CHICAGO NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS: Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Bucktown and Wicker Park, Lincoln Square, Andersonville, Evanston

Lincoln Park: Are you feeling nostalgic? Check out the 80s/90s pop-up store in Lincoln Park. Located at 810 W. Armitage Ave., owner John Agnello is slinging 80s/90s clothing at his store called SGMC. His Armitage pop-up opened at the end of August and has been so popular, he’s extended the lease to the end of October. If business continues as well as it has thus far, this pop-up won’t be his last!

Lakeview: There’s not one, but TWO Oktoberfest events happening in Lakeview this month! The first is brought to us by East Lake View Neighbors. Their 19th annual Oktoberfest will be held at Murphy’s Bleachers (3655 N. Sheffield Ave.) this Sunday, October 1, from 3:30 to 7:30 pm. General admission tickets are $30 and include a pig roast, beer, wine, live music, a silent auction, and door prizes. The second is Oktoberfest Chicago: held this Friday September 29 through Sunday October 1. Held at St. Alphonsus Church (1429 W. Wellington Ave.), event hours are 5 to 10 pm Friday, 11 am to 10 pm Saturday, and 11 am to 7 pm Sunday. Admission is $5 before 5 pm or $10 after 5 pm. Click here to find more info!

Bucktown and Wicker Park: A new cafe and lounge is open in Wicker Park. Part of the Den Theater (1331 N. Milwaukee Ave.), the Haven Lounge is open to the public from 8 am to 4 pm daily, as well Thursday through Saturday nights when there are performances at the theatre. Haven Lounge serves Dark Matter coffee, as well as Goddess and Grocer salads and sandwiches. Bar manager Tim McMillan has crafted coffee-based cocktails to supplement the beer, spirits, and wine served at night. Check out the website for more information about this new spot.

Lincoln Square: Lincoln Square’s Apple Fest is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year! Along with the milestone, the fest is debuting an Apple Pie Bake-Off. 30 contestants will compete for the title of Best Pie. A panel of culinary experts will judge the entries. The grand prize winner will take home $200 of gift cards to local business; the runner-up will receive $100. The contest will be held on Sunday, October 1. Apple Fest runs on both Saturday and Sunday from 9 am to 6 pm on Lincoln Avenue between Lawrence and Eastwood. Find out more about this exciting event here!

Andersonville: A new coffee shop is about to open its doors in Uptown. Ridman’s Coffee plans to hold its grand opening on October 4! Located at the corner of Clark and Lawrence, the shop is just waiting on its business license. The shop’s website states that it will be a “small, locally-owned and operated specialty coffee shop… proudly serving Dark Matter coffee and a variety of snacks.” Grand opening specials will be announced over the next week on the shop’s various social media outlets. Find more about this new spot on their website!

Evanston: Fall is coming and you know what that means….. Oktoberfest! Celebrate all things fall at the third annual Evanston Oktoberfest! The fest takes place in the parking lot behind the Hilton Garden Inn (1818 Maple Avenue) from 1 to 6 pm on Sunday, October 16. Evanston breweries, distilleries, and ciders will be featured. Spend your afternoon tasting craft brews, sampling local foods, and checking out live music. Featured restaurants include Peckish Pig, Homestead Meats, Bangers & Lace Evanston, and La Cocinita. This event is family friendly as well, with arts and crafts activities for kids and games for the whole family to enjoy! General admission tickets are just $10 and include a commemorative 6 ounce tasting glass, admission to the festival beginning at 2 pm, and a free water bottle for those not drinking alcohol! Buy your tickets ahead of time here.

RACHEL HOOVLER & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO