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

Lincoln Park: It’s time to get buggy! That’s right- it’s Bugapalooza 2018 at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum! Stop by the bug zoo on Friday, August 17 from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm to interact with live critters, both native and exotic species. Nerd out with their entomologist and learn how to pin an insect specimen with the museum collections staff. Test your mettle by eating some delicious bug cooking, go on a guided bug walk around the Museum, and discover some of the many creepy, crawly, and cool critters that live around us! All ages are welcome- this event is fun no matter how old you are! Dinner is included in the ticket price. Find ticket pricing information and purchase your tickets here.

Lakeview: Are you a Hamilton fan? Then you’ll love this event! Hamilton Chicago’s very own Jose Maxi Ramos makes his Schubas Tavern debut for his first live concert “Welcome to the Maxi House” on Monday, August 20 at 7:30 pm. This family-friendly show showcases the singer/actor/songwriter before he leaves Hamilton to start his solo music career. Ramos will perform his own original pop melodies with R&B attitude for the first time, along with fan favorite covers and surprise special musical guests. Ramos has been performing in Hamilton Chicago for the last two plus years. Find more information here!

Bucktown and Wicker Park: It’s time again for the annual Rock The Mic One Fundraiser! Held on Sunday, August 19 from 1 pm to midnight at Emporium Wicker Park, this fundraiser benefits anxiety and depression awareness. Proceeds will directly benefit NAMI (National Association of Mental Illness). This is a day full of performances, food, raffles, and much more. Tickets are $25 in advance (including 10 free game tokens) and $30 at the door. Purchase your tickets now here!

Chicago Loop: It’s not too early to mark your calendars for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon! Held on Sunday, October 7, this is an amazing event for runners and spectators alike. The race has thousands of runners from more than 100 countries and all 50 states, including world-class elite runners, top regional and Master runners, race veterans, debut marathoners, and charity runners. The marathon’s iconic course takes runners through 29 vibrant neighborhoods, providing both an architectural and cultural tour of Chicago. Although it’s too late to apply to run in the marathon, you can still cheer on the runners as a spectator! The marathon’s website has all the information you need to prepare for race day viewing, on the course or at home.

Edgewater: Stroll over to the Edgewater Farmers Market to shop for local produce, baked goods, cheeses, coffee, and other specialties! The market runs every Saturday from 8 am to 1 pm through October 13, located on Thorndale and Broadway. All Season Vendors include Stamper Cheese Company, Twin Gardens Inc., Edge of Sweetness, Pasta Monster, Heavens Honey Inc., and more. There is also live music and food vendors! What a perfect way to spend a Saturday morning! Find more information here.

Oak Park: Harken back to the old days with the Pleasant Home Foundation’s annual “Silent Movies on the Porch”! This marks the 6th year for this event and it continues to draw crowds to the Pleasant Home Mansion (217 Home Avenue). A carefully selected lineup of remarkable turn-of-the-century silent films are screened for guests on the mansion’s sprawling covered porch, while a gifted piano accompanist enhances the experience with musical improvisation and unique compositions. There is a $10 suggested donation. This Friday, August 10 Buster Keaton films will be shown. On Friday, August 17, a Harold Lloyd film; and on Friday, August 24, a Charlie Chaplin film. Doors open at 7:30 pm, movies begin at 8:15 pm. Find more information here!

RACHEL HOOVLER & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO