NORTH CENTER — It's the last official weekend of astronomical summer, which means anyone and everyone is hosting some sort of event to put an exclamation point on the end of the season.
We've got your three-day planner here:
Friday
• First things first, take a power nap.
• Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro is turning 10 and festivities kick off at 4 p.m. and don't stop til closing time. With live music from Kilmaley and Mulligan Stew playing in the background, knock back pints of Guinness for just $2 and sample Tullamore Dew cocktails for free. Coat your stomach with dishes from the restaurant's new fall menu, including bacon-wrapped stout meatloaf, roasted salmon and curried lentils, and peanut butter pie. 3905 N. Lincoln Ave.
Saturday
• Morning: Pick up some late summer/early fall fruits and vegetables at area farmers markets. North Center's is held 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., 4100 N. Damen Ave. Horner Park's runs 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., 2741 W. Montrose Ave.
• Afternoon: Take a step back in time with a guided walking tour of the Villa, a historic landmark district that put the "hidden" and "gem" in "hidden gem." An oasis within Irving Park, the Villa is one of Chicago's first planned developments. The tour will highlight the neighborhood's homes, gardens and history. Meet at 2 p.m. at the northeast corner of Addison and Pulaski; the walk lasts approximately two hours. Cost is $10, payable on the day of the tour. Reservations are recommended; save your spot by emailing tours@thevillachicago.com
• Evening: The Independence Park Beer Fest is pretty much self explanatory. No arts and crafts, kiddie games or sunglass vendors, just breweries, and maybe a food truck or two. Forty bucks will gain you admission, a tasting glass, access to hopped up beverages from nearly 30 craft brewers and all you can drink in four hours. 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., 21 and over only, 3945 N. Springfield Ave. Click here to purchase tickets in advance online.
Sunday
• Lincoln Square is going to the cats and dogs during PAWS annual Angels With Tails adoption event. Nearly two dozen businesses along Lincoln Avenue, between Lawrence and Leland, will host various shelters and rescue groups. More than 70 puppies, dogs, kittens and cats will be available for adoption. Noon to 4 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday
• Thinking of raising some chickens? Know what you're getting into first. The annual Windy City Coop Tour is a great opportunity to check out coops across the city to see how it's done. The tour is free, no registration required. Click here for a site map and more info — some back yards are open Saturday, some Sunday and some both.
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