Get out this weekend . . .

"First Fridays" at the Museum of Contemporary Art is just one of many parties going on this weekend. (Photo: MCA)


You cannot just let the first weekend of the year come and go without acknowledging it.

Get out and enjoy yourself at:

Beauty Bar. This one is for the chicas, so grab your girls and head to Elm Street Liquors (12 W. Elm St., 312-337-3200) for a pamper party. The event includes a manicure or massage, sushi appetizers by Kamehachi, martinis and chocolate. Thursdays 7-10pm. RSVP recommended at info@elmstreetliquors.com. $35. Attire: Chic.

Plan B. And for the fellas, ellas, ellas: Tonight you get $2 cans of beer, $6 martinis and 30 cent jumbo wings at this Wicker Park neighborhood lounge. Also, DJ Giotek spins the usual hip-hop and rock that you love. 1635 N. Milwaukee Ave., 773-252-2680. Thursdays 9pm-2am. No cover. Attire: Cool.

Warm Up with Some Reds. Get to WineStyles Chicago (1433 W. Belmont Ave., 773-549-2227) tonight and sample some luscious, exotic red wines. They'll be pouring some gems from Spain, Italy and Argentina. 6-8pm. No cover. Attire: Comfy.

Flair. The original First Fridays occurs at the James Hotel (55 E. Ontario St.) with music by deejays Mark Fullaflava and 33 1/3. 9pm-2am. RSVP to RSVPMe@SLDMarketingGroup.net for free admission. $20 without. Attire: Sexy.

Fallen Star First Fridays. Or make plans to attend the Museum of Contemporary Art's (220 E. Chicago Ave., 312-280-2660) monthly after-work soiree. You'll be the first to see the UBS 12 x 12: New Artists/New Work exhibition featuring the work of Paula Henderson. Take in more art with the critically acclaimed Sympathy for the Devil: Art and Rock and Roll Since 1967 before it closes this weekend, and also see the continuing exhibitions Collection Highlights and Mapping the Self. DJ Mnookin spins; comp apps from Wolfgang Puck; free massages from Kiva Spa; sample teas from Argo; and do the after party at Bon V (1100 W. Randolph St.). 6-10pm. $7-$15. Attire: Stand out.

Wine Down. Foodlife (835 N. Michigan Ave., 312-335-3663) in Water Tower also has its first Friday event, with samplings of 20 international wines and appetizers. 6-8pm. $10. Attire: Delightful.

Fashion Rocks. They're calling it an "urban couture" fashion event, so expect the unexpected at this party taking over two ballrooms in the Hard Rock Hotel (230 N Michigan Ave., 312-345-1000). In addition, deejays Tim Buck 2, Sean Mac and Reese spin. Saturday 10pm-3am. Ladies get in free before 11pm; guys get discounted admission by 11. Attire: Fabulous.

The Best of 2007. Luxe bar Lumen (839 W. Fulton Market, 312-733-2222) celebrates its stellar first year with this party hosted by Red Bull and Effen Vodka. Saturday 8pm-3am. RSVP to rsvp@lumen-chicago.com for no cover. Attire: Clever.