Summer in the Square

Join us tonight for a special evening in Lincoln Square! We've got the Summer Concert Series, Farmers Market and the official opening of Leland Plaza.

At 6:00 p.m., we'll kick off the evening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Leland Plaza, the new public gathering space adjacent to the Western Brown Line station. Come help us celebrate this exciting addition to the neighborhood before enjoying an evening of live music.

The Summer Concert Series brings local Chicago musicians to Giddings Plaza every Thursday throughout the season. This week's performer is the Nikki O'Neill Band, bringing their signature blend of soulful roots, blues, and Americana to the Square.

Concerts are free to attend and take place from 6:00–8:30 p.m. at Giddings Plaza (4731 N. Lincoln Ave.). Grab dinner from a neighborhood restaurant, pick up fresh finds from the Farmers Market, and enjoy live music outdoors while soaking in the energy of the Square.

Beer and wine will also be available for purchase on-site from our friends at Ricochet's, and Lena Rose will be popping up onsite with organic bath, body care & skincare products.

And don't forget to stop by the Lincoln Square Farmers Market, open 3:00–7:00 p.m. on Thursdays (and 7:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. on Tuesdays). It's the perfect place to grab a bite, stock up on local goods, and make an evening of it before the concert begins.

Local Events

Ride Into the Weekend with Bugbear Bikes

Join Bugbear Bikes for the first installment of their monthly Critical Mass Bike Bus on Friday, June 26. Meet at the shop at 4:30pm before rolling out at 5pm for a leisurely-paced group ride to the start of Critical Mass at Daley Plaza. The ride will take place on the last Friday of every month.

Celebrate the Opening of Ainslie Arts Plaza on Saturday, June 27, from noon–6pm for the official Kick Off Celebration. Enjoy an afternoon of community, creativity, and activities as the new public gathering space comes to life.

Tailorbird Fabrics Turns One! Help Tailorbird celebrate its first anniversary with a day of festivities, including treats, games, giveaways, and more. Stop by and join the celebration!

Thinking about a new bike or e-bike? Visit Welles Park on Sunday, June 28, for Bike-a-Palooza. Test ride a variety of bikes and e-bikes, connect with Chicago SAFE Ambassadors, pick up riding tips, and learn about local cycling resources. Please note: a valid ID or driver's license is required for test rides.

If you can never have too many notebooks, stickers, or rolls of washi tape, mark your calendar. Bon Femmes is hosting a special pop-up with Hey Sooj on Saturday, June 27, from 12-4pm. Browse the beloved stationery brand's collection of charming paper goods, including notepads, greeting cards, stickers, and more.

The Inside Scoop

Exciting news from Augusta Food & Wine: the longtime neighborhood favorite debuted Augusta On Premise last weekend with a soft opening. Follow them on social media for more updates on their official opening at 2314 W Leland Avenue.

Big changes are ahead for Lost Language. The Ravenswood sauna and cold plunge destination will close its current location on July 3 as it prepares for a move to a new space in the neighborhood. While the new address has not yet been announced, Lost Language plans to reopen at its new Ravenswood location later in 2026. Stay tuned for updates as the business begins its next chapter.

KimchiPop will soon bring Korean Comfort Food to the Neighborhood. Opening Tuesday, July, 7, KimchiPop will serve up Korean-inspired favorites packed with bold flavors and comforting classics at 4757 N Western Avenue.

4Legs has officially relocated to a new neighborhood location. Stop by the new space at 2036 W Montrose Avenue to browse their selection of pet supplies and treats, and give your four-legged family members something to wag about.

Decorium's Closeout Sale is underway! The longtime Lincoln Square furniture and home furnishings retailer is clearing out its entire showroom, offering shoppers the opportunity to save on furniture, décor, lighting, and more. Inventory is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis, so stop by soon to browse the selection before your favorite pieces are gone.

We were delighted to celebrate Paper Bunny Press with an official ribbon cutting last weekend! Open since February, this charming Lincoln Square shop offers a thoughtfully curated selection of stationery, greeting cards, gifts, and paper goods. If you haven't stopped in yet, consider this your reminder to pay them a visit and see what makes this neighborhood addition so special.

Goosefoot is launching a new patio dining experience for those looking for a more relaxed way to experience this summer. The acclaimed restaurant has introduced its new "loosefoot" outdoor patio dining experience. Guests can enjoy a seasonally inspired three-course menu for $90 per person in a laid-back outdoor setting designed to be approachable, fun, and focused on great food, drinks, and company. The menu changes frequently and showcases carefully sourced ingredients, French technique, and the bounty of local artisan farms. Reservations are available now for summer evenings under the stars starting Friday, June 26.

The Queer Art Market is returning to Esquina on Saturday, June 27 from 11-4pm and will feature Queer Chicago artists. Expect jewelry, prints, and handmade items. Click here for full details.

Join Spiteful Brewing on Sunday, June 28 for a free birdhouse painting event from noon - 3pm. The birdhouses are free while supplies last. Purchase pints of Alley Time and $1 of every pint sold will go to Center on Halsted.

Put your knowledge to the test and warm up those vocal cords! The 40th Ward is hosting a Pride-themed evening of trivia and karaoke at Ainslie Arts Plaza on Friday, June 26. Gather your friends for trivia from 5:30–7pm, then stick around to take the stage during karaoke from 7–8:30pm. Whether you're competing for bragging rights or belting out your favorite anthem, it's a fun way to celebrate Pride and connect with the community.

LSR in the News

For more articles on Lincoln Square and Ravenswood businesses, click here.

• Chicago Summer Festival Guide (WTTW)
• New Restaurants Coming to the Chicago Area in Summer 2026 (WTTW)
• 2026 Chicago Festivals: Here's What to Enjoy This Summer (NBC5 Chicago)

Have you seen a local business featured? Send the article information to info@lincolnsquare.org!