July 23 - 26, 2009

THURSDAY, JULY 23

Head on up to Edgewater for their first annual Dinner Crawl. Enjoy historic Bryn Mawr and sample great tasting food from the likes of Francesca's, Bryn Mawr Deli and Flourish Bakery. There's more than just food tonight from 6-9PM, $25/$30

While you're in Edgewater, why not stay up North and check out Big Chicks for an evening full of Southeast Asian flair at Jai Ho - a raucous Bollywood-themed queer party benefiting Trikone Chicago. 9PM, $5 suggested donation.

Why not make it a night on the Northside and head on up to Jackhammer for $1 Domestic Bottles, it's Manhunt Thursdays at @mosphere and it's Thirsty Thursdays at Hamburger Mary's - why not stop by and check out their new space!

FESTIVAL LINEUP
S/S - Randolph Street Market

S/S - Taste of Lincoln Avenue

S/S - Wicker Park Fest

Sat - Venetian Night

SUN - 8th Annual Arts Adventure

SUN - Celebrate Clark Street

FRIDAY, JULY 24

Vital Bridges gala Chefs and the City, will let you 'savor delectable eats from 22 of Chicago's most creative culinary stars. Stroll through the elegant ballroom of The Peninsula Hotel and saunter from one culinary creation to the next raising much needed funds for Vital Bridges' 7PM, tickets are $200/$350, check the site for a full listing of participating Chefs.

Bye Bye Birdie the classic 50's Broadway show has it's premiere this evening at Northwestern as part of their Summer Music Theater Festival. Showtime 8PM, tickets $25/$22/$10. Also you should check out Girls vs. Boys which recently made it's World Debut.

Get an insiders tour of the new exhibit Place and Presence: Photography from the Collection at the Block Museum when senior curator Debora Wood at 6PM. FREE

SATURDAY, JULY 25

If you're counting down the days when Same-Sex Marriages are finally legal in Illinois then make sure you head on over to the Center on Halsted for Over the Rainbow: An LGBT Wedding Affair. Check out services offered by more than 30 LGBT friendly vendors who will help make your special day even more special. There will be entertaiment, $5 suggested donation.

Alexandra Billings, this years Gay Pride Parade Grand Marshall, takes to the stage at the Center on Halsted for a benefit for Bailiwick Theater. 8 PM, Tickets are $25 & $30 VIP.

GRRRRRR, it's time for the Sidetrack Bears Softball Team Summer BBQ & Karaoke from 5-7PM. $20 gets free BBQ, all you can drink, and all the karaoke you can sing for 2 hours. Plus you can then claim that you're an athletic supporter!

SUNDAY, JULY 26

Head north to the Gerber/Hart Library - easily accessible from the Red Line Granville Stop - for their Summer Spectacular Book Sale that started on Friday. Get there early for the best selection. While you're on the Northside why not head to Hollywood Beach or Big Chick's for Michelle's awesome Sunday free buffet.

Got a scooter? Feel like raising some Caine? Then join up with Chicago's very own Hell's Fairies for a Fro-Yo Tour that's scheduled to hit Berry Chill, Starfruit, Yogen Fruz and Red Mango. Check the site for full details, meeting in Andersonville at 1PM

Catch Chicago's Red Stars face off against the Washington Freedom at Toyota Park at 3PM. The Lesbian Community Care Project gives you a chance to enjoy the game and meet players during a post-game benefit for $35. Check the site for full details.

COMING SOON

TUESDAY - Rogers Park Garden Group Meander

TUESDAY - Cat on a Hot Tin Roof