Pistil Dance Party

PISTIL Magazine invites you to a dance party in celebration of their upcoming issue. DJs Jamie Levinson, Gate Rettig and Mark Renard will spin from 11 pm - 2 am at The Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia Ave. $3 suggested donation.

Forced Entertainment @ MCA

Forced Entertainment, the acclaimed UK performance group, makes its Chicago debut this week at the Museum of Contemporary Art. They are performing a seres of shows including "First Night" on February 5, 6, and 8 at 7:30 pm and "And on the Thousandth Night..." on Saturday, Feb. 7 at 9pm. See the museum website for ticket information.

Coming Out Against Cancer Ball

It's time again for the Lesbian Community Cancer Project's annual Coming Out Against Cancer fundraiser, the most lady-licious event of the winter. After a financially difficult 2003, LCCP hopes to regain lost ground with its 13th dinner/dance/silent auction event, featuring honorary chair Gretchen Helfrich and the DJ skills of Meshell Ndegeocello. The VIP reception begins at 6:30 p.m., and the Ball runs from 8:00 p.m. to midnight, South Shore Cultural Center, 7059 South Shore Drive.

Chocolate Fest @ Garfield Park Conservatory

The Garfield Park Conservatory, home to the only chocolate trees in Chicago that actually produce fruit, is hosting its 5th annual Chocolate Fest this Saturday and Sunday. Free tasting of different chocolates, opening of chocolate pods at 4:00PM, and various activites and displays. Did I mention chocolate? The park is open 11:00AM to 5:00PM, and is also currently home to GIANTS, a display of African dinosaur skeletons. $3 suggested donation. Garfield Park Conservatory: 300 N. Central Park Avenue. (312) 746-5100.

Around The Coyote Winter Festival

Didn't stock up on enough art this fall at the usual Around The Coyote? Another art festival by the same people is being held this weekend, Feb 6 and 7th in the Flat Iron Building at North, Damen, and Wells. In addition to the usual visual art on display, you'll also have a chance to see theater, hear poetry readings, and see some short films. Details and performance schedule at http://www.aroundthecoyote.org/.

Crafty Collective

The craft just keeps on coming. This time, it's the Crafty Collective who are putting together a craft show at 1205 N. Milwaukee Ave (just at the corner of Milwaukee and Division). Doors open today at 11am and close at 6pm. If you're going to be going, be polite and give the organizers an email: rsvp@craftymonkey.com.