TGIF! It is time to celebrate and reward yourself with another relaxing and enjoyable weekend. The countdown from Monday has come to an end and now all you have to worry about is what you are going to do! So, what are you going to do? Have any big plans? I don’t know what I am going to, but I do know that I want to enjoy this weather while it is still here! So let’s round up our friends and make this first weekend in October one that we will never forget!
Friday
Did you know that today is National Taco Day? Because I didn’t! So when I confirmed this via Google, I got very excited! Head over to
one of my favorite restaurants in the city, Taco Joint. Choose any three tacos—including cochinita (pulled pork, pickled red onions), panela (grilled queso panela, black bean salsa, mushrooms, arugula) and more for $5 (3-5 p.m.) Or stop in late night (10 p.m.-midnight) for $2 tacos. Get rewarded for taking a picture of your food today! Post an Instagram photo of your tacos with the hashtag #tacoday and get complimentary chips, salsa and guacamole! Side note: The margaritas are delicious! So go out and celebrate!
Taco Joint 158 W. Ontario St. 312-337-8226; 1969 N. Halsted St. 312-951-2457
Saturday
No sleep till Brooklyn Brewery Beer Brunch! Head on over to West Loop hot spot,Vera for a breakfast of 
champions. Dine on tapas including oysters with sriracha mignonette, tortilla espanola with seasonal vegetables, quail egg and blood sausage; assorted pastries and more, which you can pair with a selection of Brooklyn brews or a Hophead vodka bloody mary with a Brooklyn Lager back.
Vera 1023 W. Lake St. 312-243-9770 11a.m.-2p.m. $25
The Vendy Awards are coming to Chicago! Come out to determine the best street
food vendor in Chicago while raising money for Slow Food Chicago & Asociación de Vendedores Ambulantes (AVA). Walk around and sample dishes as they go head-to-head!
Kendall College 900 N Branch St. 1p.m.-5p.m. $45
Sunday
Cure that Sunday hangover with a dose of Dose! This week’s market features a “Get Lucky” theme with affordable 
luxury offerings and opportunities for singles to get their flirt on via a social media game. Browse the crafts of 20 vendors including Shades of Grey jewelry, Agga B. fashion and LocalFolks Foods, take your photo in the Smilebooth and view video projections from WeTheory.
Chop Shop 2033 W. North Ave. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $5.
What is the cherry on top to this first weekend in October? Books and Beer:
Exploring Chicago’s Beer Culture. Sip on a Brooklyn Brewery brew as Michael Kiser of GoodBeerHunting.com discusses the history of beer culture in Chicago. Ticket price includes one Brooklyn brewery beer. A portion of the proceeds will go toward Slow Food Chicago, which supports of the cultivation of sustainable food.
Archie’s. 2600 W Iowa Ave. Oct 6, 7pm. $10.