May 6 - May 9

It's May and that means the start of Festival Season in Chicago. Don't miss the Celtic Fest or the Cinco de Mayo Festival to get you in the mood to party and have a great summer. Get out there and have some fun.

THURSDAY, MAY 6

Are you single? Are you a nerd? Looking to meet someone? Well the Chicago Nerds are hosting a Gay Nerd Speed Dating event at Cuna Chicago - 1113 W Belmont. Cost is $25 and includes 2 cocktails and appetizers, the fun starts at 6PM. Who knows you might meet Prince Charming.

Comedian and Queer as Folk actor Hal Sparks will be performing his stand up act all this weekend at Improve Chicago in Schaumburg. Check out the site for a full list of showtimes. Tix are $19 and can be purchased online.

The 2nd Talking Pictures Festival that showcases indpendent films from around the world mixed with brand new films by local filmmakers begins with an Opening Night screening of The Other Bank at the Century Theaters in Evanston. Check the site for a full list of screenings and events that go all weekend

FRIDAY, MAY 7

If you're looking for a night of theater then tonight is your night. David Copperfield opens his three night performance at the Cadillac Palace Theater. Right down the street at the Bank of America Theater Avenue Q is tearing up the stage reminding us that the 'Internet is for porn' through Sunday. Don't forget that Billy Elliot is playing to full houses at the Oriental Theater, don't miss this show.

It's May, do you know what that means? It's FESTIVAL TIME IN CHICAGO! I think we've been waiting for this day since the last day of Market Days last year! To kick start the year head to the Cinco de Mayo Festival hosted by the Little Village Chamber of Commerce. This huge festival runs all weekend long. Check the site for full details.

Jan Schakowsky hosts her 9th Annual Ultimate Women's Power Lunch at the Hyatt Hotel - 151 E Wacker Dr at noon today. This year's speaker is White House Correspondent, Helen Thomas.

SATURDAY, MAY 8

Even more fun for the weekend, head to Millennium Park and take in the weekend long Celtic Fest. Everything from dancing to a Men in Kilts Leg contest, a MOther's Day Limerick Contest and of course there'll be bagpipes. Welcome in Spring and enjoy a bit of Scotland!

Got a sweet tooth? Of course you do! Head to Andersonville and celebrate George's Ice Cream & Sweets Anniversary with treats, ice cream and sweets from 2-6PM. Still looking to extend the fun? The Lincoln Park Lagooners are hosting Game Night, for just $10 meet some fun people and have fun playing games.

Chicago Gay Men's Chorus host The Big Package Auction from 5-8PM at Sidetrack. Tix are $25 and you'll have a chance to bid on some amazing packages (travel, cooking, fitness, fashion and more) all presented by the hunky men of the chorus. There'll be cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and desserts! Don't forget your checkbook and help out CGMC.

SUNDAY, MAY 9

It's Mother's Day and wasn't Joan Crawford the best mother of all? After brunch take Mom to the movies and and spend the day at the Joan-a-Palooza at the Music Box Theater with a special screening of Mommie Dearest. There'll be a Mother/Daughter matching outfit costume so get Mom ready! The pre-show fun starts at 1:30, tix are $12 and can be purcahsed online.

About Face Theater presents E. Patrick Johnson's Sweet Tea at the Viaduct Theater now through May29th. Mr. Johnson brings his book to life through his dynamic storytelling. Check out this amazing Feast of Fun interview with E. Patrick Johnson and don't miss your chance to see this show. Tix are $25 and can be purchased online.

Second City alumni Amy Peele will read from her memoir, Aunt Mary's Guide to Raising Children the Old Fashioned Way at Women & Children First starting at 4:30. Bring your mother along for the discussion, Peele is bringing hers!