Handmade Market @ The Empty Bottle

Handmade Market is a unique event to connect the makers of beautiful things to people who appreciate the unique and handmade. This free event takes place from noon until 4:30pm at The Empty Bottle (1035 North Western Ave.).

Dyeing of the Chicago River/Downtown St Patrick's Day Parade

This Chicago St. Patrick's Day tradition, this "modern miracle" can be viewed from tthe East side of the bridge at Columbus Drive or upper and lower Wacker Drive between Columbus and Lake Shore Drive. 10:45am. Free.

After you've see the dye wreak an Irish havoc on our river, take in the Downtown St Patrick's Day Parade, which will kick off at noon at Balbo Drive.

Chicago Flower & Garden Show @ Navy Pier

This week-long exhibition, designed to help "aspiring gardeners take it up a notch," includes workshops on container gardening, a marketplace selling garden and green-related products, "garden gourmet" showcasing the culinary talents of both local and national chefs, and a horticulture competition. Hours are 10am-8pm (6pm on Sunday) at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., in Festival Halls A and B. Admission is $14 on weekends, $12 on weekdays. Visit the official website for more information or call Navy Pier at 312-595-5282.

Michel Gondry @ Quimby's canceled

Screenwriter and filmmaker Michel Gondry was supposed to do a book signing at Quimby's this evening, but this event has been canceled. Drat!

Paul F. Tompkins @ Lakeshore Theater

The always impeccably dressed Paul F.Tompkins is one of the funniest and hardest-working men on the comedy scene today. If you don't recognize him as the new host of VH1's appropriately-titled Best Week Ever w/ Paul F. Tompkins, you may remember him as one of the writers and cast members on HBO's gold standard 90's sketch series, Mr. Show, or as a regular contributor to Real Time with Bill Maher, Countdown with Keith Olbermann, Root of All Evil, and a number of other comedic gems. He's also bringing the laughs on Twitter these days. Rescheduled from 11/6/08. Old tickets still valid. Paul will be recording his new CD at this show, so expect the best! 3175 N. Broadway. 8pm & 10:30pm. $20.

Free Makeovers @ Eye Spy Optical

Just like a tween sleepover party, Eye Spy Optical is treating you to free makeovers on Saturday March 14th from noon until 5 pm. Visit their 3350 N Lincoln Avenue location to partake in the in-store giveaways, wine, cheese, and (most importantly) makeovers! Visit their website or call 773-477-2670 for more information.

Monster Movie Triple Feature @ Portage Theater

The Portage Theater plays host to a triple feature of classic monster movies this evening: Attack of the Giant Leeches; The 7th Voyage of Sinbad; and The Mummy (with Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing). The films start at 6:30pm, doors open at 5 (with collectible toys and vintage monster movie ephemera on sale in the lobby), and tickets are just $10. Portage Theater: 4050 N. Milwaukee. (773) 736-4050.

Taxis Pleins, Taxis Vides Release Party @ Golden Age

Head to Golden Age in Pilsen for a book release party for Taxis Pleins, Taxis Vides (Full Cabs, Empty Cabs), published by the French press Je Suis une Bande de Jeunes. Large-scale photographs from the book will be available for purchase.

7-10pm / Golden Age / 1744 W. 18th St.

WildClaw Theatre Zombie Bowling @ Timber Lanes

Support the WildClaw Theatre's upcoming production of The Revenants and get your bowl on at Timber Lanes, 1851 W. Irving Park, tonight from 9pm until close. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door and are available online. Come dressed as a zombie or a victim, or pay an extra $5 with your entry fee to get "zombified" by WildClaw make-up artists.

Godspell @ Good Shepherd Lutheran Church

Trinity Lutheran, Northminster Presbyterian and Immanuel Lutheran Churches present Godspell, by Michael Tebelak and Stephen Schwartz. Tonight's production will be held at 7pm at Good Shepherd Lutheran in Prospect Heights. A free will offering will be taken at each performance to benefit The Night Ministry, an organization providing aid to Chicago's homeless.

Mako Sica @ Permanent Records

Local group Mako Sica will be having an in-house performance along with Prince Rama of Ayodhya at Permanent Records (1914 W. Chicago) at 5pm. The event is free and all-ages. Call (773) 728-1744 for more info.

World Kitchen Learning Series: French Connection

Channel your inner Julia Child at the the "French Connection" cooking class today from 11am-2pm at the Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph Street. This class is offered through the City of Chicago's World Kitchen learning series. Admission is $30 and pre-registration is required.

Chicago Foodways Roundtable: Civilized Dining Philosophies

The Chicago Foodways Roundtable will be learning about the "origins and role of vegetarianism in Indian philosophy, religion and daily life" from culinary historians Colleen Sen and Bruce Kraig today at 10am Kendall College (900 North Branch Street, Chicago). Admission is $2 per person, free to Kendall students and faculty with ID. Join them!