July 15 - 18

Well you asked for it...and you got it, the hot weather that is? It's been a scorcher of a summer and there's no sign of a letup, but that doesn't mean you have to sit at home in the AC. There's plenty to do this weekend - you just need to get out there and have some fun!

Thursday, July 15

If you're looking for a reason to dine al fresco, then you need go no further than our very own LGBT community Center on Halsted.  After a successful run last year they've decided to bring back 'Dining on the Rooftop at Center on Halsted. For $25 you'll have an opportunity to dine on the rooftop and enjoy a delicious meal prepared by the youths enrolled in the Culinary Program at the Center.  Reservations are required, multiple dates through the end of the month. Check the site for full details and it's BYOB!

Need to get out on a steamy summer night?  Then there's no place better to go than the 21+ party at Adler After Dark. There will be two Live music sets by Brooklyn-based psych-pop group Sky White Tiger as well as DJ Plastic Crimewave.  The fun starts at 6PM and runs til 10PM. It's your only chance view the night sky using the telescope at the Doane Observatory. Check the site for full details to purchase tickets.

Stardust presents gay rapper Cazwell tonight at Berlin along with Bobby Pins live performance of Morning Light. Drink specials all night starting at 10PM.

Friday, July 16

Who doesn't like looking at Naked Girls Reading?  Well I'm sure there are some of you that don't, but for those of you that do, make sure to check out Independent Women, a celebration of strong women through history.  It's hot and steamy this summer, so why not check out some naked girls reading?

Looking for that special someone to spend the rest of the summer with?  Head to the Center on Halsted for a special 'Speed Dating for men 35+' event starting at 7PM.  Tix are $12 at the door or can be purchased online, cash bar opens at 6:45 and the first "round" of dates starts at 7:15 and runs until everyone has had a chance to chat or 8:45 - whichever comes first.  Bring on your best and meet that special someone.

Its a happening night at the Center on Halsted as they host a Gallery Opening for artist Ed Derwent who will be exhibiting his art on both the 2nd and 3rd floors Galleries at the center through August 16th.  Suggested donation $5, with cash bar.  Get there at 6:30 and then head to the speed dating!

Festivals
THURS - Edison Park Art Walk
F/S/S - Pitchfork Music Festival
SAT ONLY - Lilith Fair
SAT ONLY - Chinatown Summer Fair
S/S - Windy City Ribfest in Uptown
S/S - Edgewater Arts Festival/ Edgewater Third Saturdays
S/S - Sheffield Garden Walk
S/S - Southside Neighborhood Gospel Festival
S/S - Taste of River North
S/S - Evanston Ethnic Arts Festival 
SUN ONLY - Dearborn Garden Walk

Saturday, July 17

First it was taking over straight bars and making them gay - now it's onto the beaches.  The force behind Guerrilla Gay Bar now presents Guerrilla Gay Beach.  Head to North Avenue Beach anytime after noon and make the beach FABULOUS!  Check the Facebook page for all the details.

Jump on your bike and join up with the Windy City Cycling Club for a North Shore Bike ride that'll get your blood pumping for sure.  Meet in Andersonville 8AM then take the North Branch Trail to Highland Park where you can grab a bite to eat before heading back to the city, about 45 miles but you can do it!  Check the site for full details.

Get to Andersonville where Women & Children Books will host this months installment of Sappho's Salon.  Featured are musician Sabrina Chap and Writer Megan Milks and more.  Get there by 7:30, it's a $7-10 sliding scale.

Sunday, July 18

Is your scooter tuned up?  Then join Chicagos Hell's Fairies for their Summer Brunch at Simone's.  Meet in Andersonville at the Coffee Studio and make your way to the brunch and enjoy a great day on the roads.  Check the site for full details.

Pat Benetar will be signing copies of her book 'Between a Heart and a Rock Place' at Borders on Michigan Avenue today starting at 12:30.  Get there early so you can hold your place in line!

If you're one for playing games then head north to Chicagoland Games in Edgewater for the Gay Gaymer Meetup.  Of course I'm talking about board games, card games and more.  Meet a fun group of guys and gals and spend your Sunday playing games.  The fun starts at 5PM!