Northcenter Oktoberfest

The Northcenter neighborhood gets into the Oktoberfest act this Friday and Saturday, in Northcenter Town Square at 4100 N Damen (at Belle Plaine Avenue across from Osco). There will, of course, be beer, but also both traditional German music and "popular bands" (read: Afrodesiacs and Waco Brothers) playing and both German food and barbecue from Laschet's Inn and Smokin' Woody's. In an unusual twist, this is an evening-only event -- 5-11pm Friday and 4-11pm Saturday. $5 admission. More info here, and Metromix has a band schedule.

Madeleine Albright @ Borders

Former secretary of state Madeleine Albright will be at the Borders at 150 N. State St. around 12:30 signing copies of the book, Madam Secretary, which is, of course, about her. Call 312/606-0750 for more info.