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Weekend Events Round-Up

By Marcus Gilmer in Arts & Entertainment on Mar 27, 2008 6:38PM

There's plenty going on this weekend in Chicago, like UFO symposiums, science fairs, and no shortage of places to eat. But if none of those things float your boat, maybe one of these events will.

Smelt Lovers of Chicago, Unite!
We can't say we've ever been big fans of the little guys, but there are definitely smelt enthusiasts out there. Shaw's Crab House will be leading a road trip this Saturday, March 29th, up to Port Washington, Wisconsin for the 58th Annual American Legion Smelt Fry. Cost is $75 but includes free drinks (Bloody Mary's, Mimosas, Goose Island brews), a boxed lunch, and other great stuff. More information, including registration details, can be found at their website.
Shaw's Smelt Fest Road Trip, Saturday March 29, 9 a.m. - 9 p.m., $75, Reservations required and can be made by calling 312-527-2722 (Chicago) or 847-517-2722 (Schaumburg)

Your Mother's A Glass Blower
Chicago Hot Glass is celebrating it's 7th Anniversary this Saturday and, by the looks of things, they're doing it in style. The party will feature: "glass blowing demonstrations, beverages donated by Pabst Blue Ribbon, a spitted pig roast and vegetarian options, a live blues band, and other entertainment." PBR? Pig roast? Other entertainment? Count us in! Helping CHG out will be their new neighbors, The Central Park Arts Collective, with a iron pouring from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m.
Chicago Hot Glass Anniversary Party, Saturday, March 29 5 p.m. - Midnight, $15, 1250 N. Central Park Ave.

Things to Do In The Dark: Eating And Drinking
Earlier this week, we told you about this Saturday's Earth Hour. If you're stumped as to something to do during that hour when all is dark, consider eating or drinking as part of Weather Mark Tavern's Earth Hour specials. You can purchase the three-course meal Dining Event Package for $60 or simplify things by drinking your dinner as part of the $15 all-you-can-drink Open Call Bar Earth Hour special, featuring an appearance by the Miller High Life Girls.
Weather Mark Tavern Earth Hour Specials, Saturday March 29, 8 p.m. - 9 p.m., 1503 S. Michigan Ave, Call (312) 588-0230 to make reservations

2008_03_poster.jpgStuff For Your Walls

Did that Picasso you purchased on eBay turn out to be a fake? Well, maybe a vintage poster will fill that empty wall space just as well. The International Vintage Poster Fair stops in Chicago this weekend, featuring more than 10,000 vintage prints on sale by more than 25 dealers from countries like Belgium, France, Switzerland, and the good ol' US of A, including Chicago Center for the Print. The event kicks off with the Opening Night reception on Friday, benefiting the Evening Associates of the Art Institute of Chicago, and then continues on Saturday and Sunday.
The International Vintage Poster Fair, Friday March 28 - Sunday March 30, $45 for Friday's Opening Night Reception (5 p.m. - 9 p.m.), $15 for Saturday (10 a.m. - 7 p.m.) and Sunday (11 a.m. - 6 p.m.), Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph St., Call (312) 443-3710 for tickets, reservations, and more info

Image of "Chicago TWA" by David Klein (1965) from the Chicago Center for the Print website