CHICAGO NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS: Bucktown and Wicker Park, Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Lincoln Square, Andersonville, Portage Park

Bucktown and Wicker Park: Are you an expecting mother? Then this event is for you! Happy Baby: Prenatal Workshop will be on Saturday, July 21 from 10 am to 12 pm. In this two hour workshop, guests can enjoy light bites and beverages, get an awesome swag bag, and take advantage of services provided by top natural prenatal care providers. There will be prenatal yoga and meditation, posture evaluations, Rock Taping for pregnancy, and motherhood acupuncture therapy. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased here.

Lincoln Park: Bask in the best of Chicago nature at the second annual Summer Nature Fest! Join other summer Chicagoans at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum on July 19 from 4 to 8 pm for an evening outside. This event features live animals, live music, and activity stations with games and real scientists! Soak it all in with good food, drinks, and a gorgeous view of North Pond under the Chicago skyline. Admission is a suggested donation of $5 per person or $10 per family. RSVP here.

Lakeview: You better have your calendar marked for Northalsted Market Days! Held on August 11 and 12, you can expect huge crowds at this annual fest along Halsted Street from Belmont Avenue to Addison Street. Billed as the largest street fest of its kind in the Midwest, the event features live music on four stages and hundreds of vendors with food, drinks, general merch, arts, and crafts. Find more information here and get ready for this fantastic festival!

Lincoln Square: It’s not too late to get in on the Summer BBQ Bash at The Chopping Block! This Sunday, July 8 from 4- 7 pm, the entire Lincoln Square location will be transformed into a fun, family-friendly, festive barbecue. You’ll enjoy an evening full of elevated classics, as you learn how to recreate the dishes at home with the help of professional chefs. You’ll travel from room to room, including the outdoor patio, learning about the art of grilling, smoking, and barbecuing at the chef-driven demonstration stations. You’ll start your evening off with an appetizer spread including Crispy Andouille Hushpuppies, Pickled Cocktail Shrimp and Green Beans, and more. Patio demonstrated recipes include Pulled Pork, Beer Braised Brats, Smoked Chicken Wings, and more. Choose your perfect package: Kids 11 years old and younger for $55, Adults with Food and Desserts for $100, or Adults with Food and Desserts & Access to the Open Wine and Beer Bar for $125. Find more information and register here, now!

Andersonville: Get ready for Taste of Andersonville! This year’s event is on Wednesday, August 15 from 6-9 pm. This year, the Dinner and Dessert Crawl will be combined for a true Andersonville experience. There will be three routes featuring both savory and sweet bites from the finest dining destinations in Andersonville! Keep an eye out for participating restaurants and advance tickets here.

Portage Park: Mark your summer calendar for a good, old fashioned picnic! The 7th Annual Roberts Square Park Community Picnic is Saturday, July 14 from 11 am to 1:30 pm. This is a potluck style picnic, so be sure to bring your favorite summer dish! Kiddos and dogs (on leashes) are more than welcome. There will be kid friendly activities, as well as plenty of gabbing and noshing. Find more information here!

RACHEL HOOVLER & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO