Community Events & Placemaking Grant Program

Arts & Science Family Fest

Sat, May 6 from 2-5pm at Burley Elementary School (1630 W. Barry Ave)

Kick off summer and join Burley School in celebrating arts and science throughout our community. This outdoor event will feature performances from School of Rock, an art and STEAM gallery of student work, crafts, games, face painting and more! Open to the whole community.

Ikebana Walk

Sat, July 9 & Sun, July 10 along the Southport Corridor

The Japanese Culture Center (JCC) and Japanese Arts Foundation (JAF), in conjunction with the Chicago Chapter of the Ikenobo Society and Ohara Ryu School of Ikebana, will be presenting the 2nd annual Ikebana Walk on July 9 & 10 along the Southport Corridor in Lakeview. Flower arrangements from two schools of Ikebana, as well as Origami art and Japanese Calligraphy (Shodo) will be displayed in the storefront windows of local businesses in the original Japantown of Chicago for this free event.

NATIVE PLANT SALE

Sat, July 15: 9am at Southport Plaza along the Lakeview Low-Line (3410 N Southport Ave, Chicago)

Over 30 species of native wildflowers, sedges, and ferns!

• All plants are sold as pints and cost $6-7

• Native plant gardeners available for design consult at the event

• Plants will be available first come, first serve

• Please BYO box or other container to carry your plants home

The plant sale, hosted by Southport Neighbors Assoc., will feature native flowers, sedges, and ferns that are suited to our local ecosystem and especially selected for their ability to support pollinators, birds, and other wildlife. This sale aims to empower the Lakeview community to transform our neighborhood with thriving native flora. There will be a flowering perennial, sedge, or fern to fit your landscape—whether it’s sunny, shady or in between.

International Pop Down

Sun, July 16 from 1-5:30pm at Southport Plaza along the Lakeview Low-Line

Story7 Inc presents "International Pop Down" at the Southport Plaza along the Lakeview Low-Line features local pop up vendors, a live painter and DJs performing along with live musicians.

Come listen to the international sounds while checking out local arts and crafts vendors.

CIRCESTEEM AROUND CHICAGO SUMMER TOUR

St Alphonsus Church - Thurs, June 29th at 6pm

Hamilton Elementary - Fri, July 7th at 6pm

Blaine Elementary - Thursday July 27th at 6pm

CircEsteem is bringing a FREE Circus show to a park near you! They are excited to be presenting their 4th Annual "CircEsteem Around Chicago Summer Tour," bringing entertainment and education all across the city. CircEsteem strongly believes in bringing the circus into neighborhoods, providing them with opportunities to gather and build community. Bring out the whole family to enjoy a 45-minute performance featuring acts of juggling, acrobatics, unicycle, aerial silks, tightwire, and more. After the show, they'll invite the youth of the audience to step into the circus ring for a 30-minute workshop where they can try their hand at some of the skills we teach. You don't have to run away to join the circus this Summer!

YOGA, MEDITATION, AND MINDFUL JOURNALING

September 30th 10am-12pm at Sheil Park (3505 N Southport Ave)

And Rise Women Inc (&Rise) and Voyage of Frequency will be presenting a special community family-friendly event: Yoga, Meditation, and Mindful Journaling. Our guests will be guided through a crystal bowl sound meditation to assist with reducing feelings of tension, and anxiety, and to create the space needed for self-compassion. Our guests will also learn, Mindful journaling, which is a type of doodling that is done with the intention of being present, in the moment, and focusing on the act of drawing. It is a way to relax and de-stress, and there are no rules or restrictions, and most importantly, mistakes - just let your creativity flow!

International Film Festival

Wednesday, October 11 5pm-10pm Southport between Waveland and Grace

The ChiFilmFest Block Party will bring Chicago's film-loving community together for a special Opening Night event to kick off 12 days of premiere screenings, filmmaker Q&As, panels, workshops, and much more at the 59th Chicago International Film Festival. The event will be free and open to the public. Attendees will enjoy live music, enter to win Festival tickets and prizes, discover culinary delights and libations from local restaurants and bars, watch highly-anticipated film trailers from around the world, walk our red carpet, enjoy film-themed activities, and learn more about Chicago's vibrant film community.

Lincoln Ave Block Party

TBD from 11am-5pm at Heritage Bikes (2959 N Lincoln Ave)

Endless Summer

TBD

JCC Chicago Apachi Day Camps presents the 3rd annual Endless Summer, a pop-up day camp experience in the fall that will offer activities, games, crafts, entertainment and camp-like festivities to take advantage of the last days of beautiful Chicago weather.