Carnaval 2005
We heart Brazil. What’s not to love? The gorgeous women, the food–OK the wax is a bit painful, but we’ll get over it. And Carnaval? The best thing to come out of the country since Gisele. The bash at Congress Theater features a fashion show, samba dancers, body painters, a pinata exhibition and a mini-demolition derby with motorized cars. Live music by Brazilian guitarist Paulinho Garcia, the Mother Booty Drum Group and DJ Julio Bishop. 9:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Saturday. $20-$45. Proceeds benefit the Midwest premiere of Brett C. Leonard’s play “Guinea Pig Solo.” 2135 N. Milwaukee Ave. 312-226-9633.
Fireball 2005
We’re about to get serious here. Seriously. With all the great charities and causes out there, it’s hard to pick which ones to donate to. That’s why charity balls totally rock–you can help people and party hearty. This annual HIV/AIDS benefit features weekend dance parties with DJs Manny Lehman, Rosabel, Warren Gluck and Paulo at the House of Blues (329 N. Dearborn St.), Excalibur (632 N. Dearborn St.) and other clubs throughout the city. 10:30 p.m.-4 a.m. Friday; 10 p.m.-6 a.m. Saturday; 4 p.m.-4 a.m. Sunday. $45-$225. Tickets: thefireball.com. Proceeds benefit several HIV/AIDS service organizations; Check metromix.com for all locations.
Los Kumbia Kings
Fans of Tejano music are thrilled by the success this act. Led by A.B. Quintanilla III (a.k.a. slain singer Selena’s brother), the band is getting noticed for its bilingual songs and the ever so catchy cumbia tune. Akwid opens. 7 p.m. Friday. $47.50. Aragon Ballroom, 1106 W. Lawrence Ave. 312-559-1212.
34th Annual Benefit Auction
Where on earth can we find hand-painted chairs and other home furnishings that are made locally? Ahh, a benefit auction of course. Bid on furniture by local artists and designers while munching on appetizers, drinking at a cash bar and entering a chance to win a Sony home theater system. 6 p.m.-midnight, Saturday. $40-$50. Tickets: beverlyartcenter.org. Proceeds benefit the Beverly Arts Center. Beverly Arts Center of Chicago, 2407 W. 111th St. 773-445-3838.
Diamond & Ice Ball
Ahh, the good life. Caviar, diamonds, wine, models–what more is there? Pretend you’re chilling with Robin Leach at this party, and nibble on appetizers and a buffet while professional models display diamonds from local jewelers. Also features a Max Mara spring fashion show, caviar tastings, desserts, wine, beer and the chance to win a two-year lease on a 2005 Mini Cooper convertible. Live music by Nitrous Foxide and DJ Ray. 7-11 p.m. Saturday. $40-$50. Marshall Field’s, 111 N. State St. 312-642-5097.
2005 Chicago Auto Show
Can we please get Gary Numan out of our heads? At least we’re inspired to hit the nation’s largest auto exhibition, featuring the latest models (of cars, that is, though we’re sure there’ll be some hot ladies doing their best Vanna White impersonation). 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Sunday. $5-$10. McCormick Place, 2301 S. Lake Shore Drive. 630-495-2282.
OK Go
We love when local bands start to make it big, especially when the music rocks like with OK Go. And, well, the boys are cute. Catch them on their 2005 tour two different nights, with This Is Me Smiling opening Saturday and Chin Up Chin Up opening Sunday. 9:30 p.m. Saturday. $12. Open End Gallery/Ideotech, 2000 W. Fulton St. 312-738-2140. 9 p.m. Sunday. $12. Empty Bottle, 1035 N. Western Ave. 773-276-3600.
Polish Chicago
Want to get in touch with your Polish roots? Or are you just intrigued by the culture? Jan Lorys, executive director of the Polish Museum of America, leads a coach tour along Milwaukee Avenue, between Chicago and Belmont Avenues. Immigration, history and architecture are just a few of the topics at hand. 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Saturday. $45-$50. Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph St. 312-742-1190.
