CHICAGO NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS: Lakeview, Bucktown and Wicker Park, Lincoln Park, Chicago Loop, Andersonville, Oak Park

Lakeview: Join Emerald City Theatre at “Read More, Be More: A Celebration of Arts and Literacy”! This event, held on Thursday April 26, will help Emerald City Theatre (a non-profit organization) provide meaningful support to Chicago’s school children. This organization seeks to create theatre that represents diverse communities and inspire early readers, build children’s self-confidence and teamwork through arts education classes and residencies, and support under-resourced schools by providing a free play and free companion book to low-income CPS students. The event is from 5:30 pm to 8 pm at the Alhambra Palace in the West Loop (1240 W Randolph St.). Tickets are $100 and admission includes an awards ceremony honoring educators, partners, and supporters, Zagat-rated cuisine, wine and beer, a silent auction, and live entertainment. These tickets are early-bird prices and will increase to $150 on April 23! Find more information here.

Bucktown and Wicker Park: The Wicker Park Chamber of Commerce presents its debut Wellness Expo and Rejuvenation Crawl this Sunday, April 8 from 10 am to 6 pm. All ticket sales will benefit the Play on Pritzker Campaign at A.N. Pritzker Elementary School, helping to provide an improved outdoor play area and multi-sport field for students. The Wellness Expo takes place from 10 am to 2 pm at A.N. Pritzker Elementary. Here, attendees will receive their Rejuvenation Crawl bracelets and visit over 40 participating health, beauty, and wellness vendors. Participating businesses include Chicago Athletic Clubs, Dynamic Salon, Fresh Market Place, Health Source Wicker Park, Nike, and more! Find more information and buy your tickets here.

Lincoln Park: Check out “Cold Blooded Weekends with the Chicago Herpetological Society”! Bring the kiddos and get to know a menagerie of reptiles and amphibians during a hands-on experience provided by the Chicago Herpetological Society. The event is free, with museum admission from 10 am to 3 pm this Saturday, April 7 at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum. Find more information here.

Chicago Loop: Need something to do with the kids this Saturday? Check out the Beluga Grads Concert at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance! This concert features the one and only Raffi! Raffi is a singer, songwriter, producer, author, lecturer, and tireless advocate for children. He is best known for his work as a children’s entertainer! The concert is at 1 pm and tickets start at $29.50. Find out more information here!

Andersonville: Mark your calendars- it’s time for the 4th Annual Andersonville Flower & Garden Show! The weekend of April 21, the Andersonville neighborhood will join together to celebrate the arrival of spring. This free event weekend features fantastic floral window displays, interactive workshops, specials on spring merchandise, floral food, and much more! Each business will feature their own unique contribution to the Flower & Garden Show. Participating businesses include Andersonville Antiques, City Olive, Foursided, Jerry’s Sandwiches, KOVAL Distillery, Peterson Garden Project, Women & Children First, and more. Check out more info about this exciting spring event here!

Oak Park: Earth Day is fast approaching! And what better way to celebrate than with Earth Fest! The event will be held on Saturday, April 21 from 10 am to 2 pm at the Public Works Center in Oak Park. The event focuses on green neighborhoods, sustainable lifestyles, and best practices. Highlights include eco-friendly vendors, local chefs and restaurants, games and activities for the kiddos, sale items, and live entertainment! There will also be recycling booths available for eyeglasses, sunglasses, hearing aids, rechargeable batteries, old cell phones, and blue jeans. Find more info here!

RACHEL HOOVLER & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO