CHICAGO NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS: Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Bucktown and Wicker Park, Chicago Loop, Lincoln Square, Evanston

Lincoln Park: Find your favorite new wine at Lincoln Park Uncorked: A Lincoln Avenue Wine Stroll. It’s time to kick off fall at one of Chicago’s premier neighborhood wine tasting events! Lincoln Avenue will be transformed into a wine lover’s paradise featuring samples of the season’s best red and white wines. You can also try locally prepared bites from some of the neighborhood’s most popular restaurants. This fabulous event takes place on September 27 from 6 to 9 pm. General admission tickets are $40 and can be purchased here.

Lakeview: Get your tickets now for Here Chicago! This unique event connects a group of unique humans through true stories told live and a giant potluck dinner. People contribute to the night as storytellers, chefs, producers, hosts, volunteers, listeners, and friends! This amazing live show takes place on Saturday, September 9. The potluck begins at 7:30 pm and the show begins at 8 at Stage 773. Tickets are $11 or free with a prepared dish. Find more information here.

Bucktown and Wicker Park: Fall is on it’s way! Which means it’s time for the 2018 Chicago Fall Whiskey Tasting Festival. On Saturday, September 29 from 4-6 pm, join Flat Iron for a special whiskey tasting event that will excite your taste buds. This is an intimate setting with whiskey reps showcasing a few of their top brands. The ticket package includes a two hour whiskey tasting, 15 tasting tickets (with more available for purchase), featured food and drink specials, and more. Find ticket pricing and more on their Facebook page.

Chicago Loop: Mark your calendars now for the 11th Annual Reaching for the Stars Gala! This fabulous benefit evening is sponsored by Reach Out Community Center and takes place on Friday, October 19 from 6:30 to 11:30 pm. This spectacular evening will feature dancing, a champagne toast, appetizers, a carving station, delicious dinner and dessert, a full open bar, live music, and entertainment! This event aims to raise public awareness of the importance of after school programing for the youth of South Lawndale and connect with those who are able to provide much needed funding. Space is limited, so be sure to purchase your tickets in advance. You can do so here!

Lincoln Square: The Chicago Japanese Matsuri is on Saturday, September 29 and Sunday, September 30! This annual Japanese summer festival is hosted by Kizuki Ramen & Izakaya and the Japanese Culture Center. At this authentic festival, you can enjoy Japanese festival foods, cultural performances of Taiko drumming, calligraphy, traditional martial arts, cosplay contests, and much more! The festival takes place at the NewCity plaza (1457 N Halsted) from 11 am to 5 pm each day. Find more information on their Facebook page!

Evanston: It’s time again for The Great Big Evanston Trunk Show! The merchants of Chicago Avenue are hosting an exclusive showcase of artisan wares. There will also be festive wine and cheese pairings presented by an Advanced Sommelier and Chicago’s premier cheese monger. Check in is at Hyatt House Evanston (1515 Chicago Avenue). The event is on Thursday, September 20. The Artisan showcase takes place from 3-8 pm and the wine & cheese pairing is from 4-7 pm. Tickets are $12 for each piece separately or $20 for both. Find more information and buy your tickets here.

RACHEL HOOVLER & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO