Shake, rattle and Whirly
On the agenda: WhirlyBall Chicago, 1880 W. Fullerton Ave., 773-486-7777; whirlyball.com
Check it out if you … are looking for an active night out, want to relive the fun of your 10th birthday without actually dealing with 10-year-olds, have some friends you’re really ready to slam with a bumper car.
The details: A massive sports bar, WhirlyBall offers three courts for its namesake game, which involves driving bumper cars while trying to scoop up balls using a hand-held instrument and then chucking the balls into goals. Courts often are booked weeks in advance, but walk-ins willing to be patient can still try to get into the action, which costs $12 per person for 30 minutes of play (must have a group of four). While you’re waiting, work up a sweat firing on your buddies in a two-level laser tag arena. WhirlyBall is 21 and over after 5 p.m., and there’s a full bar with a huge selection of liquor and beer along with a menu of bar food and plenty of tables and couches for chilling. Air hockey, pool and video games provide even more ways to show off your skills.
The payoff: Enjoying a safe, hilarious night of blowing off steam.
Saturday
‘From Beer to Eternity’
lincoln square
Learn how to prepare sauteed spice-rubbed pork tenderloin with beer glaze; chocolate stout cake; and cheddar, bacon and beer soup with beer-thyme biscuits. 7 p.m. Reservations required. The Chopping Block, 4747 N. Lincoln Ave.
773-472-6700.
‘Real World’ casting call
Lincoln Park
Think you’ve got what it takes to be on MTV’s longest-running show? Bring a picture and audition for the 23rd season if you’re between the ages of 18 and 24. 10 a.m. Goose Island Brewpub, 1800 N. Clybourn Ave. 312-915-0071.
The Anti-Cruelty Society’s birthday
River North
Bring your adopted dog or cat for a social mixer. Includes benefit readings from animal intuitive Denise Zak ($10 per question) and a youth art display. 1 p.m. The Anti-Cruelty Society, 510 N. La Salle St.
312-644-8338.
Nicklebee Idol
Charity Event
North Center
Watch a live band karaoke contest. Audience votes decide the winner. Includes two cocktails. 7 p.m. The Globe Pub, 1934 W. Irving Park Rd.
773-398-0842. $25.
Sunday
Northwest Side Irish parade
norwood/edison Park
The parade route is Raven Street east to Neola Avenue, west to Northwest Highway and north to Harlem Avenue. 11 a.m. Sunday. Onahan School, 6634 W. Raven St.
773-848-8421.
Urban Groovefest
Dance Workshop
West loop
Take up to six classes in hip-hop, footwork, breaking and old school dance from local instructors and guest choreographers Elm Pizzaro from Irvine, Calif., and Steve Bolton from Montreal. 10:15 a.m. Lou Conte Dance Studio, 1147 W. Jackson Blvd.
312-850-9766. $16 per class; $35 for three classes; $50 all-day pass.
Weekend
Irish Film Festival
Beverly
Features screenings of more than 25 full-length films, shorts and documentaries made by Irish and Irish-American filmmakers. Through March 11. Tickets: chicago irishfilmfestival.net. Beverly Arts Center of Chicago, 2407 W. 111th St. 773-445-3838. $10 per screening; $50-$65 for all-fest pass; $25-$30 for opening and closing night receptions.
Chicago International Movies & Music Festival
Loop
See more than a dozen music-focused films as part of the inaugural festival, taking place at a handful of venues across the city. Schedule: cimmfest.org. Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St. 312-924-1880.
The Gamer
Who’s playing at home
Wolves vs. Peoria
5 p.m. Sunday,Allstate Arena
Blackhawks vs. Colorado
2 p.m. Sunday, United Center
