CHICAGO NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS: Bucktown and Wicker Park, Lincoln Park, Lakeview, River North, Edgewater, Oak Park

Bucktown and Wicker Park: It’s never too early to get excited for a festival! The highly anticipated Wicker Park Fest is back this year from noon to 10 pm on July 29 and 30. This huge street party features local bands, a kids festival, food and retail vendors, and more. The fest is spread out between North Avenue and Paulina Street on North Milwaukee Avenue. Hours for the Kids Fest are 12 pm to 6 pm each day. There is a suggested entry fee of $10. All proceeds benefit the Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber of Commerce, the organizer and producer of the event. For more information, check out the fest’s website and Facebook page.

Lincoln Park: Pop’s Italian Beef & Sausage is coming to the North Side! With more than a dozen outposts in the southern suburbs, Pop’s is finally making a move into Old Town. The essential Italian beef joint will replace My Fit Foods at 157 W. North Ave. Opening is projected for mid-August. Pop’s will have its share of competition, joining the same market as Al’s, Portillo’s, Mr. Beef, Johnny’s, and Jay’s. Do you like your Italian beef wet, dipped, or dry? Order it however you like at Pop’s this summer!

Lakeview: Do you need a little theatre in your life? Check out Chicago’s fourth annual Physical Theatre Festival. The Festival runs from June 2 to June 10 at Stage 773. This amazing festival features nine full days of performances from around the world and master classes with guest artists. There is also Scratch Night, featuring new short works from performers around the Chicago area. Tickets are $50 and show times are daily at 10 am. Find more information on the venue and buy your tickets here.

River North: Do you find yourself craving dumplings at odd hours of the night? Well, you’re in luck! Imperial Lamian is debuting a new “wok-up” window in River North. Window hours are 10 pm to midnight Thursdays through Sundays, perfect for those late night munchies. The restaurant will dish up 6 different menu items for just $3 a piece. I am particularly intrigued by the Pumpkin Puffs with roast duck and butternut squash; as well as the Fried Wontons with shrimp, cilantro, carrots, and sweet chili sauce. Get your dumpling on at 6 W. Hubbard St.!

Edgewater: Chicago has a rich manufacturing history. Uptown resident Andrew Clayman has turned his fascination into a museum! He began by collecting Chicago-made items and cataloging them into an online database called the “Made in Chicago Museum”. His 2-year project now has a temporary home at the Edgewater Historical Society (5358 N Ashland). On display are tools, toys, candy, foods, and more made in Chicago between 1900 and 1970. Visiting hours are 1 to 4 pm on weekends. Learn more about this fascinating project on his website!

Oak Park: Did you know that Oak Park is home to the world’s largest collection of buildings designed by Frank Lloyd Wright? Well, now you do! And even better, you can take a guided bicycle tour! You’ll see 21 Wright-designed structures, including Wright’s Home and Studio, the Heurtley House, the Frank Thomas House and more. The tour runs on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, June through August. Tickets are $40 for members and $45 for non-members. You can bring your own bike or one will be provided for you. It is recommended that you purchase tickets in advance, which you can do here. Tickets are not refundable or exchangeable, so choose your date carefully! The tour begins at 9:30 am and includes a maximum of 10 participants.

RACHEL HOOVLER & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO