Science of a Cocktail Party @ DIRTT

This fundraiser for Illinois Science Council at DIRTT (325 N. Wells Street, Suite 1000) features cocktails and other marvels of science. Event runs 8-11pm; tickets start at $60.

Chicago's Classic Restaurants: Past, Present and Future

Chicago Foodways Roundtable sponsors this morning lecture about the big names in Chicago dining dating from the city's inception to the present--think The Berghoff to Alinea--with authors and historians Neal Samors and Eric Bronsky. Event takes place at Kendall College, 900 North Branch, from 10am-noon. Free parking. Tickets $3. You must RSVP to attend.

BBQ Bowl @ Club Lucky

Gapers Block's first annual BBQ Bowl barbecue competition takes place today from noon to 3pm at Club Lucky, 1824 W. Wabansia Ave. Come sample ribs by seven of the city's top restaurants, and vote on your favorite for "People's Pick." Our special guest judges will also select their "Critic's Choice" award winner. Your $25 admission gets you samples from all the competitors, plus two Southern side dishes, drink specials and a whiskey tasting by local Koval Distillery. Soul band The Congregation also performs.

CPC Presents I Heart Ink -- A Tattoo Exhibit

Attention all photographers, tattoo artists, and lovers of the art form. Tonight, the Chicago Photography Center near the Lakeview Wholefoods is opening their new exhibit, A Photographic Exhibit of Tattoo Art. The exhibit opens from 7 - 9 pm and runs February 4, 2012 - February 24, 2012. The event is free and open to the public. (Which we all heart). After you're done, head on over down the street to Elbow Room for a rock show and ask the patrons if you can see their tattoos.

3301 N. Lincoln          (773) 549-1631      

Valentine Open House @ Harmony House

Harmony House hosts an afternoon of shopping, a bake sale, and a Valentine's raffle to benefit their work with homeless animals. Event runs noon-4pm at Harmony House, 3809 North Kedzie. Free.

Noon Moons art exhibition

The Sun Ra/El Saturn Commissions series presents the opening of "Noon Moons," featuring prints by local artist and lead singer for The Eternals Damon Locks and animated video by The Eternals, writer/performer Terri Kapsalis, and animator Rob Shaw. The event is from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Experimental Sound Studio (5925 N. Ravenswood Ave). Screenings of the animation are at 7:30 and 8:30 p.m. Check here for more info.

Dark Star Orchestra @ The Vic

Grateful Dead cover band (and oh so much more) Dark Star Orchestra plays The Vic tonight. 18+ Tickets are $24 (+ fees). The Vic is located at 3145 N. Sheffield Ave. See our full preview in Transmission.