BUCKTOWN — It's another big weekend in the neighborhood.
Here are our top picks for fun things to do and see.
Friday
Get Prepared for the CTA Blue Line Damen "L" Station Closure, Buy New Walking Shoes: Come Monday, the nearest "L" stop to the area's main hub will be temporarily closed for 63 days, so you might need to invest in a good pair of boots if you plan to trek home from other stations. Just a few steps from the station, City Soles' One-Day-Only Kick A-- Customer Appreciation Sale will offer special discounts, designer shoe giveaways and cocktails. Extended sale hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, at 2001 W. North Ave.
Saturday
Explore Ukrainian Village's Churches, Museums: Open House Chicago's free festival offers behind-the-scenes access to architectural treasures all across the city. Saturday and Sunday tours in Ukrainian Village include Holy Trinity Cathedral, 1121 N. Leavitt St., St. Nicholas Cathedral, 835 N. Oakley Ave.; Saints Volodymyr & Olha Ukrainian Catholic Church, 739 N. Oakley Blvd; St. Volodymyr Cathedral, 2250 W. Cortez St.; Ukrainian National Museum, 2249 W. Superior St. and Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art, 2320 W. Chicago Ave. Hours vary; visit Open House Chicago for times.
School Yourself on Area Education Options: The 1st Ward School Expo, sponsored by Ald. Joe Moreno (1st), will give parents a chance to meet with representatives from several local schools. The free expo, which includes activities for children, runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday in the Wicker Park Field House, 1425 N. Damen Ave.
Nurture Your Inner Soul with Art, Creative Writing: Rooted, a self-expression center for adults, is hosting a "Fitness for the Soul" workshop as part of Chicago Ideas Week. Using writing and art exercises, Rooted's founder Shruti Sekhri will help folks tap into their souls. Tickets are $15; workshop is 1:30 to 4 p.m. Rooted, 2221 W. North Ave. in Wicker Park.
Sunday
Eat Pie — Lots and Lots of Pie — in Bucktown: More than 125 amateur bakers will show their stuff for the 10th annual Bucktown Apple Pie Contest fundraiser, themed "In Pie We Crust." The event, which includes crafts, games and inflatable pony rides for kids, is expected to draw more than 2,000 people. The money raised will fund park improvements and community initiatives. Hours are 2 to 5 p.m. Holstein Park Field House. 2200 N. Oakley Blvd. in Bucktown.
Build a Scarecrow with Your Child, Shop at Prime Market: Family-friendly Chop Shop will host scarecrow making for kids from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., while 1st Ward Events in the back of the restaurant launches the first of nine weekly Sunday markets. Featured vendors include Edith Hart, Joe’s Barber, Bella Colletta jewelry and more. Prime Market hours are from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., 1st Ward Chop Shop, 2033 W. North Ave. in Wicker Park.
Buy a Pumpkin at the Wicker Park Farmers Market: Time is running out to enjoy the outdoor market, which closes for the season next Sunday. Go early for the best picks from vendors offering fruits and vegetables, meats, cheeses, flowers, crepes, pumpkins, gourds and more. The market runs from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday inside the park at 1425 N. Damen Ave.
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