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Weekend Warrior 5/7/09

Five things to do in Chicago, from the obvious to the absurd.
Thursday May 07, 2009.     By Centerstage Chicago Staff
Centerstage Chicago Nightlife City Guide Arts

National Public Gardens Day
All day Friday at the Chicago Botanic Garden
Now that we're finally on the path to warmer days (keep those fingers crossed), what better way to celebrate spring than with gardens, flowers and all things in bloom? The Chicago Botanic Garden will celebrate its spring bounty (including tulips, magnolias, wild flowers and cherry trees) at this year's National Public Gardens Day. Take a tranquil walk through the gardens, smell the flowers and breathe in the fresh air. There will be a hands-on workshop for those seeking advice on summer bulbs, as well as a "Tropical Paradise Garden" class.

Sci-Fi Spectacular
Noon Saturday at the Music Box Theatre; $20 in advance, $24 day of
Twelve straight hours of films like The Incredible Shrinking Man, Planet of the Apes, Aliens and The Brother from Another Planet will surely keep any sci-fi enthusiast on the edge of his seat. Combine that with vintage 35mm movie trailers, prizes, free energy drinks, dealer tables and a special guest appearance by Gary Lockwood (from 2001: A Space Odyssey), and you've got yourself one heck of a day (and night).

Terry Jones in Come and see the violence inherent in the system.
Meet the Maker: Monty Python and the Holy Grail
6 p.m. and 9 p.m. Saturday at Lakeshore Theater; $39.50
Thou shalt not pass the Lakeshore Theater this weekend without taking a seat for this monumental event (for Python fans, at least). Troupe member and co-director Terry Jones will be on hand for two screenings of his classic comedy film. Afterward, he'll be discussing the movie and meeting with audience members. If you haven't watched in a while, brush up with these key quotes.

Scott Free's ALT Q Festival
7 p.m. Saturday at Old Town School of Folk Music; $20
An annual celebration of music and performances from LGBT artists, this festival spotlights musical acts including Jeff Heiskell of the Judybats, Tret Fure, Edie Carey, Sweet Hello, Gregg Shapiro, and Stella and the Heat Birds. A portion of the proceeds will go towards the Gay Liberation Network, an LGBT direct action group.
See all weekend music shows, including Rodriguez, The Kills and Masta Ace.

Mother's Day Brunch
10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Sunday at May Street Market; $45 per person; reservations required, call (312) 421-5547 or e-mail food@maystreetmarket.com
Executive chef and Owner Alexander Cheswick will prepare a unique three-course brunch to celebrate Mom's special day. Options range from sangria salad to slow-roasted beef tenderloin to strawberry shortcake with vanilla poached rhubarb and balsamic ice cream. The little ones will have a chance to choose from a $12 prix-fixe menu, featuring fresh fruit plates with yogurt, waffles with sliced bananas, cheddar cheese risotto with barbecue chicken and vanilla cupcakes (or toffee milkshakes) for dessert.
Think Mom would like something different? Check out all Chicago Mother's Day brunches.

 

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Bars & Clubs

Brand-New Bars

Brand-New Bars

Need another reason to drink? We've got a full roster of fresh taverns to try.

Food & Dining

Thanksgiving Dinner in Chicago

Thanksgiving Dinner in Chicago

Can't make it home for the holiday? Chicago restaurants have you covered.


What's Happening Today
  • Hangge Uppe
    $5 house shots, $3 well drinks
  • O'Donovan's
    $6 white trash Mimosas; $6 John Daly cocktail, $4 bottles of Corona or Corona Light
  • Brando's
    $2 domestics; $3.00 imports; $4.00 well mixers; $3.00 Soco lime shots; $5.00 electric black cherry lemonade martini
  • Sushi Pink
    $5 martini or cocktail
  • McGee's
    $5 bomb shots
  • Sluggers
    $3.50 Michelob Ultra, $3.50 drafts of Blue Moon, $5.00 Captain Morgan cocktails