Neighborhood News- Celebrating Women throughout Chicago during Women’s History Month
The month of March is dedicated to honoring the remarkable contributions of women throughout history. As we come to the end of the month, Chicago ends Women’s History Month with a bang!
This Saturday and Sunday, from 11am-5pm, meet the hardworking women who own businesses in the Lincoln Square Ravenswood area at the 5th Annual International Women’s Day Market at Artifact Events, 4325 N. Ravenswood Avenue
The market will feature pop-up shops curated by local, women-owned businesses selling unique products from jewelry, beauty products, home goods, food, drinks, and more.
March Madness and Women’s Sports Only at Women-Owned Bars
Women’s sports are at an all-time high right now. Audiences are growing for the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA, or the ‘W’ armed with a multi-million dollar, freshly signed CBA!), Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) and the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). Not to mention a new Women’s Professional Baseball League coming in August! Over the past few years, Women-Owned sports bars have been opening and serving up hefty libations and pub eats, particularly on the North Side of Chicago. They also serve up women’s sports on high-definition TVs throughout their bars. (Note: Men are welcome at the bars, but women’s sports are Queen here!) Dean’s Team Chicago is highlighting a few for your perusal:
In Logan Square, Babe’s Sports Bar, 3017 W. Armitage, was started by college bestie rugby co-captains, Nora and Torra. Opened last September, they are both passionate and adamant about playing WOMEN’S SPORTS ONLY on their eight televisions.
“It’s literally our whole thing,” they say on their website. “We are passionate about creating a space that celebrates women athletes and their supporters.”
With the PWHL, NWSL and NCAA Women’s Tournament in full swing, as well as the upcoming WNBA season, there’s no time for any other sports. They also host numerous sports travel events and watch parties. Recently, they hosted a section at Allstate Arena for the PWHL Tour on Wednesday night. Over the weekend, they’re showing the NCAA Women’s Sweet 16, as well as NWSL and PWHL games.
In Edgewater, Whiskey Girl Tavern, 6318 N. Clark Street, as they call themselves “The OG spot in Chicago for watching Women’s sports,” is a woman-owned tavern, and a known, safe space that regularly features women’s sports on big screens, including hosting watch parties for major games. They feature craft cocktails, a curated whiskey collection, and tavern bites. Before 9pm, all ages are welcome (but if you’re under 21, you’ll have a variety of non-alcoholic drinks to choose from!)
Recently, they hosted a trolley trip to a Chicago Stars game in their new home in Evanston. And they hosted a Watch Party for the PWHL Takeover game at Allstate Arena.
Coming Soon to Wrigleyville…
Level Sporting Club, 3343 N. Clark Street, is scheduled to open this Spring. The 5,632-square-foot, two-level venue near Wrigley Field is designed to put women’s sports center stage. It was founded by former college athlete Clarissa Flores.
According to The Infatuation, Level Sporting Club has plenty of sports icons behind it, like the NFL’s first Black female coach and the head coach of UIC’s women’s basketball team. The multi-story spot will have two bars, a basement lounge, and they’ll also have a menu prepared by a Bib Gourmand-recognized chef.
They’re also organizing The Key Club, Level Sporting Club’s lower-level hideaway. Their website describes “An intimate, candlelit escape designed for late-night indulgence. Open Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday nights, featuring elevated cocktails, live piano sounds, and a seductive, high-energy atmosphere that keeps the night moving.”
What do I wear to a Women’s Sports Bar?
The dress code is “sporty-chic.” According to a Tik-Tok site, jeans, crop tops, sneakers, and casual dresses are popular. Key looks, they say, include vintage sports tees with jeans, leggings with crop tops, or stylish athleisure wear. Layering with bomber jackets is popular for a polished yet casual appearance.
More Women’s Events
For more information on Women’s History Month events in Chicago, click here.
Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago
