July 8 - 11

Summer is in full swing and I hope you're having a great time! The fun of the Fourth is behind us but there's plenty to do this weekend. Festivals galore this weekend will keep you busy and remind you that we're halfway through summer. Get out there and have some fun, winter will be here before we know it!

THURSDAY, JULY 8

Final chance to catch a screening of Coco Before Chanel at the Gene Siskel Film Center at 6PM. If you're in the mood for movies you can also catch Reservoir Dogs at 8PM or stop by the Music Box Theater for original Sweedish version The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and The Girl Who Played with Fire.

Don't forget that tonight the Art Institute is open late and it's free admission after 5PM> Stop in and check out the new wing and all the new additions to the museum.

Chicago Elevated will give you a behind the scenes walking tour of Boystown and fill you in on all it's dirty secrets! For $20 you'll get a 90-minute walk through Boystown that includes a stop for a wine tasting at Kafka's. Meet at Roscoes and check the site for more details.

CLICK THROUGH FOR THE FULL WEEKEND LINE UP INCLUDING CITY FESTIVALS

FRIDAY, JULY 9

Venus Williams will be at the Borders on State street signing her latest book 'Come to Win: Business Leaders, Artists, Doctors and Other Visionaries on How Sports Can Help You Top Your Profession' at 12:30 today. Get there early!

Chicago Film Makers features 'Seen and Heard: Music Video Showcase' in partnership with CIMMfest and The Film Culture tonight in Andersonville. Stop by at 8PM to hear, and see, som great new music from Chicago bands and Chicago labels, along with filmmakers who make inspired visual interpretations of their work. Tix are $8 at the door.

The Gay Liberation Network hosts a live call-in show on CAN-TV, cable channel 21 from 6:30-6:55PM this evening. Get informed with what's going on in our community by tuning in!

BONUS : The Flesh Hungry Dog show makes it's monthly appearance at Jackhammer tonight starting at 9PM. This month enjoy Suzy Brack & The New Jack Lords, Pieptone!, and Cat and Mouse Convention as well as Ms. Bea Haven of Girlie-Q and DJ Sky. Tix are $10 at the door, $8 online.

FESTIVALS

F/S/S Boulevard Bash
F/S - Worlds Largets Block Party at St Pats
S/S - St Andrews Greek Festival
S/S - Chicago Folk & Roots Festival
S/S - West Fest
S/S - Rock Around the Block
S/S - Roscoe Village Burger Fest
S/S - Southport Art Walk
SUN - Free Slurpee at 7-Eleven

SATURDAY, JULY 10

Today, hundreds of riders crew members will participate in the 2010 Ride for AIDS, a 190-mile, two day bike to raise funds for HIV/AIDS Services in the Chicagoland area. Riders have raised a minimum of $1000 (some have even topped $5000), if you're not able to participate you can still donate or even check out the closing ceremonies in Evanston to welcome the riders home. Check the site for more details

Make sure that your bike is tuned up for this years L.A.T.E. Ride! Starting at midnight meet at Buckingham Fountain and start a 25-mile tour of the city. There's even breakfast planned in the morning, check out all the details on the site and if you're out and about be sure to keep an eye on the bikers!

LCCP will host a Night with the Chicago Red Stars tonight at Toyota Park at 6PM when the Chicago Red Stars will take on Tasha Kai and Sky Blue FC from NJ. Proceeds from the night will benefit LCCP. Purchase tickets for $30/$50 online.

SUNDAY, JULY 11

Transistor in Andersonville will host their weekly Live 'Transistor Radio' webcast starting at 6PM. Get a taste of "The Roundtable" and the comedy quiz show "The Silent K" and yeah, it's bring your own Ping Pong!

Have you been to The Block Museum of Art on the campus of Northwestern University lately? Stop by and take in their latest exhibit LAND WITHOUT END and Other Works by Theo Leffman. Running now through August 29.

Women & Children First in Andersonville will host the 'Family of Women Book Group' this afternoon from 3-6PM. This month they will be discussing 'Pushed' by Jennifer Block.

Coming Soon:

ALL WEEK - Andersonville Green Week
MON - Halsted Tastes Better