August 6th - 9th

Market Days is past and Labor Day looms in front of us, is it true that summer is already coming to an end? Summer, we never knew you this y ear, you hardly showed us what you were made of! There's plenty of fun events going on in the city this weekend, so get on out there and have some fun.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 6

OUT at the Ballgame is in just a few short weeks and the competition has been heating up to see who will get the opportunity to sing the National Anthem to kick off that great day. Tonight you can catch the finals at Roscoe's starting at 7PM.

Grab your running shoes, or just grab your camera, and check out the 'Elvis is Alive 5K' stepping off in Grant Park with an "All Elvis starting corral" and a show after the run. Starts at 6:45PM, check the site for full details.

Debbie Reynolds will be playing at the Drury Lane Oakbrook Theater today through Sunday as she kicks off the 2009/10 Season. Most of the shows are early in the day and if you like you can even go earlier and have a bite to eat before. But make sure you check out this amazing performer!

FESTIVAL LINEUP

F/S/S - Ginza Holiday Festival

F/S/S - Lollapalooza

F/S/S - Taylor Street Festa Italiana

S/S - Lincoln Park Arts & Music Festival

S/S - Wrigleyville Summerfest

SAT - The Peoples Music School Street Festival

FRIDAY, AUGUST 7

Flesh Hungry Dog Show takes the stage at Jackhammer for their monthly installation. This month you'll get to enjoy 8 Inch Betsy, Super Happy Fun Time Burlesque and the Cathy Santonies (pictured). Show starts at 9PM, tix are $10/$8

Check out 'Why We Come Here' a new play being presented at Mary's Attic on Thursdays and Fridayds through August 21. Get an insiders view of those private conversations going on in very public bars as two women 'try to understand what's lacking in the romantic world around them.' Tickets are $15 at the door and include one free drink.

It's First Friday's at the Museum of Contemporary Art. You can take in the current exhibit featuring the work of Olafur Eliasson. If your not up for First Fridays, don't forget that admission to the Art Institute is free after 5PM.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 8

A few weeks ago a friend and I went to Northwestern to take in the show 'Girls vs. Boys' while we were waiting we walked around the campus and enjoyed the amazing sculptures and park like atmosphere of this busy campus. Now you can get a guided tour of the Block Museums summer exhibition 'Place And Presence' and the Outdoor Sculpture Garden. Tour steps off at 2PM. Check the site for full details.

It is most definitely a week for female show stoppers isn't it? Patti Lupone will take the stage at the Pavilion this evening and rejoin the CSO in what will most definitely be an amazing show. If you haven't been to Ravinia it's an amazing time, you can get there quickly by Metra and Lawn Tickets are only $10. Concert starts at 7:30 but you should get there early for the most enjoyment.

Grab your camera and head north to take in a free tour of the Rosehill Cemetery this morning at 10AM. This 350 acre 150 year old cemetery holds a lot of Chicago history including several Chicago Mayors, Governors and Vice Presidents as well as the original Mayer - Oscar Mayer - admission is free, just meet at the Ravenswood Gate.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 9

Stop by the Chicago History Museum for their 'Project Sunday' documentary film presentation. This month they are showing 'Lincoln: Man or Myth' as part of the Lincoln Bicentennial celebration. The film is free with paid admission to the museum.

If you're a Chicago native, then you most likely have some wonderful memories of going to Kiddieland with your family. As you're probably aware, this is the last season for Kiddieland as it will close at the end of this season and be dismantled. The Center on Halsted is organizing at "Rainbow Families Day at Kiddieland" today from 11AM-10PM. Grab your kids, or just if you're a kid at heart, and a red t-shirt (for easy identification) and head on over to Kiddieland for a Rainbow Day!

Head on over to The Spot in uptown for Diva Brunch before their first season ends! This week features Jeanne T Arrigo, House of Winehouse and of course Scooty & JoJo. Cost is $35 per person includes delicious brunch and all you can drink mimosas, two seatings at 11AM and 1PM. If you just want to come enjoy the show you can get tix for $15.

UPCOMING

WEDNESDAY - 12 - Andersonville Dinner Crawl

WEDNESDAY - 12 - Hell's Fairies Meet-n-Greet