LINCOLN SQUARE — Oktoberfest is taking over Lincoln Square this weekend, but if beer, brats and more beer isn't your style, there's still plenty of fun to be had in and around the neighborhood.
We rounded up a few options:
• Catch free outdoor movie screenings at area parks (bring blankets, plural) Friday night at dusk, approximately 8 p.m. Choose between the French-language Oscar-nominated animated film "A Cat In Paris" at Winnemac Park, 5100 N. Leavitt St., or catch "Field of Dreams" at Revere Park, 2509 W. Irving Park Road. There will also be a ribbon cutting at 6:30 p.m. at Revere Park for a rehabbed ball diamond, courtesy of a Cubs Charities Diamond Grant.
• Roscoe Village offers up a competing fest with the debut of the Chicago Bourbon & Barbecue Fest. More than 20 bourbons will be available for ticketed tastings, held twice daily during the event. Local favorites Cuba 312 and Luella's Southern Kitchen are among the food vendors. Hours are noon to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 2000 W. Roscoe St.
• Saturday morning cartoons hit the big screen at the Davis Theater. Bring the kids for brunch at Carbon Arc restaurant, which has a direct connection to the theater, serving food and drinks between the two venues. The free show starts at 10:15 a.m. and winds up by noon. "Rocky and Bullwinkle and Friends" is this week's featured attraction; check the calendar for the schedule of upcoming Saturday cartoons.
• Celebrate the tomato at Saturday's Tomato Fest, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Kilbourn Park, 3501 N. Kilbourn Ave. The free event, held in conjunction with Slow Food USA, includes demos on food preservation and seed saving, a homemade salsa contest, kids activities, and tours of the park's garden and greenhouse.
• Weekend farmers markets are still going strong in North Center, Horner Park and Independence Park.
• ICYMI: Half Acre is holding the grand opening of its Balmoral Tap Room & Garden Saturday.
• Montrose Metra Community Gardens is hosting a block party, complete with food trucks, live music and a magic show. Tour the gardens, learn about composting and check out the beehive in action. All are welcome to this free event, noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Berteau and Ravenswood (northwest side).
• Got things that need fixing? Bring them to the 47th Ward's monthly Repair Cafe, 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sulzer Library's small meeting room, 4455 N. Lincoln Ave. A seamstress, jewelry repair person and all-around handy folks will be on hand to provide free services.
• The Cabin at Old Irving is debuting its new sandwich menu at The Picnic Basket, 4014 N. Pulaski Road. Swing by Friday, Saturday or Sunday for the chance to nab a swag bag and a free Eli's Cheesecake.
