St. Patty's Day is just around the corner, so prepare yourself now so you don't miss the festivities around Chicago. For this weekend, there are expos, Stars on Ice, and pre-St. Patty's Day events. This weekend is also heavy on music events, as we're leading up to some great summer concerts. And if you are a fan of ABC's "The Bachelor," the official finale viewing party hosted by "The Bachelorette" star Arie Luyendyk will be at the Park West in Chicago on Monday. Here are your Chicago events for this weekend, March 8-10:
Audio Expo North America Chicago
Friday, March 8, 1 p.m.; Saturday, March 9, 10 a.m.; Sunday, March 10, 10 a.m.Doubletree by Hilton O'Hare
5460 N. River Road, Rosemont
$20
There will be over 100 exhibit rooms, an art show, seminars, and showrooms open to those with advance ticket purchases before the expo opens. There will be tables full of audio accessories; showrooms with the latest loudspeakers, turntables, computer audio; and much more.
Stars on Ice: Now and Then Tour
Friday, March 8, 7:30 p.m.Allstate Arena
From $25
Many of the ice skating greats will be taking the floor, including newly signed "Dancing With the Stars" contestant Dorothy Hamill. Kurt Browning, Ekaterina Gordeeva, and many more will be skating, too. Parking is $20 cash if you park at the venue, and no flash photos are allowed.
Nick Offerman Attends Showings of 'Somebody Up There Likes Me'
Friday, March 8, 7:30 p.m., 9:45 p.m.; Saturday, March 9, 7:30 p.m., 9:45 p.m.Music Box Theatre
3733 N. Southport Ave., Chicago
$10
One of the "Parks and Recreation" stars and an Illinois native, Nick Offerman has a new movie coming out called "Somebody Up There Likes Me." He plays Sal, the best friend to the starring role, Max, played by Keith Poulson. The movie is a comedy about Max's life and all the charming details. Nick Offerman will be in person for these four screenings, three of which are not sold out yet. Saturday's 7:30 p.m. time is already sold out.
Friday, March 8, 8 p.m.Bottom Lounge
1375 W. Lake St., Chicago
$22.50
French Montana is one of the hottest rappers right now. After sifting through interest from many major labels, he settled on Sean "Diddy" Combs with Bad Boy Records. He had one of the most anticipated albums in 2012 and has continued to win fans with his style. This show is 17 and up.
Chicago Flower and Garden Show
Saturday, March 9, 10 a.m.; Sunday, March 10, 10 a.m.Navy Pier
600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago
$15-$19 for adults; $5 for children 4-12
If you enjoy gardening, then you will love the Flower and Garden Show. There will be demonstrations on how to plant and some how-to classes for floral arranging. And if you want to get your hands dirty, there will be potting parties, too.
Saturday, March 9, 1 p.m.Emerald Isle
6686 N. Northwest Highway, Edison Park, Chicago
$40
Start the festivities a weekend early with a bar crawl that goes to benefit children and adults with disabilities and autism at New Horizon Center. You will get a T-shirt, drink tickets, and complimentary pizza at Moretti's. There will also be a raffle for Cubs tickets and other great prizes.
P!nk: The Truth About Love Tour
Saturday, March 9, 8 p.m.United Center
1901 W. Madison St., Chicago
Pink's performances have set the bar for all other entertainers. She is always taking risks while performing lyrics that will captivate your soul. For the first time in four years, Pink is touring with an album that shows the many sides of love. Don't miss this Grammy-winning artist as she captivates Chicago. Tickets are sold out at the United Center, but you can find resale tickets at StubHub.
Sunday, March 10, 6:30 p.m.House of Blues Chicago
329 N. Dearborn, Chicago
$23.50 advance purchase; $25 at the door, plus fees
Flyleaf and Drowning Pool are teaming up on Sunday night. Flyleaf, a hard rock band from Texas, often includes religious references in their music and released "New Horizons" in 2012.
Janoa Taylor is a freelance writer with a background in business and finance. She offers a unique local perspective gained from years as a Chicago resident.
