NORTH CENTER — With possible aliens lurking in the basement of St. Ben's and stars crashing into Neighborly, forget "The Martian" — the theme this weekend appears to be "space invaders."
St. Ben's Fright Walk, revived in 2014 after a decade-long absence, continues its reign of terror, debuting an all new extraterrestrial concept this year. The haunted house runs 7-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 7:30-10 p.m. Sunday, and 7-10 p.m. Oct. 29-30. A less scary, lights-on alternative will run 3-6 p.m. Oct. 30.
Tickets are $8, available for in advance online or at the door, 2215 W. Irving Park Road.
Over at Neighborly, local artist Jen Farrell, owner of Starshaped Press, will take over the storefront from 2-4 p.m. Saturday. At least she was invited — the event is the latest installment of the shop's "House Guest" series.
Farrell's collection of letterpress prints, cards, posters, invitations — basically anything involving paper and ink — are designed and printed by hand using some of the oldest techniques and equipment around.
Enjoy free food and beverages, shop Starshaped's prints, chat up Farrell and even make your own letterpress print at 2003 W. Montrose Ave.
More weekend fun:
• Halloween comes early to Roscoe Village, where the neighborhood is hosting its annual parade and party at 2 p.m. Sunday.
Dress in costume, decorate your strollers, wagons or bikes, and join in the fun, stepping off from Roscoe and Oakley. Festivities include trick-or-treating, a DJ, dancing, crafts and activities and food trucks.
• What do Germans and the Irish have in common? Beer. On Friday, the Irish American Heritage Center will transform its Fifth Province pub into a German beer hall for McToberfest.
Enjoy both Irish and German brews on tap, a buffet of foods from both countries, German and Irish musical acts set to perform, and separate contests for wearers of kilts and lederhosen (we'd give special honors to anyone who wears both). Admission is $18 for non-members, $14 for members of the center or DANK Haus, 7 p.m., 4626 N. Knox Ave.
It's last call for a trio of markets:
• The Horner Park farmers market extended its season into October but the final weekend is here. Swing by the market Saturday to pick up pumpkins, vegetables, coffee, fruit, pastries, meat, cheese and more. 9 a.m.-1 p.m., corner of Montrose and California.
• The Ravenswood Community Market pop-up features something for everyone. Shop pumpkins and gourds, arts and crafts, coffee and sweets, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday, 4900 N. Damen Ave., in the parking lot of Ravenswood Covenant Church.
• The Independence Park farmers market is going out with a woof. You can pick up fresh produce and baked goods as usual, but be sure to bring your pooch along for Sunday's dog costume contest. Prizes will be awarded for overall best look, scariest and funniest, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., 3945 N. Springfield Ave.
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