February 18 - 21

When oh when will Spring get here, oh yeah in about a month! Even though the ground is covered in snow and we haven't seen temps above freezing in an eon - that's no reason to stay at home. Get out there and have some fun!

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18

Lambda Legal will host the 9th Annual Freedom to Marry Reception at the National Museum of Mexican Art from 6-9PM. Celebrate and advocate for the right to marriage equality at this always uplifting event. Admission is free, but RSVP is requested.

You'll be "Star-Crossed" at tonights Adler After Dark, a 21+ event. Head to the penisula and hear DJ Sean Alvarez spin the tunes, watch "Star-Crossed Lovers" in the Universe Theater and get take some shots in the Photo Booth. Tix are $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Check the site for full details

FACEBOOK FIND: Links Hall willhost a benefit for Haiti tonight from 7:30-10PM featuring Haitian music, dancing, Moroccan music, treats, mingling, food, drinks and a silent auction. Tickets are $15 online and benefit Partners in Health. Check the site for the full list of participants.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19

Head to more than 160 restaurants for the 3rd Annual Chicago Restaurant Week running through the 28th. You can grab a $22 prix fixe 3 course lunch or 3 course dinner for $32 a person. Check the site to see full list of participating resaurants and head out into your neigborhood or explore someplace completely new.

Get over to the Mystic Celt at 9:30 for the Chicago League of Lady Arm Wrestlers. Sideshow Theater is holding a benefit for Rock for Kids. Get dressed up in your best wrestlling costume and head down for an open bar, arm wrestling, shady referees and your chance to participate in the fun. $25 includes open bar or $5 and cash bar.

Chicago Filmmakers will screen 9 films by Adele Friedman that span a period of 27 years. Films include Northport, Robert's Place, Tree Studios and others. The screening starts at 8PM tix are $8 at the door.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20

There is a Winter Farmers Market in Rogers Park today from 9AM to 1PM at the United Church of Rogers Park - 1545 W Morse Ave. Head north and find some local produce, meats, cheese, honey, dried fruits and more. Get back to nature, meet a farmer!

It's the year of the Tiger. Head to the northside and jump off the Red Line at Argyle and catch the Lunar New Year Parade at 11:30AM. Floats, two lion dance teams, martial ars demonstrations and a marching band will have you cheering in the New Year. Don't miss the fireworks!

Chicago-based rap artist Kid Sister will be at Spin hosted by The Dinah and Fish Tank! Tix are $10 at the door, $5 cocktail specials and the Doll House Fridays Girls - Nicole and Ashley. The fun starts at 9, Kid Sister is scheduled for midnight. Giveaways at the door for the first 100.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 21

Head down to the UIC Pavilion and watch the ladies of the Windy City Rollers go round and round the track. Manic Attackers will take on Double Crossers and Helle's Belles will fend off The Fury. The gates open at 5, the first event starts at 6. Tix are $20-35 online.

Singer-songwriter, Patti Smith will be at Harold Washington Libruary - 400 S State Street, at 2PM to talk about and sign her new book, Just Kids, a memoir of her time in New York with Robert Mapplethorpe. No reservations, seating is limited, the venue opens at 1:30.

Join Chicago Curve: An Event for Women tonight at Calo's in Andersonville for a private party that includes Italian food, drinks and live music by Jesse Yoakum. Tix are $40 and reservations are suggested. Check the site for full details.