Hideout Block Party
The sound of guitars being tuned can mean just one thing: This eighth annual music/outdoor fest is ready to rock! Catch 25 local, national and international bands (including Marah and Califone) while sipping on $4 pints of Goose Island and Warsteiner. On Sunday, celebrate Bloodshot Records’ 10th anniversary. Also, register to vote if you haven’t already.
5 p.m. Friday; 2 p.m. Saturday; 1 p.m. Sunday. $10 donation benefits Causes/P.L.A.Y., Tuesday’s Child and Literacy Works. Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia Ave. 773-227-4433.
Northcenter Oktoberfest
It’s polka time! This second annual fest offers traditional German beats, polka and cover bands. Glunz Bavarian Haus, Laschet’s Inn and Lutz Cafe are offering up grub and beer. 5-11 p.m. Friday; 3-11 p.m. Saturday; 12-7 p.m. Sunday. $5 donation benefits the Northcenter Chamber of Commerce and The Greening of Ravenswood. Lincoln and Belle Plaine Avenues, 773-868-3010.
St. Alphonsus Oktoberfest
Can bratwurst and salsa really mix? The organizers at this fest seem to think so and have booked world beat group The Bandoleros to perform along with more traditional “oom-pah” bands. Expect the usual Oktoberfest food, beer and wine. 6-11 p.m. Friday; 12-11 p.m. Saturday. $5; $10 after 8 p.m. Proceeds benefit St. Alphonsus’ ministries and maintenance. St. Alphonsus Church, 1429 W. Wellington Ave. 773-525-0709.
A Tribute To Ray Charles
Toast the soul man himself at The Old Town School of Folk Music. Faculty, staff, students, friends and fans will pay tribute to the legend a day after what would have been his 74th birthday. 7:30 p.m. Friday. $8-$10. 4544 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-728-6000.
Colonel Claypool’s Bucket Of Bernie Brains
Primus’ Les Claypool has pulled together a group of equally wacky yet talented musicians, including Buckethead, Bernie Worrell and Brain, for a new traveling freak show of sorts. Fans of all will definitely be entertained. 7 p.m. Saturday. $25. Riviera Theatre, 4746 N. Racine Ave. 773-275-6800.
Naperville Wine Festival
Wine lovers, get ready. Sip 120 vinos from around the world and nibble on food from local chefs including Michael Foley and Jimmy Bannos. Did we mention the bubbly? And just in case you need a history fix, there will be re-creations of life in the 1800s. 1-9 p.m. Saturday; 1-7 p.m. Sunday. $10-$20; $5 for kids ages 13-20. Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville, 847-382-1480.
Printers Row Speakeasy Tour
Party like it’s 1929! Break out those flapper outfits and do the Charleston through the South Loop. Local food spots will dish up eats and drinks while jazz bands keep you hopping. 12-10:30 p.m. Saturday; $5-$20. Proceeds benefit neighborhood programs. Purchase tickets at Blackie’s (755 S. Clark St.), the Chicago Community Bank (47 W. Polk St.) and the Near South Planning Board (1727 S. Indiana Ave., GO2A). Printers Row, 700 S. Clark St. 312-987-1980.
Pigskin Shuffle
The dropping temps and changing leaves can mean just one thing: It’s game time. Catch football while enjoying tons of drink specials ($2 Bud and Bud Light bottles, $3 you-call-it well drinks and drafts, and $5 bloody marys and mimosas) at Belly’s. Hungry? Gorge on an all-you-can-eat buffet of burgers, hot dogs, quesadillas and more for $10. 12-7 p.m. Sunday. Free. 3210 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-525-3632.
Psychic Fair And Boo-Tique
Not sure what Fifi’s feeling? Think Sam the cat’s a little blue? You need professional help! Bring a photo of your dog or cat and consult with pet clairvoyants and communicators. Shop for Halloween toys, treats and decorations. Just be sure to leave your pet at home. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. Free admission. Proceeds from sales benefit Harmony House. Harmony House, 3809 N. Kedzie Ave. 773-463-6667.
