bike the drive, 2011

photo by: CGAphotoWhat: Bike the Drive
When: Sunday, May 29
Where: Lake Shore Drive, Chicago

One day of every year since 2002, Lake Shore Drive is closed to motor vehicle traffic and open only to cyclists for 30 miles—15 north of downtown, and 15 south—from 5:30 to 9:45am.

Take advantage of the situation and get prepped—and don’t forget registration is required to bike the scenic and historic route.

Bonus? Proceeds from the ride help the Active Transportation Alliance to continue improving bike lanes, walking paths and transit in the region. So besides enjoying the festival in Grant Park, it’s for a good cause.

earth hour, 2011

Earth Hour’s ‘60’ logo created by a flashmob in Kazakhstan
photo by: greenkissblog

What: Earth Hour
When: 8:30-9:30 pm, Saturday, March 26
Where: Around the World

As a reminder to conserve energy and resources, individuals and businesses turn off or turn down as much lighting and electricity as is safe for sixty minutes—in each time zone around the world. ‘Together our actions add up’ and the results can be as dramatic as the singular voice of a chorus.

St. James Cathedral in Toronto, Canada
photo by: ltdan

mardi gras, 2011

Happy Fat Tuesday to all.
Eat, drink and be very merry!

only in south beach: winter party festival

photo by: Vincent & Bella Productions

What began in 1994 as a one-time charity dance, Winter Party Festival has become a week-long event of events benefiting the LGBT community nationally and locally—and it starts today in South Beach.

All this week, March 2-7th, besides DJ dance parties on the beach, DJ dance parties poolside, and DJ dance parties at the hottest spots in town—don’t miss the film retrospective, comedy festival, art exhibit and walking tour of South Beach starting at the Art Deco Welcome Center. Go here for all the details.

Besides having a memorable week, one-third of the proceeds support the efforts of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force to take action, build power and create change for LGBT individuals; and the balance benefits local nonprofit organizations. Since 2005, the Task Force has donated almost one million dollars to the GLBT Community Projects Fund of the Miami Foundation (formerly Dade Community Foundation).

Thanks to tameeka, store manager south beach, for this submission.

doodleganza reminder: chicago

What: Doodleganza
When: First Tuesdays thru April, 6-8 pm
Where: MCA, Chicago

Plan ahead—every month a local artists presides over this whimsical event.
January 4: Little Black Pearl
February 1: Jacob Goudreault
March 1: Paul Nudd
April 5: Simon Anderson