things going on for IML they're too numerous to mention, there's MAUL Uniform Party or Woof Camp or the San Francisco Party, check the site for full details.

Warming up for the Grabbys tomorrow night you can stop by LuckyHorseShoe where the winners from last year will celebrate their awards and this years nominations. No Cover! Check the site for full details

On your way home from work stop at Roscoes where Sister Roma will be interviewing more than 30 porn stars - what a way to start the weekend.

Go home and change quick because Brent Corrigan and ChicagoPride will be hosting a Casting Call & DVD Party at Hydrate starting at 8PM. There's a hosted bar from 8-9:30 and yes you can try out to perhaps get into the porn business.

Join The Bears for a Trolley Tour of Chicago and a Meet & Greet, check the site for full details.

La Cage aux Folles opens at the BoHo Theater tonight for a limited run through July. Tickets are $27

SATURDAY, MAY 23

Chicago's very own Women's Tackle Football team - Chicago Force - will face off with the Minnesota Vixen's at 3PM at Holmgren Athletic Complex - corner of Foster Ave & Albany. The Chicago Spirit Brigade will be cheering the team on. Tickets are only $10 and there's plenty of free parking.

One of the highlights of IML, the Pecs & Personality Contest hits the stage at 8PM tonight. You'll get a chance to find out more about the contestants and hopefully get a chance to see some delicious eye-candy. Check the site for more details about todays events.

The gloves come off tonight at the Parkwest - it's time for this years Grabbys. Doors open at 6PM and the show starts at 7:30 - hope you already got your tickets! There's an after party at Charlies, you can get tickets at the door for $25. Check the site for full details

The Bears are taking over Boystown - there's a bar crawl from 12-5PM. Don't miss the Mr. Bear Pride Contest and Anniversary dance tonight. Check the site for full details. Yeah, its hunting season.

BLOWOFF is taking over the Metro tonight for a Dance Party you will not want to miss. Uber hunky daddys Bob Mould and Richard Morel will spin tunes in this first ever visit to Chicago. The party starts at 11PM! Tickets are only $15

Ricky Sinz will be spinning the vinyl at Jackhammer starting at 11:45

SUNDAY, MAY 24

The International Mr. Leather Contest opens the doors at 5PM at the Hilton Chicago with the contest starting at 6PM. See who the new International Mr. Leather will be! There's lots more going today so check the site for full details.

Who doesn't enjoy a cuddle after sex? The Grabbys are over, the winners have been crowned and now all that's left is the cuddling. Stop by Northend where Angel Benton and pornstar Bobby Clark will razzle dazzle you. Tickets are $8 at the door and benefit TPAN. Check the site for full details

Those wild bears are taking over Steamworks this afternoon for a Wet n' Wild party you won't forget. Later the Nuts To Butts party takes over Visions. Check the site for full details.

Stop by 3160 for this weeks Cabaret Idol Contest. Signup starts at 7PM, show starts at 8PM. Compete for a chance to win $500 and the grandprize of $500 and their own show!

MONDAY, MAY 25

Oh come on, you haven't had enough? Alright then, head on over to Excalibur for the Black & Blue Ball where you can dance your ass off from 8PM-4AM!

Why not relax today, you could go visit the new Modern Wing at the Art Institute, from all reports it's glorious!