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

Lincoln Park: Join the Chicago History Museum for their 59th Annual Fourth of July Celebration! There will be time-honored traditions, family-friendly activities, and a keynote oration by Illinois Supreme Court Justice Anne M. Burke. There will also be patriotic musical performances, a reading of the Declaration of Independence, and a children’s costume parade led by the World’s Tallest Uncle Sam! Following the event, the museum is open from 12 to 4:30 pm, with free admission for Illinois residents. The event is from 10 am to 12 pm. Find more information here.

Lakeview: It’s not too early to mark your calendars for the 14th Annual Lakeview East Festival of the Arts! Held on September 8 and 9, the Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce hosts this event, working hand in hand with local residents and business owners on this fantastic festival. The fest showcases over 150 juried artists featuring paintings, sculptures, photography, furniture, jewelry, and more. There will also be live demonstrations, entertainment stages, family activities, and a garden oasis. Find more information about this fabulous weekend here!

Bucktown and Wicker Park: It’s time again for Renegade Craft Chicago! Renegade Craft is the world’s largest curated showcase of independent craft and design. Renegade’s hometown is Chicago and the location of its headquarters as well. Renegade will be at Pitchfork Music Festival from July 20-22, 12-8 pm. Pitchfork is held rain or shine at Union Park (1501 W. Randolph). For more information, click here!

River North: Get yourself ready for beer, BBQ, and country tunes because the Windy City Smokeout- BBQ and Country Music Festival is returning to Chicago Friday, July 13 to Sunday, July 15! Guests will head on down to Grand Avenue near the Chicago River for a weekend of fun, where attendees can taste delicious offerings from some of the best BBQ talent and craft breweries from around the country. There are a variety of general admission and VIP ticket packages available. Check them out and register here.

Edgewater: Bring the whole family to the Mermaid Family Pop-Up Fest! On Saturday, July 7 from 2 to 4 pm, head to Edgewater Playhouse (1048 W Bryn Mawr Ave) for a fun-filled family festival. There will be vendors, a coloring mermaid station, food station, and much more! Each ticket includes entry to vendor pop-ups, entertainment, and mermaid themed treats. When you RSVP, you’ll also receive a swag bag with giveaways! Family tickets are $5.50 (one parent, two children, one parent and child ticket is $3.50, and adult tickets are $1.50. Get your tickets here!

Oak Park: It’s time for Oak Park’s July 4 Parade! This annual parade steps off at 10 am on Wednesday, July 4 from Longfellow Park at Ridgeland Avenue and Adams Street. The parade marches north on Ridgeland to Augusta Street and turns east to finish up near Whittier Elementary School at Harvey Avenue. The parade includes social and special interest groups, community groups, athletic teams, politicians, businesses and service organizations, children’s groups, and musical groups. Weather permitting, there will be a fireworks display at dusk in the Oak Park and River Forest high school football stadium. For more information, click here.

RACHEL HOOVLER & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO