CHICAGO NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS: Lakeview, Bucktown and Wicker Park, Lincoln Park, Lincoln Square, Gold Coast, Portage Park

Lakeview: Join Little Beans Cafe for an Easter celebration! This Saturday March 24 from 4:30 to 7:30 pm, they’ll have the Easter Bunny available for photos, an Easter egg hunt, pizza, music, and a puppet show! You’ll also received an emailed, digital copy of your Easter Bunny photos. Tickets are $35 (one child), $60 (two children), and $85 (three children). The cost of the children’s ticket includes two adults. Additional adults are $20 per person. The ticket also includes pizza for everyone! Register and find more information here.

Bucktown and Wicker Park: Books, Brunch, and Botanicals is a monthly event that is WOC centered and offers accessible self-care/wellness workshops, healthy brunch, and used books. This month, they’re presenting “Revive & Resist! Teach-in and Community Artisan Market”. The event takes place this Sunday March 25 from 1-6 pm. Workshops include “Thrive & Create a Sacred Space”, “Power of your Voice through Writing”, “Get Yo Schmoney Right”, and “Mofindus Urban Village Afro-Cuban Dance Class”. There will be a vegan soul food brunch, complimentary tea and coffee, and light refreshments. Find more information and register for your workshops here.

Lincoln Park: It’s time for Pinot Palooza on the Lake! This Wednesday, March 28 from 6-8 pm, join Theatre on the Lake as they partner with Jackson Family Wines and Vin Chicago. They’re hosting their first ever Pork and Pinot Wine Pairing Dinner! Cleetus Friedman, Executive Chef of The Lakefront Restaurant, will be offering a wonderful menu paired with various wines. Tickets are $40. The menu includes a Pulled Pork and Cheesy Polenta Cake, Whiskey Bacon and Honey Fennel Salad, Braised Pork Hocks and Sesame Rice, Slow Cooked Pork Tacos with Poblano Pico de Gallo, and Honey Rosemary Ham and Raisin Scones. Get your tickets here!

Lincoln Square: Gather up your little ones and head over to Lillstreet Art Center for their annual Kidstreet Open House! This Saturday March 24 from 10 am to 2 pm, there will be crafts, music, and fun for the whole family! The event is free and open to the public. The day will preview what’s in store for their spring session, as well as their summer camps. You can enjoy a self-guided tour of the facility, hands-on demos, and creative workshops. Your kiddos (and you!) will make and take home a variety of projects and crafts. Workshops include “Murals and Collages”, “Sun Prints”, “Wind Chimes”, “Painting Fruits and Flowers”, “Glass Bead-making”, and much more. Kids are invited to complete their “art passports” as they travel around the studios at Lillstreet. The first 50 kids to complete their passport will receive a Kidstreet tote bag and a coupon for a free ice cream cone from Margie’s Candies! Find more information about this awesome and FREE event here.

Gold Coast: Expose your kids to a little theatre! Chicago Children’s Theatre presents “An Epic Tale of Scale!” The Station is transformed into an all-immersive, two story theatrical environment that’s totally unique to Chicago. Audiences are limited to groups of 20, with entry times staggered every 15 minutes for a fun and funky adventure through the human body, outer space, and beyond. You and your kiddos will encounter a collection of curiosities from The Field Museum, art activities, a family race through an anatomical obstacle course, original music, and maybe even a cosmic dance party. This show is recommended for kids ages 6 and up. Find more information and get your tickets here!

Portage Park: Looking for a place to meet others, talk about yarn, and practice your stitches? You’re in luck! The last Tuesday of every month, meet other crafters at Tea’se Tea Shoppe from 5:30 to 6:30 pm for a Stitch and Sip. All ages, genders, and skill levels are welcome. Jaclyn Crawford, the owner of Sundae Crochet Co., will also be available to help guide anyone who’s interested in trying crocheting for the first time! Raffle tickets will be available for $2, with great prizes including a crochet basket and tea. All proceeds go to Precious Pets Almost Home. There is no fee, but they do ask that you RSVP to the Facebook event.

RACHEL HOOVLER & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO