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Welcome to our new members: 4Legs Pet Products, Bad Luck Club, Center for Sustainable Energy for the ComEd EV Rebate Program, EHS Business Solutions, Hanneman & Associates, Karl Saffran, LCPC, Laura Scout Coaching, Light Up Your Holidays, Little Fire Ceramics, Thistle & Thorne, Time and a half Books LLC, Tucker Pup's Pet Resort, and Urban Athlete.
And a thanks to our returning members for their continued support: Act One Media, Amy Bissonette Photography, Begyle Brewing Company, Bender Martial Arts and Fitness, Bon Femmes, BRB Aesthetics Central, Carol's Pub, Ellipsis Productions, Hagerty Insurance Agency, Is/Was Brewing, Max's Place, Maydel, Pistachio Yoga, Sheade Psychotherapy, Spoken Cafe, Studio Malt, Traffic Jam Swing
| | There's a Facebook group just for Ravenswood! Click here to connect with neighbors about community issues, events, neighborhood-specific questions, and more. | | |
·Transit Impact Survey for Ravenswood Residents: Regional transit authorities face severe service cuts in 2026 without adequate funding set aside in the state budget. You can help by completing this brief survey about how you use and benefit from public transit. Your responses will be hugely helpful as we work with local officials to advocate for funding! Complete Survey
·WGN Spotlight: Farm Bar x Brown Dog Farm: Cider & Cocktails Made From Local Apples & Honey - A local restaurant known for its farm-to-table comfort food. “Farm Bar” is now introducing cider and cocktails made fresh with apples and honey from brown dog farm. TJ and Justin join with more. 🎥 Watch Here
·Celebrating Wellness Month in Ravenswood - This August, the Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce is proud to spotlight ten inspiring local businesses that are redefining what wellness means in our community. Read More
·Announcing the Winning Damen/Leland Mural Proposal - Ravenswood, you made your voice heard! Nearly 3,000 voters weighed in on mural proposals for the Damen and Leland People Space. The winner? Drumroll please 🥁 ...Eye Spy: Ravenswood by Alex Perkins! Keep an eye out for installation updates over the next few weeks! View Here
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·Local Business Spotlight: Demo Brewing Co. - You want to go to a brewery. But not just any brewery. You want to go somewhere new; somewhere with best-kept-secret vibes and a fast-rotating tap list of unique, layered brews. Light on its feet and tight on its turns, Demo’s built a cult following among local hopheads–and the momentum doesn’t show any signs of slowing. Read More
·CBS News: Lori Cannon, Chicago LGBTQ+ activist and advocate for people with HIV/AIDS, dies at 74 - Born in Chicago's Ravenswood neighborhood, Cannon spent decades as an instrumental fixture in the city's organized LGBTQ+ activist community. Read More
·Rendezvous Arts Summer Vignette Series - This month’s Summer Vignette features the radiant world of Lightwriters Neon and the inspiring artistry of Zoelle Nagib, a second-generation neon artist building a vibrant, inclusive community right across from our Chicago home. 🎥 Watch Here
·ABC: Woman-Owned Auto Shop Coming to Ravenswood - "The founder of Mechanista said she's designed the shop to help women feel more comfortable. It's why she's added comfy places to work and places for kids to play. It's all to pave the way for women to thrive in the auto industry." 🎥 Watch Here
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·8/8, Tarot Card Readings at Mindful Baking Cafe -Visit Mindful Baking Cafe on for lunch or an afternoon snack, and stay for a Tarot Card Reading with the Blue Witch, Laura González! 1-5pm, 1942 W Montrose Ave, $20+ More Info
·8/9, EmpowerFit Anniversary Party - Celebrate one year of EmpowerFit in Ravenswood with light snacks and refreshments, giveaways, and a ribbon cutting with the GRCC! 12-2pm, 1824 W Wilson Ave More Info
·8/9, Makers Pop Up Market at Platform 47 - Come support local vendors selling handmade crafts and food while sipping on delicious cocktails and supporting the community! 12-4pm, 4709 N Damen Ave More Info
·8/9-8/10, National Coffee Month at Colectivo Ravenswood - Celebrate all weekend with free giveaways, coffee tastings, and family fun—including face painting, balloon art, and a local ceramics pop-up. Don't miss your chance to win exclusive handcrafted ceramics! 6:30am-6pm, 1825 W Lawrence Ave More Info
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·8/11-8/15, Summer Camp at Pistachio Yoga - This unique summer camp option offers yoga, fun movement, mindfulness games/meditations, breathing exercises, and simple arts & crafts for campers aged 9-12 years old! 8am-12pm, 5206 N Damen Ave, $399 More Info
·8/13-8/18, Birthday Extravaganza at Ponnopozz - Owner Adrianne is celebrating 40 colorful years and invites you to a week-long celebration! Enjoy 40% off original paintings, BOGO prints, an original painting raffle, and 20% off all Ponnopozz designs! 12-6pm, 1966 W Montrose Ave More Info
·8/16, Grand Opening at Time and a half Books- Ravenswood’s newest bookstore will be opening its doors and celebrating with a ribbon cutting hosted by the GRCC at 6pm. Explore their carefully curated selection of new books! 10am-6pm, 4839 N Damen Ave More Info
·View Our Full Community Calendar
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8/15, Summer's End Community Crawl
Over the past few months, the Ravenswood Industrial Corridor has been turned inside out by water main replacements and infrastructure projects. While the construction brought much-needed improvements to the neighborhood, adjacent businesses were affected by related block closures, parking complications, and water shutoffs, losing would-be patrons during critical months.
We’re showing our support by bringing an easy breezy end-of-summer crawl to Ravenswood Ave—because how often do you get to drink for a good cause? Join us for a few drinks at the following awesome Ravenswood small businesses:
VIN312 Winery
Cultivate by Forbidden Root
O’Shaughnessy’s Public House
| | Free punch cards will be available at each participating business for the chance to win prizes from Fin Sushi, O'Shaughnessy's Public House, Spacca Napoli Pizzeria, and Starshaped Press. 6-9pm, Along Ravenswood Ave, FREE More Info | | |
·International Pop-Ups at Dovetail Brewery - Berlin. Tokyo. Brussels. Köln. Mexico City. Take your taste buds around the world, only at Dovetail. Are you worldly enough to pop up at all of these pop-ups? More Info
·Happy Hour at Chicago's Pizza - Come enjoy Happy Hour at Chicago's Pizza Monday through Saturday from 4pm to 7pm! They have cocktails at discounted prices and you can also buy individual wings for about a dollar. More Info
·Free Hot Dogs at The Ravenswood Tavern - You read that right: FREE hot dogs, every Sunday from 12-4pm while supplies last! Sunday Fundays at The Ravenswood Tavern are a way of life. Come for games, drinks, and dawgs. More Info
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What's Up on Malt Row?
·8/10, Doggy Yoga at Dovetail Brewery - Stretch, sip, snuggle—and rock out with the cutest crew in town! After a relaxing yoga session surrounded by pups from Chicago Canine Rescue, kick back with a cold brew--and maybe even take home a new best friend. All proceeds go to Chicago Canine Rescue. 12-1pm, 1800 W Belle Plaine Ave, $35 donation More Info
·8/16, 6th Anniversary & 16oz Can Release at Is/Was Brewing - Is/Was is releasing their FIRST-EVER CANS as part of our 6th Anniversary Celebration! The release features Will Be Saison, their flagship saison. Head to the taproom for $6 hotdogs, $6 16oz cans, and live portraits by Joe Kraft. Noon-midnight, 5121 N Ravenswood Ave More Info
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·Audition: Joel Hall Dancers & Center Trainee Program - In its 51st year, Joel Hall Dancers & Center brings back its beloved Training Program. This program gives talented dancers opportunities to train, perform, and be part of the studio community. Applications close August 30th! More Info
·Fall Registration Open at Lillstreet Art Center - Fall is just around the corner! Fall classes at Lillstreet feature brand-new offerings in every department! Registration begins July 28, and classes start September 8. Start planning your next creative chapter! More Info
·Fall Classes at Chicago Printmakers Collaborative Now Open for Registration - Chicago Printmakers Collaborative is excited to offer Fall classes! Offering NEW Morning courses as well as evening classes. Open to all experience levels - learn new skills, make beautiful prints, and get inky! More Info
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Creative Calendar
·8/10, Pet & Paint a Sloth at Color Me Mine - Get up close and personal with a real-life sloth! You will also paint a sloth themed ceramic piece. Bring your enthusiasm and a sense of adventure! Ages 4+. 10am-12pm, 3849 N Lincoln Ave, $59 More Info
·8/12, Macrame and Moonlight at Indigo & Violet Studio - Join author Emily Bond for a night of creativity and conversation. Craft your own moon-shaped macramé wall hanging and enjoy a talk centered on creativity, womanhood, and embracing life’s “sort of” magical moments. 6-8pm, 1411 W Irving Park Rd, $50 More Info
·8/10, FREE Over 40 Make Sh*t Morning at Jenny G's Art Supply - It's a free bring your own craft morning, but you MUST be over 40 years old - jk - but seriously Millenials & above only. Let's craft & complain about Gen Z (we love you Gen Z). 1926 W Montrose Ave, FREE More Info
| | Business Resources & Workshops | | |
8/14, Summer Social at The Long Room
Join us for our annual end-of-the-summer social happy hour at The Long Room. Kick back, have a cold beer or one a refreshing cocktail, and enjoy free-flowing conversations with fellow Ravenswood business owners, nonprofit leaders, and artisans on Long Room's picturesque patio! Sponsored by Erwin Law.
| Tickets include admission, snacks from AJ's Bakery, and your first drink. 4pm-6pm, 1612 W Irving Park Rd, $15 for GRCC Members / $25 for General Admission. More Info | | |
The City of Chicago’s Department of Planning & Development (DPD) Workforce Solutions Program is a semi-competitive (depending on the applicant’s location), reimbursable grant that covers trainings to upgrade the skills of current (incumbent) employees and/or training for new hires (On-the-Job Training). City-wide applications are now open. Apply Now.
Workforce Solutions reimbursement grants are funded through Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and proceeds from the Housing and Economic Development Bond. Grants fund up to 100% of eligible expenses for businesses seeking to train current employees and/or new hires.
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The Department of Planning and Development (DPD) recently announced that the Community Development Grant (Small and Medium sized funding) is currently accepting applications through August 15th, 2025. Apply Now.
The City of Chicago helps support business and neighborhood vitality through Small, Medium and Large Community Development Grant (CDG) awards to support a variety of eligible, business-related investments that create and maintain jobs and quality-of-life improvements for local residents. Applications are open to business owners, property owners, non-profit organizations, community developers and entrepreneurs.
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Each month, Chicago's Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection hosts a variety of free business resource webinars.
·8/15, How to Identify and Protect Your Intellectual Property - In this session, business owners will learn how to recognize the different types of intellectual property (IP) they may already own and the practical steps to safeguard them. Whether you’re launching a new product, developing content, or expanding your services, this presentation will provide the know-how to protect your assets. 9:30-11am, Zoom, FREE w/ RSVP Register Here
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·8/20, Concessions 101: Responding to an RFP - Are you interested in operating a restaurant or retail shop at Chicago's Airports, but don't know where to begin? This informative session will guide you through the Request for Proposal (RFP) process. The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) Concessions Team will walk you through the steps involved in preparing an RFP response, including considerations for crafting a compelling proposal. Lastly, the CDA will provide you with all the resources you will need to get started. 3-4:30pm, Zoom, FREE w/ RSVP Register Here
·View Upcoming Free City Workshops
| | Updates from Special Service Area #31 | | ·Ravenswood People Spaces Update - Special Service Area #31 is thrilled to announce that an awning has been installed at the Damen and Leland People Space! Later this year, CDOT in conjunction with the 47th Ward will be installing permanent seating to complete the project. More Info | | ·Commercial Corridor Activation Grant - Special Service Area 31’s new Commercial Corridor Activation Grant is designed to support local businesses along Ravenswood Avenue (Sunnyside to Lawrence) and Clark Street (Montrose to Ainslie) that are experiencing construction-related disruptions in 2025. More Info | | |
·NEW: Ridman's Coffee Seeks Part Time Barista - Ridman's Coffee is seeking a part-time barista with weekend availability! The ideal candidate has 2+ years of experience with espresso-based drinks and has a professional, friendly demeanor. More Info
·NEW: Bon Femmes Seeks Part-Time Sales Associate - If you’re a people person who loves great vibes, beautiful things, and supporting women-owned brands, this might be your dream side gig. More Info
·NEW: S&C Electric Company Seeks Machinist - As an S&C Electric team member, you’ll work on projects that have real-world impact. You’ll help transform the grid for resilient and reliable power worldwide. More Info
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·Mindful Baking Seeks Market Manager - The Market Manager will be responsible for managing Mindful Baking's roster of farmers markets and pop-up events year-long, particularly from May-November. More Info
·Common Pantry Seeks Bilingual Social Services Coordinator - The Coordinator will work with the Social Services Program Manager to provide direct supportive services and targeted referrals to clients of Common Pantry. More Info
·VIN312 Seeks Tasting Room Associate - Do you like serving people in a friendly environment? Are you a story teller? VIN312 seeks a Tasting Room Associate with a welcoming personality and a passion for wine. Applicants must be 21+. More Info
·View Our Job Board
| | ·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 | | ·August Yappy Hours at Trading Post Pet Supplies - During TPP's Friday Yappy Hours in August they will be celebrating back to school season with sample puzzles for your pup to try out. 25% off puzzles and enrichment toys during Yappy Hour! Offer valid through 8/31/25. More Info | | Volunteer & Donation Opportunities | | |
·Ponnopozz Raffle Supporting NPR/WBEZ - Support public media and win big! Enter the On a Whim Original Painting Raffle for your chance to take home a $600 artwork by Adrianne Hawthorne of Ponnopozz! Each $20 ticket supports WBEZ, and thanks to matching donations, your impact is doubled—winner announced August 23rd! More Info
·Summer School Supply Drive at Hazel - Hazel is partnering with Alderman Martin and Common Pantry to set our community’s kids up for success this school year! You'll have until August 4th to drop off your new or gently used school supplies at Hazel or at the 47th Ward Alderman’s office. 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 (info can be found on the RCS website under the Volunteer tab). Other ways to help include donations of pasta and rice within their expiration dates, financial support for the food pantry and community kitchen, and words of encouragement posted to RCS's Facebook page. 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. While most opportunities are for adults, the Friendship Center has two after-school programs for younger volunteers. 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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