NEAR WEST SIDE — From a fest dedicated to all-things Bloody Mary to family-friendly fright nights, here are our top picks of things to do and see in the West Loop, Pilsen and Near West Side this weekend.
Bloody Mary Fest in West Loop — Restaurants including Balena, Eleven City Diner and City Winery will square off to compete for the "Best Bloody Mary" trophy and title at Bloody Mary Fest. Tickets, $50 for general public and $25 for Neighbors of West Loop members, include 3-ounce samples of 14 Bloody Mary competition participants, four 3-ounce samples of specialty cocktails and beers, two full-size drink tickets and passed brunch bites. A portion of the ticket sales benefits Neighbors of West Loop. $50 tickets for sale online, $25 for Neighbors of West Loop members. 21 and older. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, Chicago Journeyman Plumbers Union Hall, 1340 W. Washington Blvd., West Loop.
Haunted House in Sheridan Park — Appropriate for kids 8 and up, the Sheridan Park haunted house promises to be a ghostly good time. $2 admission. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, Sheridan Park, 910 S. Aberdeen, Little Italy.
Pumpkin Patch at Skinner Park — Pick your favorite gourd from a field of pumpkins of all shapes and sizes at Skinner Park this weekend. The family-friendly fun also includes Halloween-themed carnival games, a petting zoo, inflatables, a costume contest and music. Free. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Skinner Park, 1331 W. Monroe St., West Loop.
Family Fright Night in Pilsen — The Rauner Family YMCA welcomes Pilsen families to the center for a night of spooky arts and crafts, creative costumes, family games and healthy snacks. Free. 6-8 p.m. Friday, Rauner Family YMCA, 2700 S. Western Ave., Pilsen.
Open House Chicago — See some of the Near West Side's most unique buildings like never before courtesy of the Chicago Architecture Foundation's annual Open House Chicago this weekend. Near West Side sites open for visitors this weekend include Big Monster Toys, Ignite Glass Studios and WeWork Fulton Market. Free. Various times, Saturday and Sunday, Near West Side.
Green City Market West Loop — The West Loop's outdoor farmers market brings fresh produce to the neighborhood and artisan treats every Saturday through the summer. Free. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, 211 S. Peoria St., West Loop.
Pilsen Community Market — Pilsen's weekly outdoor farmers market features homemade tamales, fresh produce and so much more. Free. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, 1800 S. Halsted St., Pilsen.
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