Spy Ball 2005
OK, all spy wannabes, it’s time to get decked out in your geek gadgets and party at this annual bash. DJ Just Joel spins while performers from the Actors Gymnasium do acrobatics. Eat food and guzzle drinks while watching spy movie clips and an interactive surveillance camera demonstration. We won’t ask why you need surveillance cameras. 8 p.m.-midnight Saturday. $50-$75. Proceeds benefit the Cultural Center. Tix: spyball.org. Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph St. 312-744-6630.
INXS Rock Star Auditions
Already party like a rock star? Have you got at least three pairs of leather pants? Got a thing for pirate shirts? If you’ve answered yes to any or all of those questions, then you’d better be practicing your best INXS tunes for the band’s casting call Sunday. That’s right–they’re back and looking to replace the late Michael Hutchence. Men and women ages 21 and older are welcome to perform three songs. Find out more at www.INXSrockstar.com. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. Free. Schubas, 3159 N. Southport Ave.
10th Annual Strictly Sail Chicago
“Your boat is, like, so cool.” Have you dreamt of a hot chick saying that? Then you better buy a boat. Head to this extravaganza, where more than 250 exhibitors display the newest sailboats. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. $5-$15. Tix: www.sailamerica.com. Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave. 312-595-7437.
Chic Farmers Market
Need cheese and jewelry? You’re in luck! Do some one-stop shopping at this market, where 30 premier local growers and vendors sell artisanal cheeses, vegetables, jewelry, handmade soaps and more. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday. CHIC Cafe, 361 W. Chestnut St. 773-779-5055.
February Exhibitions, A Group Show
Who hates Valentine’s Day? Oh, come on, you know you do. The expensive flowers, the chocolates–oh, who are we kidding, we’re so dateless. If you’re like us, head to this show that features works by Tamara Petrov, Betsy Timmer and more. Also, browse voodoo dolls–because sometimes even Cupid needs a little help. Noon-6 p.m. Friday, Sunday; noon-4 p.m. Saturday. Free. ARC, 734 N. Milwaukee Ave. 312-733-2787.
Heaven On Seven 25th Anniversary and Mardi Gras Extravaganza
It’s Mardi Gras, which means you’re probably drunk. And in New Orleans. But if you are in town, head to this bash. This monthlong celebration of all things Cajun features face painting, beads and food! We’re talking grilled andouille sausage, bayou cakes and more. Live music by Chainsaw DuPont (6-11 p.m. Friday) and Professor John & His Band (6 p.m.-1 a.m. Tuesday). Through Feb. 28. Check metromix.com for locations.
Third Annual Swedish Meet Ball
Yeah, yeah, everyone loves the Swedes these days. Hello, The Hives? So hot. Find out how many Swedish fish are swimming around town at this singles party. You’ll get cocktails, appetizers, folk dancing and tunes. 8-11:30 p.m. Friday. $10-$15. Swedish American Museum Center, 5211 N. Clark St. 773-728-8111.
Alejandro Escovedo
Love folky blues? Oh, you know you do. Then hit this concert for two nights of rocking (quietly). 7:30 p.m. Saturday; 7:30 p.m. Sunday. $26-$28. Old Town School of Folk Music, 4544 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-728-6000.
Winter Grooves 2K5
We love helping charity, especially if it means free drinks for us. Head to Joy-Blue for this all-you-can-drink bash. DJs spin hip-hop, rap and pop and a portion of proceeds benefits UNICEF. 9 p.m.-midnight Saturday. $25. 3998 N. Southport Ave. 773-477-3330.
‘Fantasy and Football’ Super Bowl Party
What’s better than watching the big game, munching on appetizers and drinking yummy cocktails? Try a halftime lingerie fashion show featuring designs by La Perla. So ladies, if you’re stuck with your sporty beau, you can at least pick out a few things to buy while he screams at the TV screen. 4 p.m. Sunday. $20. reserve, 858 W. Lake St. 312-455-1111.
RedEye/metromix Super Bowl Party
Catch the big game at Schoolyard Tavern and get free wings at halftime and drink specials–such as $3 domestic bottles, $3.50 Amstel Light pints, $5 Jager bombs and $3 kamikazes–all day. Plus, giveaways include private party packages, gym memberships and more. Score! 4 p.m. No cover. 3258 N. Southport Ave. 773-528-8226. Find more parties on metromix.com.
