Get Out: Eddie Money, St. Patrick's Parade, Maple Sugaring Days

This weekend is so Money, so Irish and so sweet.

First, North Central College brings classic rock icon Eddie Money to town. Then the St. Patrick's Day Parade marches through the heart of the city. Finally, there are not one but two places to taste fresh maple syrup from the source. 

Sweet.

Classic rocker Eddie Money, known for hits such as “Take Me Home Tonight” and “Two Tickets to Paradise,” will perform in concert at ’s Pfeiffer Hall. He’s been making music since the mid-1970s but remains familiar today – his songs have been included in hit video games like “Grand Theft Auto” and “Guitar Hero.”

is celebrating Naperville Reads author Jon Sciezka's works by continuing its annual tradition, Reading in the Window. Stop by to see who’s reading in the front window of the store – you might know them! – or volunteer for a half-hour shift yourself.

Everybody in Naperville is at least a little Irish when the West Suburban IrishSt. Patrick’s Day Parade marches through town. Stake your claim along the parade route -- from Naperville North High School, south on Mill Street, east on Jefferson Avenue, south on Main Street, west on Water Street, ending at the Municipal Center. Or watch on Naperville Community Television Channel 17 in Naperville or through simultaneous video streaming at www.nctv17.com.

Are you ready to rock? The School of Rock has opened its newest location – in downtown Naperville. Check out the music school for free during the open house and learn about lessons for guitar, drums, bass guitar and more.

Don’t ditch your old bike – fix it. Learn how by joining the folks at for a demonstration of repair and maintenance techniques cyclists should know.

How do you get maple syrup from maple trees to your table?  will answer that by showing how early settlers tapped maple trees and made maple syrup. Visitors also can try a maple-shaved ice treat while they’re touring the historic buildings at the outdoor museum.

Now is a good time to tap maple trees, and the Morton Arboretum in Lisle has its own program demonstrating how it’s done. Participants can taste fresh sap and the finished maple syrup product.

Speaking of syrup, pancakes are on special every Sunday morning in March at the Morton Arboretum’s Gingko Café. Fill up before you head outside to explore the gardens.