LINCOLN PARK — Break out the neon-green running shoes this weekend for the Leprechaun Leap.
While others will be preparing to parade or laying in a nice big Irish breakfast for a day of serious drinking, the Leprechaun Leap, formerly known as the St. Paddy's Day Run/Walk, steps off at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at Fullerton Avenue and Cannon Drive, with two courses of 5K and 8K.
Nonetheless, runners are encouraged to observe the traditional "wearing of the green" to mark St. Patrick's Day festivities in Chicago.
Those who've already registered can pick up their packets from noon-7 p.m. Friday at 1435 N. Kingsbury St. Those still interested can pay $45 for the 5K, $55 for the 8K, either at the packet pickup Friday or at the start of the race on Saturday morning.
There's a post-race awards party set for Select Cut Steakhouse, 2808 N. Halsted St., where a corned beef and cabbage special will cost $17.95.
Speaking of laying in that nice, big Irish breakfast, Corcoran's Grill & Pub in Old Town opens at 8 a.m. Saturday at 1615 N. Wells St. to give people a start on preparing for the parade Downtown. There's a free breakfast buffet until 11 a.m., with $3 green beers and $3 Bloody Marys. There will be Irish music, dancing and bagpipes. "We are looking forward to our 18th St. Patrick’s season in historic Old Town," said owner Kevin Vaughn. "We are Irish-owned and -operated and provide the ultimate experience for all. Everybody is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day!"
Sunday, meanwhile, is movie day in the area. Bill Ayers, the educator and '60s activist, plays host to a screening of the movie version of George Orwell's "1984" at 1 p.m. Sunday at Facets Multimedia, 1517 W. Fullerton. It kicks off Facets' new Teach-In series, and Ayers will talk about how "1984" resonates today under President Trump. Admission is free, with a $10 suggested donation.
The Chicago Architecture Foundation's monthly film series at Arclight Cinemas Chicago, 1500 N. Clybourn Ave., resumes at 2 p.m. Sunday with a screening of Fritz Lang's silent masterpiece "Metropolis." The dystopian story takes place in an imagined futuristic city drawing on Art Deco and other architectural styles. Wayne Johnson moderates a question-and-answer session with Carol Ehlers, the foundation's photography and architecture curator, who's an expert in 20th-century architecture. Tickets are $14.50, $10.50 for children, $11.75 for seniors over 60.
Finally, going back to the beginning of the weekend, the classic Chicago band Lil' Ed and the Blues Imperials plays B.L.U.E.S., 2519 N. Halsted St., at 9:30 p.m. Friday. Cover charge is $10. Leave the green for later in the weekend and wear your fez instead. Hey, it ain't all Irish music in the city this weekend.
