December 10 - December 13

Well the snow has finally arrived! But that is no reason to wrap the snuggie around yourself and lay on the couch counting down the days until spring. There's too much going on this weekend, so get out there and have some fun!

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10

Catch MixMedia's First Annual MidCoast Fashion Show 2009 at Lumen - 839 W Fulton Market starting with a VIP/Industry Cocktail party at 9PM. A fashion show at 10:30 will showcase couture from some of Chicago's hottest designers. Tickets are $25/35/50 and can be purchased online. Check the site for full details.

To celebrate Jane Addams' Day Women And Children First Books in Andersonville will host local author Janice Metzger at 7:30 to discuss her new book 'What Would Jane Say?"

The Center on Halsted is hosting 'Speed Dating for Gay Men' starting at 6:45. First speed dating round begins at 7:15pm. Rounds continue until everyone has had a chance to meet, or until 8:45pm, whichever comes first. Tix are $10/$12 and can be purchased in advance. Don't forget your calendar!

BONUS!!! Grab the ugliest Christmas Sweater you can find and head over to Black Rock for a new media community meetup for an Ugly Christmas Sweater Party starting at 7PM. I'll be there with a bunch of friends so stop on by and say hello.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11

The Chicago Gay Men's Chorus will be singing their hearts and lungs out at the Anthenaeum Theater at 8PM tonight and at 3PM and 8PM on Saturday during their Christmas Follies. Billed as a 'The Mormon Tabernacle Choir meets the Rockettes' I'm sure this is a holiday concert not to be missed. Tix are $25/$35 and can be purchased online.

Although snow may soon be covering the ground that doesn't mean that sports aren't on our mind. Stop by NorthEnd from 9-12 tonight and Scarlet on Sunday from 6-10 when the men from Chicago's Rugby Football Team - The Chicago Dragons will guest bartend to raise money for next years season.

Looking forunique holiday presents? Head on over to Galleria 1712 for their Holiday Art Show featuring works from more than 40 different artists in the Bucktown/Wicker Park shopping district starting at 6PM.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12

Head to the Congress Theater for the Chicago Bluegrass and Blues Festival from 11AM-midnight. 25 bands will play throughout the day, banjos, guitars and washboards are just some of the sounds that you'll get a chance to hear. Check the site for the full band line up. Tickets are $35 in advance online.

The Illinois Gay Rodeo Association will host their Royalty Contest at Charlie's Chicago starting at 8PM. Come out and support the contestants as they vie to be crowned Miss IL.G.R.A 2010. The pageant will be hosted by the first Miss. IL.G.R.A. 1994.

Ladies are you into Football? Do you like to play football? Then you should head to the open tryouts forChicago Force - Chicago's only Women's Tackle Football Team. Tryouts are from 9AM-Noon today at the Broadway Armory. Get ready for next year and join the team. Check the site for full details.

BONUS!!! Help support TPAN, stop by the Center on Halsted from 1-3PM to get your 2010 'Cool Down' calendar full of hot men! Creator John Gess will be on hand along with models from the calender to mingle, I'm sure they'll sign your calendar if you're nice to them!

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13

Hell's Fairies Chicago,our very ownLGBT scooter club, will host their final meetup today from 12-3PM as they head to the loop for Christkindlmarket and Millennium Park for ice skating. Don't put your scooter away yet!

The Holiday season is upon us and what better way to get into the spirit of the season than checking out the lights at Lincoln Park Zoo. From 5-8pm check out Zoo Lights as the zoo is lit abalaze with hundreds of thousands of lights and decorations. One of the few remaining free zoos in the world you won't want to miss this amazing display. Check the site for full details.

The Ripettes Burlesque: A Nightmare before XXX-Mas will descend on Mary's Attic at 7:30PM as they take over Christmas for 'one sexy night' they'll jingle your bells and show you how to be naughty in the nicest way possible. Tix are $15 at the door.