For a few, proud, well-trained Chicagoans, this weekend will be all about carbo-loading, warming up, surviving the Chicago Marathon and then celebrating (beer-drinking is a recommended cool-down). But for those of you who run only when you’re trying to catch a bus or being chased, there's a host of lower-impact diversions to keep you moving this weekend.
ALL WEEKEND
Germany’s Best Oktoberfest
You may not have had to wait for October to start to kick off celebrations of its namesake, beer-soaked festivities, but the lederhosen will leave long before we hit November. Navy Pier’s Germany’s Best and Oktoberfest winds down this weekend with The Johnny Wagner Band and commemorative steins aplenty.
Where: Navy Pier’s South Side
When: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Sunday
Price: Free
Eight Days of Fall Tapas
Germany isn’t the only country with festive fall foods to offer. Put some arroz in your autumn at Mercat a la Planxa, where they’re unveiling their new fall menu with an eight-day celebration of seasonal tapas that kicks off this weekend. Key ingredients include hickory-smoked quail, truffled turnips and plenty of peppers.
Where: 638 S. Michigan, Chicago
When: 5 p.m. - 11 p.m. starting Saturday
Price: Varies
FRIDAY
Bollywood Master Class
If you’ve ever believed that, with the right hip shaking, you could land Shahrukh Khan, then perfect your skills at a Bollywood choreography master class with Sue Gangwani, founder of TaalFusion. Ease in with an introduction to hand and body movements and footwork technique before picking up Gangwani’s energetic Bollywood choreography. Incidentally, the Chicago International Film Festival’s cultural spotlight is on South Asia this year.
Where: Hubbard St. Dance Studio, 1147 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago
When: 2 p.m. Friday, 4 p.m. Saturday
Price: Free
Friends of Transit Print Invitational
While it may not make you love your commute, I Am Logan Square kicks off its month-long exhibition of prints that pay tribute to the public transit that shuttles Chicago to all its favorite places with a reception Friday. Appetizers, beer and wine will be flowing, as will conversations with the artists behind the prints.
Where: I Am Logan Square Gallery, 2644 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago
When: 6 p.m. 8:30 p.m. Friday
Price: Free
SATURDAY
Mutt Strut
Just because you’re not up for the Chicago Marathon’s 26-mile run doesn’t mean Fido couldn’t swing it. Give him a run for his money at Chicago Canine Rescue’s Mutt Strut, a 1.5-mile walk to benefit the organization’s efforts to rescue and re-home dogs. Music, activities, and food--for dogs and people alike--will be waiting at the finish line block party.
Where: Newport Ave. between Southport and Lakewood, Chicago
When: 12 p.m. - 2 p.m. Saturday
Price: $25
Kegs for Kids
If sampling craft beers, foodie-worthy tastings and specially-brewed coffee for pure enjoyment isn’t a sufficiently good cause, the 2nd Annual Kegs for Kids brings in the deserving little beneficiaries at Helen C. Pierce elementary school. Craft and specialty beers and wines from over 50 breweries will be flowing, and so will cash at the event’s silent auction.
Where: Loyola University’s Mundelein Auditorium, 1020 W. Sheridan Ave., Chicago
When: 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. Saturday
Price: $65
SUNDAY
The Trial of the O’Leary Cow
It’s been 140 years since the Great Chicago Fire, and the cow in question still has not been brought to justice. Join the jury yourself at ComedySportz’s “OCTOVARIUS: The Trial of the O’Leary Cow,” where the bovine will face a tough jury for the crimes it stands accused of committing against our fair, flammable city.
Where: 929 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago
When: 7 p.m. Sunday
Price: $10
Kimchi Day
Celebrate everyone’s favorite fermented Korean dish includes at Multilingual Chicago’s Kimchi Day, where you can enjoy cooking demonstrations, kimchee samples and Korean games. The nearly 3,000-year-old seasoned vegetable dish will take center stage at this free showcase. Be sure to bring cash for food samples.
Where: 2934 N. Milwaukee Ave, Suite C.
When: 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Price: Free, RSVP here