Neighborhood News: Gallagher Way lights up Wrigleyville with family-friendly events, food, fun and fitness!
Gallagher Way is the open-air green space directly adjacent to Wrigley Field. Located on the west side of the historic stadium, right next door to the Friendly Confines of Wrigley Field, sitting in the heart of Lakeview, Gallagher Way, 3635 N. Clark Street, offers a beautiful, year-round, family-friendly, open-air destination for farmers markets, community events, festivals, and dining, along with big-screen airings of Cubs games.
As the blog Lonely Planet notes, on nongame days it’s open to the public and hosts free events including concerts, alfresco fitness classes and movie nights on the jumbo video screen. On game days, it’s a beer garden for Cubs ticket holders. Kids love the grassy expanse, where they can run around, play catch or cool off in the splash pad. In winter the park sets up an ice-skating rink on the premises.
Origins of Gallagher Way
Gallagher Way’s origins were in the owner Rickett’s family’s aggressive renovation project—the 1060 Project, a $575-million, privately funded rehabilitation of the stadium to be completed over five years. Originally called ‘The Park at Wrigley,’ it was a key component of the Ricketts’ family vision to transform the neighborhood into an attractive year-round destination for tourists, residents and Cubs fans.
Just across the street, you’ll find various restaurants, sports bars, and the Hotel Zachary.
Statue Row on Gallagher Way honors Cubs greats
Within this space lives a shrine to the greatest Cubs players to ever wear the uniform, as LinkedIn describes in ‘The Spaces We Play ‘ allowing fans to connect to the rich history of one of the most iconic and beloved franchises in sports. Statue Row is home to the likenesses of the Cubs’ most beloved players, including Cubs legends/Hall of Famers Ferguson Jenkins, Ernie Banks, Ron Santo and Billy Williams. Just recently, Ryne Sandberg joined Statue Row in a rousing ceremony on June 23, the 40th Anniversary of “The Sandberg Game, as Sandberg hit a pair of game-tying home runs in the ninth and tenth innings—to propel the Cubs to a 12–11 victory over hated division rival St. Louis Cardinals.
But Gallagher Way is far more than a homage to baseball. Some of their regularly scheduled activities throughout the summer months include:
Yoga & Fitness Classes
On Mondays and Wednesdays, Gallagher Way transforms into your personal fitness space with HIIT classes on Mondays and Wednesdays from 7am to 8am, where intense interval training will boost your cardio endurance and help to sculpt your muscles. Turn up your weekday workouts on select Monday evenings from 6pm to 7pm with fitness classes at Gallagher Way. Bring your own water bottle, sweat towel optional. For both workouts, wear comfortable clothes!
Free Movies on the lawn
Every Wednesday during the summer, Gallagher Way hosts free summer movies! Gates open at 6 p.m. and the movie starts at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free and is first come, first served. Fans are encouraged to bring a blanket to sit on.
For the ‘big spenders’ you can buy VIP seats for $33 and that includes, popcorn, a drink and souvenir cup. July 2024 offerings include:
- July 10 – School of Rock
- July 17 – Angels in the Outfield
- July 31 – Soul
Gallagher Way Pop Jets Every summer on Gallagher Way, according to MacaroniKIDS.com, when the pop-jets come on kids (and some pups) love to cool down with a run through the spray.
Operating hours are Sunday–Thursday from 7 am–9 p.m. and Friday– Saturday from 7am– 10 pm, excluding event days.
Wrigleyville Night Market
New in 2024 is the Wrigleyville Night Market. With a wide variety of vendors you won’t find the same thing twice – from vintage clothing, to jewelry to home goods, there is something for everyone.
Open 4pm to 8pm on Thursdays, it’s the perfect place to meet up with friends, for a date night, or post-work drinks. This free event is open to the public as a gathering spot to mingle, shop and embrace the cool, casual style this night market radiates.
Gallagher Way encourages you to bring your own tote to stock up on favorites each week, purchase a glass of wine and wander around the market to discover something new. Bring a blanket or pick a patio table to sit back and enjoy the live music each week!
For more information on Gallagher Way and its myriad concerts, events and activities, click here.
Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago
