Events
Of course, there is the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, a must-see Chicago event if you’ve never gone before. This year, it will start at noon on Saturday and runs through Grant Park on Columbus Drive between Balbo and Monroe Streets.

For a less traditional St. Patrick’s Day celebration, participate in the St. Paddy’s 5k Run/Walk and Leprechaun Leap on Sunday. With proceeds benefiting the Lake View Citizens’ Council, entry is $30 and includes a post-party at Trinity Bar & Grill.

For something off the beaten path of the usual St. Patrick’s Day weekend, see one of your favorite “brat-pack” movies come to life on the stage. pH Productions in Lakeview turns The Breakfast Club into a Broadway style musical this weekend; tickets are $10-$15.

Restaurants
You can catch dinner and some live entertainment at Dee’s Place, even though it hasn’t had its grand opening just yet. The comfort food joint will serve Southern classics like fried chicken, fried catfish and barbecue dishes, with sides such like mac and cheese and greens. You’ll also find jazz, blues and poetry performances to fit the 1940s Harlem decor and vibe in the new East Village eatery.

The 20th Francesca’s location in Chicago opened in February in the Seneca Hotel, a perfect location for owners of downtown Chicago condos. Francesca’s on Chesnut will seat 150 patrons and will serve up its lauded Northern Italian and Tuscan fare.

Movies
Last weekend saw the premier of Tim Burton’s latest remake: Alice in Wonderland. If you missed its trippy special effects and star-studded cast, check it out this weekend!

Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland combines a classic story with cutting edge visual effects.

Richard Gere, Ethan Hawke and Wesley Snipes get gritty in the New York police action-drama Brooklyn’s Finest. Watch police officers in Brooklyn deal with ethical conflict as they navigate their lives and jobs in NYC.

For fans of rock and roll, check for a special screening of The White Stripes’ new documentary, Under Great White Northern Lights. Follow the band as they play concert halls both large and small on their first tour in Canada.