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Welcome to our new members: AYSO Region 418, Bayan Ko Diner, Bunny Ears Art House, Chicago Makeup School, Megan Gasper PR, The Rooted Space, Third Floor Suzuki Violin, and True Precision Rehab.
And a thanks to our returning members for their continued support: AuthentiCITY Travel, Club Pilates Ravenswood, Gnome Brew, La Mexicana Grill, Law Office of Sima L Kirsch PC, Lillstreet Art Center, Rany Management, Regus on Ravenswood, Rendezvous Arts, Scan5, SensAble Kids, and St Benedict Preparatory School.
| | There's a Facebook group just for Ravenswood! Click here to connect with neighbors about community issues, events, neighborhood-specific questions, and more. | | |
·Chicago Tribune: Chicagoan of the Year in Classical Music Seth Boustead is the musical dreamer behind CheckOut - "The CheckOut — a cozy music venue housed in a former 7-Eleven — opened in September and has already become a fixture both in Chicago’s contemporary music scene and the neighborhood." Read More
·Chicago Reader: Bier Omakase is the social lubricant beer drinkers need right now - "Jenny Pfäfflin and Shana Solarte’s sudsy storytelling series is restoring connection and conversation to the craft beer scene." Read More
·WGN Daytime Chicago: Traffic Jam! Swing: Preserving and Teaching Swing Dance Culture - "Traffic Jam! Swing is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and teaching swing dance culture. They are also releasing a debut live album this month". 🎥 Watch Here
·New Year's Eve Roundup: Celebrations, Memories, and More - Ring in the new year with the Ravenswood community! Enjoy our roundup of local celebrations, favorite memories from 2025, and more. We'll see you in 2026! Read More
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·Local Business Spotlight: The Flower Girl Company - Every now and then, something spectacular is going to happen in your life, and you’re going to want to pair it with a floral arrangement to match! Look no further than The Flower Girl Company. Read More
·Check out the 2025 Ravenswood Holiday Gift Guide - Holiday shopping doesn’t have to be stressful. In Ravenswood, you can find the perfect something for everyone on your list without breaking the bank. Check out our gift guide for our top picks in every category! Read More
·Host Your Holiday Event in Ravenswood - Looking to host for the holidays? Keep it local! Check out our list of Ravenswood's most eligible event venues, from artist studios to breweries and more. Read More
·Vote for The Reader's Best of Chicago 2025! - Weigh in on your local favorites! Voting is open until 12/31/25. You didn't hear it from us, but there are plenty of Ravenswood businesses on the roster this year. Read More
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·12/24, Sweat-Mas Eve Strength & Conditioning at EmpowerFit - Get ready to Sleigh the Day! This holiday-themed session blends EmpowerFit’s signature strength training with fun, fast-paced conditioning circuits. All levels welcome! 9:30-10:30am, 1824 W Wilson Ave, $25 More Info
·12/31, Noon Year's Eve at Artifact Events - Join Artifact Events for a joyful daytime countdown packed with music, dancing, activities, and festive moments perfect for kids and grown-ups alike. This event is designed for families looking to make New Year’s memories together. 11am-2pm, 4325 N Ravenswood Ave, $13.82 More Info
·12/31, Irish New Year at Begyle Brewing - Join for a fun time with the family and still be in bed at a reasonable hour! Begyle is ringing in the New Year at 6pm (midnight in Ireland). Stop by for Ireland's live NYE countdown, delicious tacos, bingo, and more! 11am-6pm, 1800 W Cuyler Ave, FREE More Info
·12/31, Kids New Year's Eve Party at Platform 47 - Join us in celebrating the New Year with EVERY member of the Family. Ring in 2026 with your little ones with a balloon drop at 5:30pm. Watch kiddos excitement rise while enjoying the end of year countdown and toasting with sparkling juice. You will not want to miss this! One adult drink minimum per child. 4pm-6:30pm, 4709 N Damen Ave More Info
·12/31, New Year's Eve at Gio's Bar & Grill - Avoid the downtown crowds and prices and support local! Plan your night at Gio's for a special prefixe three course menu with whiskey tasting and a complimentary champagne toast at midnight. 7:30pm-midnight, 4857 N Damen Ave, $79 More Info
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·12/31, New Year's Eve Masquerade Ball at My Buddy's - A five-hour hosted bar package, a prime rib buffet, and a personal champagne bottle for everyone. Yes, you read that right. This is a can't-miss event for those of you looking to ring in the new year with a little luxury. 7:30pm-12:30am, 4416 N Clark St, $134 More Info
·12/31, Roaring 20s NYE Party at VIN312 Winery - Ring in the New Year in a hidden winery! Taste delicious food, charcuterie plates, wine pours, craft cocktails, and smooth music. Dress in your best speakeasy-inspired look and step into a night of style, flavor, and fun. 8pm, 4710 N Ravenswood Ave, $65 More Info
·12/31, Cheers to 2026 Party at Platform 47 - Bring your dancing shoes and fun vibes to celebrate the New Year with some amazing people! DJ Eli the Saint dropping beats and Platform 47 will provide some late night snacks to keep you fueled, and at midnight enjoy a champagne toast to ring in the New Year! 9pm-1am, 4709 N Damen Ave More Info
·12/31, New Year's Bowling Bash at Timber Lanes - Join Timber Lanes for a night you won't forget! Live DJ sets, unlimited bowling, and an all you can drink bar with a champagne toast at midnight. 9:30pm-midnight, 1851 W Irving Park Rd, $50+ More Info
·1/16, Rendezvous Arts at Artifact Events - January doesn’t stand a chance against this heat. James Sanders & Conjunto are bringing the rhythms of Latin America straight to you, and the result is pure electricity. And if the music brings the fire, painter Anna Lentz brings the color. Her work vibrates with energy, making it an ideal pairing. 2:30pm, 4325 N Ravenswood Ave, $33.85 More Info
·View Our Full Community Calendar
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2/6, Taste of Ravenswood
Take advantage of our Early Bird ticket pricing until December 31st at 11:59pm! Full ticket pricing will go into effect on January 1st, 2026.
Bring family, friends, and coworkers out for an evening sampling the best that Ravenswood has to offer! We're bringing you the neighborhood's top restaurants, brewers, and spirit makers for a fantastic, one-night-only experience in the picturesque Ravenswood Event Center.
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Enjoy delicious bites and sips, live music, live painting by Alexandra Stevenson, and explore a private collection of vintage neon signs and classic cars while admiring beautiful florals by The Flower Girl Company. We can't wait to see you there!
Tickets go fast! 7:30-10pm, 4021 N Ravenswood Ave More Info
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·Snowman-Shaped Pizzas at Chicago's - Chicago's snowman-shaped pizzas are perfectly crafted with signature flaky crust. Decorated festive style with all the holiday cheer -- it only comes once a year! More Info
·Holiday Meal Packages from Rojo Gusano - Let your friends at Rojo cook for you this holiday season! Packages are available until January 5th. Orders must be placed two days in advance and are available for pickup on the restaurant's service days. More Info
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What's Up on Malt Row?
·12/23, Home for the Holidays at Half Acre Beer Co - Bring your own main to the taproom to get free sides while supplies last. All tips will be donated to the Transformative Justice Law Project of Illinois. 5-10pm, 2050 W Balmoral Ave, FREE More Info
·1/21, Book Swap at KOVAL Distillery - Join KOVAL for a community book swap! Bring a book, meet new book loving people and discover new books. 7pm, 4241 N Ravenswood Ave, FREE More Info
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·Youth Winter Classes at Joel Hall Dancers & Center - Youth classes at JHDC cater to children ages 3-17 and run from January to March. Enroll your child for a fun way to stay active during the colder months! More Info
·Register for Winter 2026 Classes at Lillstreet Art Center! - Baby, it's cold outside! While the snow falls outside, tend to your inner fire by exploring your creative side at Lillstreet. From pottery to screen printing, there's plenty to choose from. More Info
·BitSpace Winter Break Camp - Between 12/29-12/31, young campers will design and create their custom party favors from scratch or make clocks, calendars, and goal trackers! Camp runs all three days from 9am-4pm. More Info
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Creative Calendar
·12/30, NYE Silly Straw Class at Lightwriters Neon - Explore the studio and make 4-5 glass straws to take home! Students will make simple shapes out of neon tubing and then sip festive complimentary NA beverages. No experience necessary. 5pm or 6pm, 4222 N Ravenswood Ave, $50 More Info
·1/16, Vision Board Collage Workshop at Bon Femmes - Kick off the new year with intention, creativity, and good vibes! This cozy evening is all about slowing down, getting clear on what you want for the year ahead, and bringing those goals to life through collage. 6-8pm, 4919 N Damen Ave, $35 More Info
| | Business Resources & Workshops | | |
Each month, Chicago's Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection hosts a variety of free business resource webinars!
·1/7, City Inspections - Ask Questions, Get Answers - Topics covered will include how to prepare for inspections, building permits and sign display requirements, food inspection overview and necessary certificates, and zoning review procedures. Learn how to operate safely and avoid common setbacks. 3-4:15pm, Zoom, FREE w/ RSVP Register Here
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·1/14, Getting Started with Generative AI: A Primer for Non-Technical Business Leaders - Looking to learn how generative AI (GenAI) tools like ChatGPT can help you and your team be faster, more effective, and more focused on your most impactful work? Attendees will learn the fundamentals of GenAI and how the technology works, best practices for responsible use, and tips on adopting AI inside your organization. No prior experience required. 3-4:30pm, Zoom, FREE w/ RSVP Register Here
·View Upcoming Free City Workshops
| | Updates from Special Service Area #31 | | ·Permanent Seating Installed at the Damen and Leland People Space - Permanent seating has officially been installed at Special Service Area #31’s People Space at Damen and Leland, made possible through a collaboration between SSA #31 and the 47th Ward Office, creating a more welcoming and accessible gathering place for the Ravenswood community! | ·Holiday Decor Installations - Special Service Area #31 has installed its 2025 street pole garland decor and festive planters throughout our commercial corridors, plus a brand-new train-car photo opportunity installation at the Wilson Avenue People Space! These enhancements are part of SSA #31's ongoing neighborhood beautification initiative. | | |
·Accurate Products Seeks Purchasing & Customer Service Personnel - Accurate Products Inc. is seeking a motivated, detail-oriented person to manage purchase orders and customer communications. More Info
·Assisting Hands Chicago North Seeks Caregiver - Are you a compassionate, dependable caregiver looking to make a real difference? Assisting Hands Chicago North offers a supportive work environment, flexible scheduling, and recognition programs. More Info
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·Accurate Products Inc Seeks Quality Tech - This full-time role supports the Quality Manager (QM). Ideal candidates are proficient in Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, and are fluent in English. Spanish is a plus! More Info
·DANK Haus Seeks Part-Time After Care Teacher - DANK Haus is looking for a part-time After-Care Teacher to help create a fun, safe, and engaging environment for preschoolers. Weekdays from 3-5pm! More Info
·View Our Job Board
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·Careers in Manufacturing at JARC - Jane Addams Resource Corporation's free job training courses can help you gain employment in the manufacturing sector. You'll learn valuable skills, including CNC, welding, and mechanical assembly. More Info | | |
·EmpowerFit New Year Strength Sale - Want to learn how to weight lift in 2026? Kick off the new year feeling supported at EmpowerFit. Purchase 11 personal training sessions (30, 45, or 60 minutes) for the price of 8—a savings of up to $330! Offer valid 1/1/26-1/31/26 More Info
·New Member Offer from Urban Athlete - New year, new you! Starting in January, sign up for a 4-month VIP membership contract for only $150/month (includes unlimited classes) or a 25 class-pack for $425 ($17/class!) More Info
·Introductory Offer at Body Euphoria Massage Therapy - Get ahead of the winter blues, and try a Magical Intro Massage at Body Euphoria Massage Therapy! Mention the GRCC newsletter for a free aromatherapy add-on to your session. More Info
| | Doing Good in the Neighborhood | |
·Holiday Lights Recycling with Reduce Waste Chicago - Go green for the holidays! Bring disused holiday lights to one of the listed drop off locations between 12/6-1/31. Local collection points include the 47th Ward office, Erwin Law, and Bartleby's! Read More
·Holiday Diaper Drive at Body Euphoria Massage Therapy - Body Euphoria Massage Therapy is partnering with 19th District Mutual Aid to collect donations of packaged diapers. Get a $10 off coupon for every pack of diapers donated! Read More
| Volunteer & Donation Opportunities | | |
·Support the 19th District Mutual Aid Group - The 19th District Mutual Aid Group continues to fill gaps and provide essential goods and services to new neighbors. Get involved by fundraising, donating supplies, packing welcome kits, attending advocacy trainings, or volunteering to drive. More Info
·Volunteer at The Friendship Center - The Friendship Center operates a food pantry, serves weekly hot meals, delivers groceries to seniors and other individuals who are homebound and cannot visit the pantry, and provides pet food for those in need. Volunteers are needed in a variety of roles, including in the pantry, in the kitchen, and helping with weekend deliveries. . More Info
·Support the Ravenswood Community Services Food Pantry & Community Kitchen - Every Tuesday, RCS distributes groceries and hot meals to neighbors. Volunteers are welcome and asked to sign up in advance. Other ways to help include donations of pasta and rice, financial support for the food pantry and community kitchen, and words of encouragement posted to RCS's Facebook page. More Info
·Call for Volunteers and Donations to Common Pantry - Chicago's longest operating food pantry is looking for new volunteers! If you can't volunteer,consider making a monetary donation. Direct monetary donations are the best way to support the pantry, as it allows them to purchase high priority supplies for their clients. More Info
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