All events on February 22 unless otherwise noted.
Academy Awards Viewing Party at Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club
Kit Kat’s annual Oscar party is not one to miss. With half-price martinis, giveaways from St. Germain for the first fifty guests (served by gold-plated models!) and performances by Diva Candi Stratton, it more than earns our vote. Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club, 3700 N. Halsted, (773)525-1111. 5:30pm, No cover. Reservations recommended.
A Dark Night: Academy Awards Viewing Party at Tapas Valencia
All dressed up with no where to go? Tapas Valencia hosts red-carpet attire-encouraged Oscar bash with prizes for best dressed, a silent auction, cocktails, wine and beer. Tapas Valencia, 1530 S. State, (312)842-4444. 5:30pm, $50-$55.
May Street Market’s Pre-Oscar Reception and Fundraiser
Win something of your own (for a good cause, even) at this pre-Oscar reception and fundraiser. Autographed memorabilia, a Belize vacation, dinner for two and more will be silently auctioned. May Street Market, 1132 W. Grand, (312)421-5547. 5pm-8pm, $60-$75.
Meet the Oscars
Put yourself in the stars’ shoes this February. The Academy has sent the actual Oscar statuettes to Chicago, giving us all a chance to hold them and get our picture taken with them a gratis (no actual acting required). And, side bar, we are the only city getting the statuettes this year. The Shops at North Bridge, Michigan and Grand, (312)327-2300. Through February 22, Mon-Sat 10am-7pm, Sun 11am-6pm.
On the Red Carpet
Chicago’s premier LGBT Oscar Bash, this evening includes a living red carpet (complete with paparazzi), cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and a silent auction. The Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted, (773)472-6469. 6pm, $75-$1500 (for a table of 8).
Oscar Night at Garrett Ripley’s
Why watch the Oscars at home when you could watch at Garrett’s? There, if you accurately predict the winners, you win movie tickets (not just groans from your pals). Drink specials sweeten the deal—half-price wine bottles, $7 Oscar martinis, $2.50 domestic bottles and $5 bloody marys and mimosas. Garrett Ripley’s, 712 N. Clark, (312)642-2900. 7pm-2am, No cover.
Oscar Night at Hub 51
Hang with other movie buffs at Hub’s Richard Roeper-hosted Oscar evening. A movie trivia competition gives you the chance to win spa packages, dining gift certificates, White Sox and Bulls tickets, and more. Dinner, cocktails, live Oscar broadcast and a silent auction also included. Hub 51, 51 W. Hubbard, (312)828-0051. 6pm, $125.
Oscar Viewing Party at Stretch Run
A red carpet, 240 TVs and themed drink specials make Stretch Run an obvious Oscar-watching destination. Stretch Run Sporting Club & Grille, 544 N. LaSalle, (312)644-4477. 7pm, No cover.
Prelude to the Oscars
Act as if you are a member of the Academy. In Fine Spirits invites you to sample California wines while vote for your Bests. In Fine Spirits, 5418 N. Clark, (773)506-9463. 7pm-9pm, $40.
A Red Orchid Theatre Oscar Party
Celebrate one of Chicago’s own this Sunday. Michael Shannon, founding and ensemble member of A Red Orchid Theatre, is nominated for Best Supporting Actor in the film “Revolutionary Road” and AROT couldn’t be prouder. Their celebration begins at 3pm with a special performance of “The Unseen” and is followed at 6pm with food, beer, wine and Oscar-watching. A Red Orchid Theatre, 1531 N. Wells, (312)943-8722.
