Even though it's the dead of winter, Chicagoans are starting to look at their calendars, trying to figure out how to take advantage of all that goes on in the city when the weather warms. As encouragement to fill out your personal planners in advance, here are some important details about certain highlighted events in the coming months.

Fundraisers
Fat Saturday Ball: Nocturne
Saturday, February 21
This biggest annual fundraiser for AIDSCare will be held at Stan Mansion (Logan Square). Guests will enjoy risqué entertainment, music, a live and silent auction, cocktails & dinner.
www.aidscarechicago.com

Chicago Takes Off
Saturday, March 7
This annual burlesque revue-style presentation will feature Miss Coco Peru and a cast of talented dancers strutting their stuff in support of TPAN. Colorful and energetic choreographed performances at the two Park West shows (7:30pm & 10pm) will engage audiences in this celebration of life. www.chicagotakesoff.org

Human First Gala
Saturday, March 21
Benefitting Center on Halsted, this year's gala will be held at the Hyatt Regency and will honor State Representatives Sara Feigenholtz and Greg Harris, Mr. Joseph Loundy, and The Night Ministry. www.centeronhalsted.org

Dining Out For Life (DOFL)
Thursday, April 30
This single largest HIV/AIDS benefit in the country is also the easiest. Benefitting AIDSCare, all that is needed is a gathering of you and your friends at a participating restaurant to eat, drink, and be merry. Pay your bill and the restaurant will then donate a portion of your check to DOFL.
www.aidscarechicago.com

Prides & Gathering of Tribes
International Mr. Leather (IML)
Thursday, May 21 ­ Monday, May 25
This year the Hilton Chicago plays host to IML over Memorial Day weekend. The contest will be held on Sunday at the hotel with the Victory Party (DJ Tony Moran) taking place afterwards at the House of Blues. The Black & Blue Ball at Excalibur is on Monday, May 25.
www.imrl.com

Bear Pride
Friday, May 22 ­ Monday, May 25
The Crowne Plaza Hotel in the West Loop plays host to this annual gathering of bears, cubs, otters, and their admirers from all over the world. www.bearpride.org

Grabby Awards
Saturday, May 23
Expect the gay porn world to descend upon Chicago over Memorial Day weekend for this Erotic Video Awards show that benefits TPAN. www.grabbys.com

Milwaukee PrideFest
Friday, June 12 ­ Sunday, June 14
Our northern neighbors know how to throw one helluva fun Pride festival and this year's promises to be the most ambitious with a top-notch line-up of entertainment. www.pridefest.com

Chicago Pride Fest and Pride Parade
Saturday & Sunday, June 27 & 28
The month of Pride culminates on this last weekend of June with Pride Fest on Saturday and the Pride Parade on Sunday.
www.northalsted.com
www.prideparadechicago.com

Windy City Black Gay Pride
Thursday, July 2 ­ Sunday, July 5
Spawned from the Belmont Rocks pride celebration back in the day, Black Gay Pride in Chicago is now a well organized weekend of social, cultural, and community action events.
www.windycityblackpride.org
www.chiblackpride.com

On The Street With The Masses
Andersonville Midsommarfest
Saturday & Sunday, June 13 & 14
This fast growing annual street fest is expected to draw about 40,000 people for two days of music, dancing, kids' entertainment, and delicious food. Vendors from around the region will also be on hand to sell their wares.
www.andersonville.org

Taste Of Chicago
Friday, June 26 ­ Sunday, July 5
More than 300 menu items from over 70 restaurants will be on hand at this signature Chicago event in Grant Park. And don't forget the impressive 4th of July fireworks display.
www.tasteofchicago.us

Venetian Night
Saturday, July 25
Held along the lakefront between the Shedd Aquarium (Roosevelt Road) and the Chicago Yacht Club (Monroe Street), this event features approximately 35 boats decorated with lights and props sailing in Lake Michigan.
www.venetiannightchicago.us

Northalsted Market Days
Saturday & Sunday, August 1 & 2
This much anticipated event is the largest two-day street fair in the Midwest and features top-name, national headlining live music acts. It's also Chicago's unofficial second Pride celebration of the summer.

51st Annual Air & Water Show
Saturday & Sunsday, August 15 & 16
This is the largest spectator event in the United States and the longest ongoing show of its kind in North America.
www.chicagoairandwatershow.us