Best Ways To Party Like A Movie Star In Chicago

By Sara Lugardo

Awards season is here again with the 2013 Academy Awards coming up on February 24. People have been watching the Academy Awards for years, as the pinnacle of all award ceremonies. Whether you're watching to see who wins or just to see the fashion of the stars, you don't have to be invited to the Oscars to partake in the glitz and glamour. Chicago has some great Oscar-related parties for you to party like a movie star, instead of simply watching from home.

Oscar Experience: Chicago 2013
The Gene Siskel Film Center
164 N. State St.
Chicago, IL 60601
(312) 846-2072
www.siskelfilmcenter.org

Price: $100/General Admission, $200/VIP tickets
Date: Feb. 24 at 6 p.m.

This is the only official Academy-sanctioned Oscar party in Chicago. The event is produced by The Gene Siskel Film Center and the Chicago Sun-Times publication, SPLASH. The dinner is hosted through Pure Kitchen and there will be raffle drawings throughout the night. Guests will view the 85^th Academy Awards on a high-definition telecast. Cocktail attire is required for this event and valet parking is available.

Academy Awards Viewing Fundraiser
Hollywood Palms Cinema
352 S. Route 59
Napervile, IL 60540
(630) 428-5800
www.hollywoodpalmscinema.com

Price: $40
Date: Feb. 24 at 6 p.m.

Guests can watch the Academy Awards on the big screen at the movie theater. The ticket price includes to-your-seat service with your choice of entrée and soda from an Oscar-themed menu. You will receive a complimentary glass of champagne along with some Coppola wine sampling as well. The price also includes a photo in the Smartwater Lounge, a goodie bag that contains a limited edition Variety Gold Heart Pin and inclusion in a silent auction and raffle throughout the night. The proceeds from the tickets sold are being donated to the Children's Charity of Illinois. Glam attire is encouraged for this fun event that is benefitting a charitable cause.

Center on Halsted's 2013 Oscar Party
Park West Theater
322 W. Armitage Ave.
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 661-0957
www.centeronhalsted.org

Price: $50, $75, or $125 ticket available
Date: Feb. 24 at 6 p.m.

There are three different ticket prices available for this event. All three include a buffet dinner and a minimum of two free drink tickets. However, the most expensive tickets include additional VIP servicing in terms of cocktail service, additional drink tickets and seating. This event is held in hopes of raising support for the many charitable programs held through Center on Halsted, with last year's event raising more than $70,000 and hosting over 400 guests. There will be a silent auction and raffle held at this event and guests will also have a chance to win cash prizes if they cast their ballots on who they think will come home with an Oscar. Ballot registrations cost $10 and the person with the most correctly guessed celebrities will split the pot with Center on Halsted.

Windy City Novelties, Inc.
300 Lakeview Parkway
Vernon Hills, IL 60061
(800) 442-9722
www.windycitynovelties.com

Instead of going to an overcrowded event or pricey benefit, host your own Oscar party with your closest friends and family. Windy City Novelties has everything to make your home Oscar viewing party as glamorous or whimsical as you'd like. It offers high-quality Hollywood invitations that can be personalized on the website and shipped along with your order. There are Hollywood paper goods, decorations, scene setters and even movie star stand-up props. Whether you're looking for customizable Hollywood banners or even movie star costumes to make your home Oscar party complete with celebrity guests, make the most out of this year's Academy Awards ceremony with a fun home viewing party for you and your guests.

Sidetrack The Video Bar
3349 N. Halsted St.
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 477-9189
www.sidetrackchicago.com

Price: Free
Date: Feb. 24 at 3 p.m.

Sidetrack was listed as one of the finalists in Logo TV's "Best Gay Bars in the World," making the top six. Being open for 30 years, the establishment has grown, expanded and evolved through the years. There is a unique mix of music, comedy and show tunes to make this bar more than just your regular gay bar in Chicago. Their yearly Oscar party gets kicked off with nostalgic show tunes to get guests in the mood before airing the telecast. While details for this year's Oscar event have yet to be announced, last year's Oscar party involved and extravagant hostess and no cover at the door. Sixteen lucky winners will be chosen to enjoy the luxury box for star-studded treatment, including free goodies and complimentary cocktails served by scandalous Golden Boys.