Mystery Book Fair @ Newberry

It's time for the Newberry Library's 12th Annual Mystery and More Book Fair. The fair features thousands of used books in the genres of mystery, romance, science fiction, fantasy and true crime. Most paperbacks are priced at $1 or less. The event takes place Friday, March 12 from Noon to 8pm and Saturday, March 13 from 10am to 4pm. call 312-255-3510 for more information.

St. Patrick's Day Parade

It's time for Chicago's favorite 'liquid holiday' as the 49th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade kicks off today at Noon on Columbus Drive, between Balbo and Jackson. However, the festivities really begin at 10:30am at Michigan and Wabash as officials from the St. Patrick's Parade Committee commence with the city's wacky tradition of dyeing the Chicago River green. Check out the official Chicago St. Patrick's Day Parade website for full event details.

Irish-American Idol "Kerryoke"

It all takes place at the Fitzpatrick Chicago Hotel, 166 E. Superior: Singers of various levels of expertise will attempt to best each other in singing "Danny Boy" or some other Irish tune. The winner gets a week's trip for two to Ireland. The preliminary round was on Thursday; another qualifying round and the finals run from 3-8pm today. It's free. Call the hotel at 312/787-6000 for more info.

Fensler Fest II @ Heaven

All Fensler all night! That's right. The Gi Joe PSA's, all of them, will be screening at Heaven Gallery. The fun starts at 8pm. TRS-80 and Graham Smith will be performing afterward. It's $10 to get in.

Women in the Director's Chair

Women in the Director's Chair, which brings the work of women filmmakers to Chicago, is hosting a special showing of the Oscar-nominated film "Thirteen" and a discussion with director Catherine Hardwicke. The screening begins at 5 pm, followed by a food-n-drink reception with Hardwicke. Tickets are $25 ($20 for WIDC members, students and seniors), and proceeds benefit WIDC. Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State.

10th Annual Chicago Flower & Garden Show

The 10th Annual Chicago Flower & Garden Show begins today at Navy Pier. Exhibition gardens, gardening tips, hourly demonstrations by gardening experts, etc., etc., etc. In short, all Chicago gardeners should think about attending. The show runs through Sunday, March 21st; see the Website for times and ticket prices.

Melissa Thodos & Dancers

Melissa Thodos and Dancers perform at the Harold Washington Library Auditorium, 400 S. State St. 773-883-1487. March 12-13 at 8 pm, March 14 at 3 pm. $25, $20 for students -- purchase tickets here.

SPEC Chicago: "Bad Habits"

SPEC Chicago presents an evening of readings concerning "Bad Habits" tonight at 7pm at Mojoe's Cafe Lounge, 2256 W. Roscoe.

Readers include:
Emerson Dameron (Kazoo zine)
Kevin Skomsvold ()
Jeb Gleason (The 2nd Hand)
Grant Schreiber (Judas Goat Quarterly)
Michelle Aiello (Indigo zine)
Aaron Cynic (Diatribe zine)
Jeremy Bushnell (Imaginary Year)
Ken Hunt (Blithe House Quarterly)
Nick Jeffrey (Hillbilly Sex zine)