Spotlights shine on Jayhawk fans as they wait with anticipation while the team is introduced during Late Night in the Phog on Friday, Oct. 10, 2014 at Allen Fieldhouse.

In store this weekend: Wookiees, a country crooner and the official kickoff to basketball season. Also, a glimpse into how beer is made at Free State Brewery’s East Lawrence plant.

Stoney LaRue free outdoor show at The Granada

Gates open at 7 p.m. Friday, The Granada Theater, 1020 Massachusetts St.

If free music’s your thing, look no further than The Granada Theater, the site of a free concert Friday night (did I mention it’s free?) with country musician Stoney LaRue.

LaRue’s Lawrence visit comes just a few days before the release of his new album, “Us Time,” on Oct. 16. The Texas native — LaRue counts Woody Guthrie, Bob Childers and the “Red Dirt” country stylings of Texas and Oklahoma as influences — has sold more than 500,000 records over his 15 years in the business, and gets around, apparently playing 200-plus shows a year.

This gig is 18 and up. It’s also outdoors, so you might consider bringing a jacket. Cowboy boots wouldn’t be a bad idea, either.

Late Night in the Phog

6:30 p.m. Friday, Allen Fieldhouse, 1651 Naismith Drive

Celebrate the return of Kansas University basketball (let’s be real, the holidays in Lawrence start with KU basketball’s first game, not Thanksgiving) with the men’s and women’s teams ceremonial tip-off Friday night at Allen Fieldhouse, aka “the Phog.”

Festivities begin at 6:30 p.m. and last until 9:30 p.m., though anyone who’s attended the event knows not to show up at the official start time. Late Night is free, and as always, seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. (If previous years are any indication, a lot of standing around and waiting is to be expected.)

This year, KU students will be allowed to enter Allen Fieldhouse at 4:30 p.m. Doors open to the general public at 5 p.m. For more information, visit www.kuathletics.com.

Free State Brewery ESB Tour

2 p.m. Saturday, Free State Brewery’s East Side Brewery, 1923 Moodie Road

Curious to see what Free State’s got brewing at their east-side satellite? On the second Saturday of every month, the beloved Lawrence brewery opens its doors at 1923 Moodie Road for anyone 21 and up (with a legal ID) to tour the brewery and enjoy some beer samples.

The event is free and open to the public. Just a heads up: Free State suggests entering at the far west end of the building, closest to Burroughs Creek Trail. Cheers!

Star Wars Reads Day

2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Lawrence Creates Makerspace, 512 E. Ninth St.

As part of the international Star Wars Reads Day — an annual event celebrating the joy of reading and all things Star Wars — the Lawrence Public Library has planned a day of lightsabers, Wookiee fandom and games for all ages. Festivities take place at the Makerspace in East Lawrence.

Weirdly enough, Saturday also happens to be National Chess Day, and the library is hosting chess-centric activities from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at its 707 Vermont St. location, including lessons for kids at 9 a.m. and adults at 11 a.m. The two events will overlap in a community chess game (better known as Make the Next Move) of Rebels vs. the Empire in the library atrium.

Check out www.lawrence.lib.ks.us for more information.