Get Out! Your Weekend Planner

Story Week: Festival of Writers 2011   
Where/When: 2:30 p.m. Thursday, March 17 at Film Row Cinema, 1104 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago.
Why Go: @MayorEmanuel author and Evanston resident, Dan Sinker will discuss his fictional twitter tale about Chicago’s next mayor, Rahm Emanuel, alongside Akashic Books publisher Johnny Temple at Film Row Cinema, 1104 S. Wabash Ave. For a full list of Columbia College’s writers festival click here.
Pricing: Free

Where/When: Saturday, March 19 at the Woman’s Club of Wilmette at 6:30 p.m.
Why Go: This benefit will serve up barbecue from Chicago’s famous restaurant Smoque BBQ along with premium wines. Attendees will have the chance to enter in raffles and auctions while listening to jazz music.
Pricing: $125/person; table for eight $1,000


Where/When: 5 p.m., Sunday, March 20 at Pinstripes in Northbrook.
Why Go: Entertainment will include cabaret-style performances featuring GBN students and members of The Chicago Red Line. Proceeds of each ticket will be used for educational theatre opportunities and special events.
Pricing: $50/person


Where/When: 9:30 p.m. Friday, March 18 at the Wilmette Theater.
Why Go: The Midnight Madness Rocky Horror Picture Show cast of Chicago performs during a screening of the cult classic.
Pricing: $8.50


Where/When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 17 at Hip Circle Studio in Evanston.
Why Go: Dip your toes (and hips) into the basics of belly dance in this 3-week workshop. No previous dance experience is necessary, just a willingness to have fun trying something new!
Pricing: $45


Where/When: 2 p.m. Saturday, March 19 at Binny’s Beverage Depot, 767 W Golf Rd, Des Plaines
Why Go: Sample 50 reds and whites from Duckhorn, Shafer, Justin, Chalk Hill, Silver Oak and other vineyards.
Pricing: $5-$10

Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo
Where/When: 10 a.m. Sunday, March 20 at McCormick Place.
Why Go: You get a chance to interact with panels, exhibits, and can participate in the autograph session to see your favorite creators. Attendees even get to see clips of their favorite shows or movies before they air.
Pricing: $20-$150