FREE GRUB: Italian fine food joint La Trattoria del Merlo invites you to their Free Festa for the Neighborhood open house tonight. It's a chance to sample their recently launched new menu concept featuring authentic Italian small plates and delicate handmade pastas. You now have dinner plans. 6-8 p.m., 1967 N Halsted St, FREE
GIVE BACK: The Social Stimulus Club hosts its monthly party at Old Town Social tonight. Tonight's party benefits Prevent Blindness America, and your $10 admission snags you a free drink, apps and the opportunity to ogle a ton of pretty people. 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m.., 455 W. North Ave., $10; RSVP here
LATIN FLAVOR: Carnivale restaurant kicks off a new live music showcase series tonight featuring some of Chicago's most renowned Latin bands. Every Wednesday a different band performs while the crowd indulges in the restaurant's popular Latin cuisine. Next week, restaurateur Jerry Kleiner takes a turn behind the bar, but tonight, enjoy the sounds of William Gomez Con Cache. 7:30–11 p.m., 702 W. Fulton St., NO COVER
