Renegade Craft Fair
This third annual DIY extravaganza returns with crafty wares from 150 artists. Browse clothing, jewelry, zines, knitting, posters and other items that make your mall finds look like cookie-cutter riffraff. 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Info and vendor roster: renegadecraft.com. Wicker Park, 1425 N. Damen Ave.
Don’t miss: Alfresco shopping!
Lincoln Park Oktoberfest
Think there’s nothing new to discover in been-there-done-that Lincoln Park? Sink your teeth into this fresh Bavarian fest with brats, Warsteiner beer and live music. 5 p.m. Friday; 4 p.m. Saturday. $5. Southport and Clybourn Avenues, 2100 N. Southport Ave. 773-868-3010.
Music highlight: The Polkaholics; see metromix.com for lineup.
Allen’s Oktoberfest
Prefer to sit while you swill? Head to this benefit bash and get two drink tickets and a Bavarian-style dinner, plus live polka, raffle prizes and auction items. 5 p.m. Through Thursday. $50. Allen’s, 217 W. Huron St. 312-587-9600.
Music highlight: Johnny Wagner Band at 7 p.m. nightly.
Musky Fest
Pining for more lazy weekends in the Wisconsin Northwoods? Head to this annual fete featuring live music, raffles, trivia games and the crowning of the Musky Queen by Dick Leinenkugel of Leinenkugel Beer. 11 a.m. Saturday. No cover. Will’s Northwoods Inn, 3030 N. Racine Ave. 773-528-4400.
Music highlight: Cathy Richardson Band; see metromix.com for lineup.
P.J. Clarke’s Oktoberfest
The Streeterville and Gold Coast locations whoop it up with German menu items (think beer-cheese soup and Black Forest cake) and the chance to win trips to Germany. Monday through Oct. 2. Prices vary. P.J. Clarke’s, 1204 N. State St. 312-664-1650; 302 E. Illinois St. 312-670-7500.
Don’t miss: A good excuse for an extra-long lunch break.
More ways to say Oompah
German swilling isn’t restricted to restaurants in trendy ‘hoods. Churches get in on the action this week too. For spirited sipping, check out the Fifth Annual St. Alphonsus Oktoberfest (5 p.m. Friday; noon Saturday. $5-$7. 1429 W. Wellington Ave. 773-525-0709, ext. 305) and St. Michael’s Oktoberfest (1 p.m. Saturday. $10. St. Michael’s Plaza, 500 W. Eugenie St. 312-943-4580). Both feature German fare, beer and tunes; check metromix.com for music lineups.
World Music Festival
The seventh annual beats bazaar is almost over; catch shows now from Portugal’s Ana Moura and India’s Sidi Goma. Times, venues vary. Complete lineup at metromix.com.
Don’t miss: Closing concert One World Under One Roof. 6 p.m. Thursday. Free. Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St. 312-744-6630.
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rkpalmore@tribune.com
