Arlington Million @ Arlington Park

Even if you don't bet, it's pretty cool to watch the horses thunder around the track, particularly with a million bucks on the table. The day of racing begins at 10 a.m. at Arlington Park, 2200 W. Euclid Ave. in Arlington Heights. Post time for the Million is 4:44 p.m. If you can't make it out to the track, head for an OTB (No, that's not a song by rappers Naughty By Nature).

Chef Paul LoDuca of Vinci @ Green City Market

Chef Paul LoDuca of Vinci will be giving a cooking demo today at 10:30am at the Green City Market located at Clark and LaSalle.

Recycling Drop-Off @ Northeastern Illinois University

8am to 3pm; rain or shine. Northeastern Illinois University, 3701 W. Bryn Mawr Ave.

Drop-off:
-old or unused prescription and non-prescription medications
-computers, cell phones, fax machines, scanners, keyboards
-hazardous household chemicals and paints
-old gas can and/or gas-powered lawn mower

Pick up your:
-compost bin ($30, payable by check or money order only, available to Chicago residents only, while supplies last)
-rain barrel ($40, payable by check or money order only, available to Chicago residents only, while supplies last)
-free compact fluorescent lightbulb (while supplies last)
-free environmentally-friendly gas can (when you trade in an old one)
-$100 rebate towards an electric or push mower (when you drop-off your old gas-powered mower)

Jimmy John’s Freaky Fast Summer of Fun @ North Ave Beach

Sandwich hawkers Jimmy John’s will be auctioning off packages consisting of sandwiches and other themed prizes today at North Avenue Beach; proceeds will benefit the Greater Chicago Food Depository.

Carribean Festival @ Union Park

Tonight's Carribean Festival at Union Park (at Lake, Randolph and Ashland) promises to be a rollicking good time. Music, food (Yellowman!) and a celebration of health awareness are on the bill. More information is available on their site, but tickets are $5-15, and the event runs noon-10pm on Friday (8/8), Saturday (8/9) and Sunday (8/10).

Ginza Holiday in Old Town

Head to Old Town for the 53rd Annual Ginza Holiday, a Japanese cultural festival which will be presented by the Midwest Buddhist Temple in Old Town today through Sunday (435 West Menomonee). Japanese cultural exhibits and demonstrations, anime, taiko drumming, classical and folk dances, and martial arts are on the bill; the food promises to be awesome as well. Admission is $4 for adults, $3 for students and senior citizens. Children under 12 are free. Hours: Saturday, 11:30 a.m.- 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Aug. 10, 11:30 a.m.- 6 p.m.

Gold Coast/River North Art Fair

Billing itself as the "Granddaddy" of American art festivals, the Gold Coast Art Fair begins its second day today. More than 300 juried artists will be participating in the 51st annual event. Live glassblowing demos, a Dick Blick art tent with interactive projects, and Art Fest Bingo provide lots of activities for the kids. Live music and local food vendors will also be on hand.

10 am - 6 pm along LaSalle, at the intersections of Erie, Huron, and Superior. Free admission. More information at the fair website.

Bicycle Film Festival 2008

The 8th Annual Bicycle Film Festival is in town through Sunday and they've got a heck of a lot planned. Today, films and afterparty!

"The Bicycle Film Festival celebrates the bicycle. We are into all styles of bikes and biking. If you can name it-Tall Bike Jousting, Track Bikes, BMX, Alleycats, Critical Mass, Bike Polo, Cycling to Recumbents- we've probably either ridden or screened it. What better way to celebrate these lifestyles than through art, film, music and performance? We bring together all aspects of bicycling together to advocate its ability to transport us in many ways. Ultimately the Fest is about having a good time."

The complete program runs from the 6th till the 10th for five days of stellar two wheeled fun, movies, a scavenger hunt and a block party.

Check the details here, order pre-tickets and come on out!

MS Slugfest Softball Tournament

The 8th Annual MS Slugfest Softball Tournament to raise funds for Multiple Sclerosis Research will take place at Mt. Greenwood Park (3724 W. 111th Street) from 8AM on Saturday August 9th. To register, or to get more information about forming a team or volunteering, call 1-800-344-4867 or visit the website.

In addition to the action on the field, MS Slugfest features a Home Run Derby, special guests, kids activities, drinks and food from Robinson's No. 1 Ribs. Players and spectators alike are welcome to join the movement against MS by joining in on the fun at MS Slugfest.

Multiple sclerosis interrupts the flow of information from the brain to the body and stops people from moving. Every hour in the United States, someone is newly diagnosed with MS, an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system. The progress, severity and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot yet be predicted, but advances in research and treatment are moving us closer to a world free of MS. Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50, with more than twice as many women as men diagnosed with the disease. MS affects more than 400,000 people in the US (including 20,000 in Illinois).

Tribute: An Art and Music Event @ Manhattans Bar

A one night art and music event where artists, musicians, and patrons pay tribute to famous people that may or may not have had an impact in their lives. Eighteen artists and four musical acts were asked to produce a piece of work that either 1. Was their own piece in a famous artist's style, or 2. Was a famous artist's piece in their own style. The organizers encourage everyone who attends to dress as someone famous. Artists include Joe Markevicius, Shelley Hermes, Corey Lake, Laura Terek, Jose Arceo, Andrea Zamudio, Kim Watt, Jason Shields, Michael Senise, Alisa Duda, David Bozic, Lauri Apple, Rex Flodstrom, Katie Cooper, Jennifer Ho, Clarence Lindsey, Selena Vallejo, and Michelle Emerson. The bands include Melissa Genova, Graham Smith, GUN, and The Hoosier Daggers. Organized by FarragoUnderground, which is dedicated to bringing emerging and established artists to the common public in alternative places (bars, basements, cafes, etc) for one night themed art and music events. 8 p.m. 415 S. Dearborn St. For more info, visit the Website.