April 29 - May 2

Spring is here and summer won't be far behind. Its hared to believe that just a few short weeks ago we were complaining that it was too cold to go out. It's finally May, the flowers are showing all their color and the dogwood and cherry trees are gorgeous. Of course that means the air is full of pollen so grab a Zyrtec as you're on your way out to have some fun this weekend!

THURSDAY, APRIL 29

Head out to your favorite restaurant and support the 17th Annual Dining Out for Life campagin. More than 60 participating restaurants across the city will dontate a portion of today's receipts to Dining out for Life's beneficiary AIDSCare Progressive Services. Check the site for full list of participating restaurants, everything from breakfast to dinner. You've got to eat - make a choice!

Looking for that special someone? Tired of going to the bars? Stop by the Center on Halsted tonight for a boys night of Speed Dating. You'll get to go on several two-minute dates and meet everyone in the room. Perhaps one of them will be your future Mr. Right! Get there by 6:45 so the fun will start ontime at 7PM. Tix are $10 in advance or $12 at the door. Don't worry girls - you'll get your chance next month!

The Wild Pug will host this weeks edition of Windy City Gay Idol. We're halfway through the process of finding Chicago's best gay singer. The winner tonight wins $100 and a chance to compete in the finale where they could win a huge prize package. $10 to enter, $5 for the audience. Check the site for more details.

FRIDAY, APRIL 30

80's Teen Movie Queen Molly Ringwald will sign copies of her book "Getting the Pretty Back" at Borders in Lincoln Park - 2817 N Clark St - at 7PM. Stop by, say hello and snap a pic!

Stop by the Merchandise Mart to kick off their International Antiques Art Fair that runs through May 3rd. Almost 100 dealers will showcase their antique finds just in time for you to place in your new foyer. Single day tix are $20, multi-day are $25. Purchase tix online.

Chicago native and 80's songstress Jody Watley will perform at the Harold Washington Cultural Center - 4701 S King as part of the GoSity Entertainment's concert series. Doors open at 7, show scheduled to start at 8PM. Tix are $25 and can be purchased online.

SATURDAY, MAY 1

The first jewel in the Triple Crown of Thoroughbreed racing, the Run for the Roses...it's time for the Kentucky Derby. If you can't get to Churchill Downs Racetrack for the main event then head to The Call in Andersonville for the next best thing. Coverage of the event starts at 4PM, so sit back, enjoy a mint julep and enjoy an afternoon hosted by resident Diva - Ashley Morgan. $5 suggested donation to benefit The Night Ministry. Oh yeah, wear your Derby hat - there will be prizes!

We're Halfway to Halloween, do you know who you're going to be yet? Stop by one of the newest bars in the city-Beauty Bar for their Die Tonight party and costume extravaganza. They'll have Glam Makeup Stations available as well as a Photobooth and even Horror Art Props. The fun starts at 9PM and goes all night long! $5 at the door or free if you go in costume!

AIDS Foundation of Chicago will mark 25 years of service tonight at their 25th Anniversary Gala with a black tie bash at the Hilton Chicago - 720 S Michigan Ave. The Bangles will entertain, while you'll be able to take part in a Silent Auction, a Raffle and if you get there early you can win at the Punchboard. Check the site for full details and to purchase tickets.

Spring is here, so it's time to get your bike out and ready for the season. Stop by Iron Cycles - 3136 W Montrose from 5-6:30PM for a Bike Tech Workshop so you can learn how to fix your bike yourself. If you're all tuned up and looking to get out there, the Windy City Cycling Club will lead a Northshore Bike Ride from 8AM-1PM today or join up with Dykes Pedaling Bikes at 9AM for a ride downtown and back followed by brunch.

SUNDAY, MAY 2

Spring means Brunch and boy is there brunch going on today. You can get entertained with Diva Brunch at The Spot in Uptown at 11AM and 1PM. Or you can support Chicago House while enjoying a Spring Brunch and Fashion Show at the Harold Washington Library at 11:30. Or make some new connections with a Networking Brunch hosted by dot429 at Luminaire and support the Reeling Film Festival at 11AM. Check all the sites for the full details and to purchase tickets.

Women & Children Books in Andersonville will host the Family of Women Book Group from 3-6PM today discussing the book Miriam's Kitche: A Memoir by Elizabeth Ehrlich. FREE, just stop on by.

If you enjoy the Cartoon Network's Adult Swim program 'Aqua Teen Hunger Force' then you won't want to miss this "live" comedy stand-up act with show creators Dave Wills and Dana Snyder at Park West. It mixes tv clips, music, character impressions and even audience participation games. Tix are $34.75 and can be purcahsed online.

COMING SOON

TUES-SUN : Stomp!