Make a very important date with the Madhatter’s Ball this weekend
PICK OF THE WEEK
Mad world
Top off your weekend with a little adventure at the Madhatter’s Ball. Nightclub impresario Billy Dec and actors David Schwimmer and Joey Slotnik host the seventh annual “Alice in Wonderland”-themed gala for Lookingglass Theatre Company. Sip specialty cocktails and nibble appetizers while bidding on silent auction items and grooving to DJ Jem. Splurge for VIP tickets ($225) and get admission to an early cocktail reception (8 p.m.) and a gift bag. 9 p.m. Saturday. $125. The Underground, 56 W. Illinois St. 312-644-7600. Tickets required; purchase online through Saturday: lgjb.org.
PARTY PICKS
Mother of rock
After sating Mom’s appetite with brunch, sink your teeth into Delilah’s Mother’s Day Rock & Roll party. In honor of Mom, DJ Kelsey churns out chick rock at 9 p.m. from The Supremes, the Gore Gore Girls and other girl bands in his music arsenal. Start the night with a 6 p.m. screening of cult film “Count Dracula and his Vampire Brides” (1973). Sunday. No cover. 2771 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-472-2771.
Fast track
Anime cult favorite “Speed Racer” makes the leap from the small screen to the silver screen Friday. The two-hour “Speed Racer” Official Opening Night Party features clips of the new live-action movie, plus cocktails, giveaways and more. Presented by Upscale TV. 10 p.m. No cover. Mannequin Nightclub, 306 N. Halsted St. 312-850-0065. R.S.V.P. required: eventlist@aol.com
BEST OF THE REST
Rock me, Amadeus
Think opera is too fancy, serious and expensive for casual enjoyment? Think again. On Friday, the Jay Pritzker Pavilion opens its season with a live simulcast of “Don Giovanni.” Mozart’s famous opera is screened on a Jumbotron as the show unfolds next door in the Harris Theater. The renowned Scottish bass-baritone Iain Paterson makes his American debut in the title role. Rain or shine. 7:30 p.m. Free. Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph St. 312-704-8420.
Kiss off
Pucker up, punk fans, for the Midwest premiere of “Lipstick Traces,” an adaptation of Griel Marcus’ 1989 book “Lipstick Traces: A Secret History of the Twentieth Century.” The show explores the historical mind-set behind punk music, from the genre’s 16th Century roots to the reign of the Sex Pistols. Presented by Pavement Group. 7:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Through June 1. $15. AV-aerie, 2000 W. Fulton St. 773-278-9083.
Comic campaign
The road to the November election is so long it’s almost funny. Comics at the Second City Training Center work the humorous angle with their new sketch show “I Know What You Did Last Election.” The show’s lighthearted blend of hip-hop beats, improv and political conspiracy theories brings much-needed respite from pesky pastors, verbal blunders and more. 10:30 p.m. Saturday. Through June 28. $10-$12. Donny’s Skybox Theatre, 1608 N. Wells St. 312-337-3992.
Such a tease
Things take a sultry turn when the gals behind queer burlesque show Girlie-Q Live! present “Cabaret Erotique.” Dancers Nikki Tease, Miss Bea Haven, Ni’Ja and others sex up your Saturday night with erotic performances and a backdrop of video clips to match. DJs Searchl1te and Shiva spin. 9 p.m. $15. Sonotheque, 1444 W. Chicago Ave. 312-226-7600.
