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

Lakeview: It’s time for the 7th Annual Chicago Women’s Funny Festival! This event features a melting pot of comedic genres, including everything from highbrow musical improv to relatable stand-up to character driven sketch. It also blends long term veterans with bright, fresh newcomers! Performances are August 23 8-10 pm, August 24 8-11 pm, August 25 4:30-11 pm, and August 26 2-7 pm. Tickets are $15 for individuals, $40-60 for nightly passes, and $150 for the all-festival pass. Find more information and get your tickets here!

Bucktown and Wicker Park: Get ready for Beta Fest— an event showcasing the latest apps and technology by up and coming tech creatives. The event is combined with a laid back atmosphere including both digital and electronic art and a DJ for a fun and creative experience. The event is this Sunday, August 5 from 6 to 9 pm at Emporium Wicker Park. RSVP in advance for free entry or pay $5 the day of the event. RSVP now here!

Lincoln Park: Need a fun activity for you and your kiddos? Accompany the Horticulture department of Lincoln Park Zoo on a walkabout through the zoo’s gardens. Your little ones will learn about new plants and landscapes and how they change with the seasons. This event is free and takes place on August 11 from 10-11 am. Find more information here.

River North: Mark your calendars for Restaurant Week By River North! From August 6-12, a variety of River North restaurants will be showcasing their summer selections and offering limited menus and one-time deals on summer favorites. Participating restaurants include Tortoise Supper Club, Lyfe Kitchen, GT Fish & Oyster, GT Prime Steakhouse, Marchesa, Ironside Bar & Galley, Pops for Champagne, Hutch American Bistro, Portsmith, Wildfire, Big Bowl Chinese and Thai, Prosecco, and Sunda. Find all the menus and reserve your table now here.

Lincoln Square: Join Chicago Shakespeare for one of Chicago’s favorite summertime traditions! This is the 7th year of the FREE FOR ALL Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks Tour. This year’s play is “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and is a special 75-minute abridged production. Bring a blanket, a picnic, and the whole family as a company of professional actors shares Shakespeare’s magical comedy! This weekend, you can catch the show at Welles Park (2333 W Sunnyside Ave) beginning at 6:30 pm on Saturday, August 4 and 5 pm on Sunday, August 5. Find the full lineup of shows here– this production runs until the 26th of August.

Evanston: Get yourself up to Evanston- it’s feeding time at The Barn Steakhouse! This event is sure to be fun for the whole family and benefits Northlight Theatre. The evening will feature live Dixieland music and finger-lickin-good BBQ ribs, chicken, and all the fixings. Plus, Evanston’s own Temperance Brewing will be on hand to pour a selection of their tasty craft brews! The event is on Sunday, August 19 from 3-7 pm at The Barn (1016 Church St.). Adult general admission tickets are $72, ages 12-20 general admission tickets are $36, and under 12 general admission tickets are $24. Ticket price includes the BBQ dinner, selections from Temperance Brewing, all non-alcoholic beverages, music, and gratuity. Buy your tickets now!

RACHEL HOOVLER & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO