CHICAGO NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS: Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Bucktown and Wicker Park, River North, Andersonville, Portage Park
Lincoln Park: Where can you enjoy grilled cheese, doughnuts, pierogis, tacos, and more— all in one place? At the Lincoln Park Zoo Food Truck Social, of course! Experience the finest meals on wheels Chicago has to offer, all while checking out the zoo after-hours. In addition to dozens of food trucks, there will be fun activities, a DJ spinning tunes, and drinks available for purchase. The event is Saturday, May 19 from 6:30 to 9:30 pm. Tickets are just $10, $8 for zoo members. Children 12 months and under are free with a paid adult ticket. Check out the line-up of food trucks and purchase your tickets here!
Lakeview: It’s that time of year again! The Chicago Critics Film Festival is here! Featuring over twenty-five programs selected with care by some of the most respected film journalists in the city, this year’s film festival includes four documentaries. The festival will be held May 4-10 at the Music Box Theatre. Highlights of this highly-curated festival include First Reformed, starring Ethan Hawke, On Chesil Beach, starring Saoirse Ronan, a 25th anniversary screening of Jurassic Park, and more. Find the full film line-up here. Individual screening tickets are $12, special event tickets are $18, and the festival pass is $150.
Bucktown and Wicker Park: Meet People Chicago presents “The 606 Trail Bar Crawl”! The crawl includes four bars along the 606 and the group will walk the 606 trail in between bars. Besides meeting new friends and new people, this crawl will give you the opportunity to explore the neighborhoods of Wicker Park, Bucktown, and Humboldt Park. Participating bars including Lemings Tavern, HumbleBar, Jack & Ginger’s, and Boulevard Sports Lounge. This crawl has two event dates: Saturday May 5 and Saturday May 12, both from 4 to 9 pm. Tickets are just $15! They’re selling quickly, so get yours here, now!
River North: It’s not too early to mark your calendars for “Taste of River North”! This fabulous food and wine festival takes place July 20-22. Every season, over 30,000 people gather to taste some of River North’s most dynamic eats, sip on cold beer, and listen to the best party jams live on stage! Dogs are also catered to, with their own special food truck and activities! There’s also a devoted children’s area, so your kiddos can join in on the fun. Participating restaurants include Pranzi, Big & Little’s, Da Lobsta, Hutch, and more. Hours are Friday July 20 from 5 to 10 pm, Saturday July 21 from 12 to 10 pm, and Sunday July 22 from 11 am to 8 pm. There is a $5 suggested donation for entry.
Andersonville: There’s never been a better time to check out Midsommarfest! It’s the annual street festival along Clark Street between Foster and Catalpa, with two days and three nights of dancing, music, kids’ entertainment, and delicious food. Vendors from around the region sell their wares, local shops and restaurants welcome the warm weather with specials and sales, and dance troupes, DJs, and longtime favorite bands keep the party going. There is a suggested $10 at the gate; children 12 and under and seniors are free. The festival takes place June 8, 9, and 10, so mark your calendars now! Find more information about this amazing festival here.
Portage Park: Join the Irving Park Community Food Pantry on its inaugural Neighborhood Walk through the Old Irving Park neighborhood where the pantry is located. Help them raise funds for the Pantry and generate awareness of hunger in the community. All funds raised will go into the Greater Chicago Food Depository account. The Pantry procures food from here at an average cost of $0.04 per pound. The walk is on Saturday, May 18 and will begin assembly at 8:15 am at the Pantry, 3801 N Keeler. The walk steps off at 9 am and will be 1.7 miles! There is no registration fee, but they ask walkers to bring a few items of shelf-stable food to donate (peanut butter, canned tuna, energy bars, Mac and cheese, etc.). They are also looking for men’s white crew socks and toiletries for both men and women. Find more information here!
RACHEL HOOVLER & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO
