Industry night
Party like those who wrote the book at the Fourth Annual Promoter’s Ball. The event–by party planners, for party planners (the public’s invited to partake too)–features DJs Nosmo, Johnny Chaos, Abel and others, as well as reality TV good-time gal Trishelle (“Real World: Las Vegas” and “The Surreal Life”). Drop by for an eyeful of bling and a lesson in letting loose from the pros. 9:30 p.m.-4 a.m. Friday. $20. Vision, 632 N. Dearborn St. 312-266-1944.
Freaky Friday
Stop worrying about breaking mirrors and walking under ladders; new hot spot Hard Drive’s hosting a Friday the 13th bash so fun it’ll banish any silly superstitions. Head to the X-Rated Soiree with DJs Kalendr and Squeeze, and giveaways from the X-Rated Vodka girls. There’s a free cocktail reception from 10 to 11 p.m., so show up early–and thirsty. RSVP recommended to RSVP@hypewisechicago.com.
9 p.m.-4 a.m. Friday. Free. Hyatt Regency, 151 E. Wacker Drive. 312-239-4544.
Marching to their own beat
And speaking of eerie goings-on, have you seen the Redmoon crew? Chicago’s own patron saints of peculiar performance art can always be counted on for eccentric activity. The troupe’s current OOMPAHPAH! concert series features a 17-piece ensemble, with seven percussionists, three trombonists and one melodica player (sorry, no partridge in a pear tree available). Get ready to groove to this choreographed exercise in gypsy-funk music. 10 p.m. Fridays through May 27. $10. Remoon Central, 1463 W. Hubbard St. 312-850-8440.
Horse power
Feel like you’ve been racing around all week? Why not take the afternoon off and let somebody else do the running, for once? Arlington Park Racecourse kicks off its season with Friday’s Opening Day. Post time is 3 p.m., which is also when the Miller Lite Party in the Park gets things hopping with live music from the band Voices. $6. Races continue Saturday and Sunday; check metromix.com for more events throughout the season. 220 W. Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights. 847-385-7500.
Fit and fabulous
Need at least one non alcohol-fueled weekend activity to ease your conscience? Check out the 12th Annual Workout in the Park, where you can do good (proceeds benefit several charities) and feel good. Try fitness classes and a climbing wall, or just indulge in mini-massages, manicures and beauty swag. Plus, sign up for a free, one-year subscription to Self magazine. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday. $10-$15; tickets: e2estore.com/self. Lincoln Park, along Stockton Drive south of the zoo.
Roll call
If “rolling” is something you do out of bed, and “riding” is a verb you only use in reference to the CTA, it’s time to get off your duff and get some exercise. This weekend’s Walk & Roll 2005 includes a 5-mile walk, 10-mile in-line skate and a 15-mile bike ride along the lakefront. Proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society. 9 a.m. Sunday. $50 suggested minimum fundraising goal. Columbus and Balbo Drives, 300 E. Balbo Drive. 312-372-0471.
Drinkin’ on Lincoln
Yeah, everybody loves Lincoln Square for its sensational dining. What we’re interested in is the drinking; the good news is, the ‘hood’s got its fair share of that too. For a very beery tour of the vicinity, duck into the Lincoln Square Pub Crawl. The event starts at O’Donovan’s (2100 W. Irving Park Rd) at 3 p.m. before heading to Bransfield’s (4300 N. Lincoln Ave.), Wild Goose (4265 N. Lincoln Ave.), 42 Degrees N. Latitude (4500 N. Lincoln Ave.), The Grafton (4500 N. Lincoln Ave.) and Ricochet’s (4644 N. Lincoln Ave.) Friday. $10. Check metromix.com for more info and times.
Have a boil
Whether you call ’em crawfish, crawdads or crayfish, these crustaceans are revered for their succulent meat, and die-hard fans swear you gotta “suck the head.” Whether you’re a sucker or not, head to McGee’s for the 16th Annual Headsuckers Ball, an all-you-can-eat crawfish boil. Crawfish-phobes can opt for meaty jambalaya, gumbo, or red beans and rice. With music from GumboHead (3 p.m.) and Mini Reubens (8 p.m.). Doors 10 a.m.; food 1 p.m. Saturday. $20; beverages not included. 950 W. Webster Ave. 773-549-8200.
Green with envy
Ladies who spend their careers costumed as witches might not seem like ideal beauty advisers, but have you seen the stars of “Wicked” in real life? Gorgeous! Drop by Sephora for a meet-and-greet with the musical’s Stephanie J. Block (Elphaba) and Kendra Kassebaum (Glinda), who’ll sign autographs from 1 to 2 p.m. And sign up for a free “Wicked”-inspired makeover by Stila cosmetics. Free; purchase of Stila’s “Wicked” beauty kit required for autographs (customers receive a “Wicked” CD). Friday. Appointments recommended. 520 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 129; 312-494-9598.
———-
jwehunt@tribune.com
