HIDDEN AGENDA
Devil in the White City Tour, Chicago Architecture Foundation, 224 S. Michigan Ave., 312-922-3432; architecture.org
Check it out if you … want to explore the darker bits of Chicago history, loved the book the tour is based on or like your architecture tours spiced up with a dash of murder mystery.
The details: At 10:30 a.m. on select Sundays (the tour runs this Sunday, but check the site for other dates) you can take a three-and-a-half-hour tour based on Erik Larson’s “The Devil in the White City.” The nonfiction best seller, set in 1893, weaves together the stories of the World’s Columbian Expedition and the crimes of the first known American mass murderer while he was active in Chicago at the same time.
The trip starts with a slide show depicting photographs taken at the fair and the temporary structures that no longer exist. You then board a bus to travel to sites mentioned in the book, where you can get out and take a look while guides explain how the changing lifestyles of the times shaped the architectural innovations. Booking in advance is recommended. Tickets are $55 or $50 for students.
The payoff: A fresh perspective on the city’s historic spots.
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Weekend
Festival de La Villita
PILSEN
The annual festival celebrating Mexican independence from Spanish rule features rides, live music and more. Also serves as the end location for the 26th Street Parade. 3 p.m. Saturday, noon Sunday. 2600 S. Kostner Ave. 773-868-3010. Free.
* 26th Street Mexican Independence Day Parade
The procession travels west along 26th Street, from Albany Avenue to Kostner Street. Noon Sunday. Free.
Celtic Fest LOOP
The annual salute to Celtic music, dance and traditions features live entertainment, beer and food. 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Grant Park. 312-744-3315. Free.
1. REDEYE/MMX PICK
smARTshow WICKER PARK
The Wicker Park/Bucktown fall arts festival replaces the Around the Coyote Fall Arts Festival (moving to the West Loop in October). See works by more than 75 artists. Noon Saturday and Sunday. 1579 N. Milwaukee Ave. 312-335-3000. $5 suggested donation.
Q101 Block Party
ROSCOE VILLAGE
Headliners include Avenged Sevenfold, Atreyu, Pennywise, Ludo and more. Chicago bands include The Audition. 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. 3355 N. Western Ave. 312-527-8348. Tickets: q101.com/blockparty08. $27.50-$30.
Saturday
2. REDEYE/MMX PICK
Andersonville Music and BBQ Festival
ANDERSONVILLE
Features live tunes, plus food and drinks. Performers include Ezra Furman and The Harpoons. Noon. 5500 N. Ashland Ave. 773-714-1542. $5.
Green Tie Ball
WEST TOWN
Annual benefit has a Carnival theme with food from more than 60 restaurants. 6:30 p.m. Check greentieball.org for ticket availability. Chicago Scenic Studios, 1315 N. North Branch. 312-540-9930. $150-$250.
The Wine Crush
OLD TOWN
Wells Street becomes a European-style market. Other highlights: a grape-stomping competition (2:45 p.m.). 11 a.m. 1400-1600 N. Wells St. 773-868-3010. $5 donation; $20-$30 for wine tasting.
Sunday
3. REDEYE/MMX PICK
South Chicago Mexican Independence Day Parade
SOUTH SIDE
Features mariachi bands, folk dancers, horses, floats and more. The parade heads south on Commercial Avenue from 87th Street to 100th Street. 2 p.m. 773-702-9375. Free.
Chicago Half Marathon
JACKSON PARK
This 13.1-mile race offers live music along the course and prizes for top finishers. 7:30 a.m. Check chicagohalfmarathon.com for registration information. 6401 S. Stony Island Ave. 312-347-0233.
Jalapeno Eating Challenge
PILSEN
Watch top “gustatory athletes” compete for cash prizes. 3 p.m. Plaza Garibaldi, 2600 S. California Ave. 773-561-9500. Free.
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THE GAMER
Who’s playing at home
White Sox vs. Detroit
2:55 p.m. Saturday, 7:05 p.m. Sunday; U.S. Cellular Field
Sky vs. Houston
3 p.m. Sunday, UIC Pavilion
A mashup of RedEye and metromix.com
