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Welcome to our new members: Blue Room Training, Cityside Center for Spiritual Living, Compassionate Veterinary Hospice and In Home Euthanasia, Nathaniel J. Baskin: Certified Personal Trainer, Peak Wealth Planning, SIDS of Illinois, Smooth House Laser, The Silver Line, and Yoga Horizons of Chicago.
And a thanks to our returning members for their continued support: Big Teeth Productions, Common Pantry, Gnome Brew, German International School of Chicago, Groundswell Coffee Roasters, LaSalle Street Development, My Buddy's, Neighborly, R&A Sourdough, RENTGREAT.COM, SketchPad Inc., and The Attractivators.
| | There's a Facebook group just for Ravenswood! Click here to connect with neighbors about community issues, events, neighborhood-specific questions, and more. | | |
·Creative Summer Camps for Kids in Ravenswood - Step into a world of imagination and exploration with camps that are designed to inspire young minds and foster their passion for creativity. We've collected exciting places in our community where fun-filled experiences and lasting summer memories await. Read More
·CBS News: Crystal Cleaners and Mint Home in Chicago's Ravenswood neighborhood destroyed by fire - "Firefighters fought the still and box blaze for nearly an hour before the fire was struck out." Read More
Donate directly to support relief for Crystal Cleaners and Mint Home via their GoFundMe pages.
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·Block Club: Heart Of Lincoln Square Goes Car-Free For One Week - "The week-long closure to car traffic in the heart of Lincoln Square may provide insight into how the plaza could function as a pedestrian-only zone one day. The one-way street along the 4700 block of North Lincoln Ave - between Lawrence and Leland - is closed to vehicle traffic starting Monday. The closure is expected to last about a week, depending on weather, officials have said." Read More
·Office of Inspector General Launches Listening Tours & Survey - The City of Chicago Office of Inspector General (OIG) wants to hear from you! Share your thoughts via the OIG Listening Tours survey on how City government can better serve you. More Info
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·4/24, 19th District Council Monthly Meeting - Hear from a representative of the Avondale Restorative Justice Community Court (RJCC) about their community-based, healing-centered approach to reducing recidivism. A representative from the State’s Attorney’s Office will also share info about their First Time Weapon Offenders Probation Program. 6:30pm, 2936 N Southport, FREE w/ RSVP More Info
·4/24, Creating Sustainable Local Food Systems Panel at Common Pantry - Join Common Pantry for an evening of discussion among local leaders on Chicago's food ecosystem, current trends impacting the food system, and ways we can improve its sustainability. 6:30-8pm, 3908 N Lincoln Ave, FREE More Info
·4/26, Family Yoga at Pistachio Yoga - Bring the family for a fun, interactive yoga session where parents, caregivers, and children can connect through movement, mindfulness, and relaxation. This class is ideal for parents, children under 12 years old, and all skill levels to share the joy of yoga. 3-3:45pm, 5206 N Damen Ave More Info
·4/26, Pretzels On The Playground at German International School of Chicago - Join GISC for a special family event series: Pretzels on the Playground! For this special open house event, the team will welcome families on their new nature playground for a fun time for all ages. 10am-12pm, 1726 W Berteau Ave More Info
·4/27, Ravenswood Run with Ravenswood Community Services - The 29th annual Ravenswood Run returns! The event also serves as a fundraiser for Ravenswood Community Services' Food Pantry and Community Kitchen, a staple in the community that provides meals and groceries to neighbors in need. 8-10am, 4550 N Hermitage Ave Read More
·4/27, Spring Studio Opening at Sophia Reyes - Shop the new Sophia Reyes spring collection at the atelier! The event will feature guest jewelry designer Michelle Starbuck and ceramicist Jessica Egan of Little Fire Ceramics. 10am-5pm, 4039A N Ravenswood Ave More Info
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·4/27, Dog Moms Day Photoshoot at Bosly's Backyard - Your dog isn’t just a pet—they’re your best friend and source of unconditional love. This exclusive Mom & Me Dog Portrait Event is designed to capture that incredible connection in stunning, heartfelt portraits you’ll cherish for a lifetime. 9am-6pm, 4011 N Ravenswood Ave More Info
·4/29, Chi-ibigan: A Night for the Barkada - Bayan Ko gathered some of Chicago's best Filipino spots for a one-night-only event in honor of Filipino Food Month. Proceeds will support AFIRE. 6-10pm, 4043 N Ravenswood Ave, $140 More Info
·4/30, Open House at Platform Coworking - Discover your new workplace! Platform Coworking recently expanded and you're invited to tour the space or work the day for free. Snacks and drinks will be provided. 10am-3pm, 4422 N Ravenswood Ave, FREE More Info
·5/2, Not All There's Sober Soiree at Ravenswood Loft - Come join an indelible evening that's real, raw, and rooted in community for connection, laughter, and storytelling at Not All There's Sober Soiree - an event dedicated to celebrating sobriety, recovery, and the incredible community that makes it all possible. 7:30-10pm, 4437 N Ravenswood Ave More Info
·5/3, Annual Spring Gala at DANK Haus - DANK Haus will be rolling out the red carpet and bringing the glamor and allure of the Berlinale Film Festival and the Academy Awards. Experience the elegance and excitement of a Hollywood awards show with an evening of exquisite cuisine, a lively program, and dazzling auction items. 6-11pm, 4740 N Western Ave More Info
·5/7, Meet & Greet with SpiderMeka Portraits at Regus on Ravenswood - Come out for an intimate networking and exclusive profile photo opportunity! Tour the gorgeous Ravenswood Corridor loft-style building and see up close the work spaces available for leasing. 4-7pm, 4311 N Ravenswood More Info
·View Our Full Community Calendar
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·Book The BartleBike with Bartleby's Homemade Ice Cream - Thanks to exactly 100 generous backers, Bartleby's Kickstarter campaign to raise funds for an ice cream bike was a success! With expected delivery around Memorial Day, the bike will available to rent for block parties, birthdays, weddings, and other events all summer long! Learn More
·Mother's Day Brunch at Cultivate by Forbidden Root - Bring the special maternal figure in your life over to Cultivate in Ravenswood for a special 3-course brunch this Mother's Day! Served from 10am-5pm on May 11th, explore their exciting menu for only $30 a person! Read More
·Punch: The Who’s Who of Beer Cool in 2025 - "Is/Was is another resounding vote for specialization in craft brewing—and, like Continental lagers, also provides a repertoire skewing low in alcohol—but founder Mike Schallau has committed to an even narrower niche." Read More
·Pollo Express Now Open - Calling all Pollo lovers! Pollo Express, the family-owned Mexican restaurant well-regarded for its authentic dishes, has officially opened up their Ravenswood location at 1967 W Lawrence Ave. Stop in on Mondays and Wednesdays to buy a Whole Chicken Combo and get a Half Chicken FREE! Read More
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What's Up on Malt Row?
·4/26, Ravenswood Makers Market at KOVAL Distillery - Community. Art. A good time. Join the fun to explore 25 makers with a drink in hand at KOVAL Distillery! 1-6pm, 4241 N Ravenswood Ave, FREE More Info
·5/2, Buen Vino y Salsa at VIN312 Winery - Join VIN312 for an unforgettable evening of Salsa dancing with a live band and wine tastings. Take a tour of the venue and immerse yourself in the ambiance of full functioning urban winery hosted by the winemaker! 7-11pm, 4710 N. Ravenswood Ave. Rear, $20+ More Info
·5/3, Mom Market at Dovetail Brewery - Show ma how much you love her at Dovetail Brewery's annual Mother's Day market! From candles to ceramics, to sweets and small delights, there's something for every mom within a talented round-up of more than 20 local artists and makers. 12-6pm, 1800 W Belle Plaine Ave More Info
·5/24-5/25, Mayfestiversary - Begyle Brewing and Dovetail Brewery host their annual spring party! Celebrate Dovetail's 8th anniversary, and help raise funds for The Friendship Center food pantry. The weekend will include food trucks, live music, family-friendly fun, and of course lots of excellent beer! 11am-10pm, 1800 W Cuyler Ave More Info
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·Applications Open for Lillstreet Art Center's Artist-in-Residence Program - Looking to take your artistic practice to the next level? This is an opportunity to develop your work, gain valuable teaching experience, and become part of a vibrant creative community in Chicago’s Ravenswood neighborhood. Applications close May 1st! More Info
·Mommy & Me Dance Class at DANCE COLONY Studios - If you’ve got a little one that’s full of vigor and energy - this movement exploration class is for you! Expect guided exercises, and fun prompts to entertain your little ones - great for little movers ages 6 months to 3 years old! Class is offered every Friday morning. More Info
·Sketch Journal Art Retreat in Portugal with Anne Leuck - Join Anne Leuck this June for a week of creativity inspired by touring Portugal's beautiful coastline, back roads, and bairros. Classes will be inspired by daily experiences and the beautiful locations you'll visit. There are only two spots left! More Info
·Spring Classes at Joel Hall Dancers & Center - Spring classes are in full bloom at JHDC's new studio- so why not take the first step and get moving? Whether you're looking to refine your technique, try something new, or simply find joy in movement, they have a class for you! More Info
·LGBTQ+ Support Group at Augustyn Family Services - Explore creativity, build community, and connect with your inner child through summer-camp themed arts and crafts! This weekly art-based support group for adults age 21+ will be facilitated by art therapist Ellen Oanes, LPC and begins in June. More Info
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Creative Calendar
·4/26, Playing with Ink and Water at Jenny G's Art Supply - Taught by artist Larry Wolf, you'll explore how the ink and water interact, taking whatever strokes made and giving them a life of their own. Surprising forms arise on the paper - an interaction of our intentions and the nature of the materials. 10am-12pm, 1926 W Montrose Ave, $45 More Info
·4/27, Mommy & Me Tea Party at Color Me Mine - Bring on your favorite coffee or tea while you unleash your creativity painting a ceramic tea set. Color Me Mine will supply the biscuits, cup cakes and the paint; you bring your imagination! 11am-1pm, 3849 N Lincoln Ave, $115 for two participants More Info
·5/4, May the Fourth Be With You Needlepoint Class at Maydel - Learn how to create your very own solar system in wool! This course will teach students how to start and stop threads utilizing a counted canvas ground, along with principles of tent-stitch shading in wool threads, by blending colors in the needle with stitching. 10am-3:30pm, 1746 W Wilson Ave, $95 More Info
·5/10, Glass Bud Vases and Micro Arrangements at Lightwriters Neon - During this 3 hour class, you’ll form glass with a torch to make a bud vase with a crew of neon specialists. Elevate one of your creations with a micro arrangement of fresh flowers and kokedama with guest artist JiaHao Peng. 10am-1pm and 2pm-5pm, 4222 N Ravenswood Ave, $150 More Info
| | Business Resources & Workshops | | |
5/22, Women Leaders in Business: Spring Networking
The Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to invite you to a special edition of our Women Leaders in Business event on Thursday, May 22 at KOVAL Distillery. This year marks the 10th anniversary of both our organization and this impactful program—so we’re celebrating in style!
| | Tickets include admission, your first drink, savory and sweet small bites, and plenty of opportunities to get creative. 4-6pm, 4241 N Ravenswood Ave, $25 for GRCC Members/$32 for General Admission. More Info | | |
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.
·4/25, Building Your Small Business Team - Presented by Kylie Ruscheinski, Director of the Uptown Business Center. Learn how to maximize your business's potential by investing in the right tools and partners. Build your small business team for legal, financial, and management support. This webinar will also cover all of the free resources provided by the 8 Chicago Business Centers funded by the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection. 9:30am on Zoom, FREE w/ RSVP More Info
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·4/30, Business Licensing 101 For Creatives - Presented by the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection and the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. Learn about the City of Chicago business licensing process including required documentation, license application steps, and frequently asked questions. The webinar will cover general information on business licensing requirements pertaining to selling your art, presenting performances, or hosting in person workshops with youth. 3pm on Zoom, FREE w/ RSVP More Info
·View Upcoming Free City Workshops
| | Updates from Special Service Area #31 | | ·Landscaping Update - Each year, the Special Service Area #31 commission contracts a landscaping service to beautify approximately 90,000 square feet of corridors throughout Ravenswood. The landscapers take care of over 300 tree beds, more than 30 planters, and the Lawrence Avenue medians and bioswales. We are happy to report that the spring flowers have been planted! | | ·Power Washing Update - In a continued effort to beautify our neighborhood’s commercial corridors, enhancing the overall appeal and attracting more customers to the area, Special Service Area #31 will begin offering power washing services. This year, our crews are prioritizing Clark Street and Lawrence Avenue. | | |
·NEW: Sunny Kids Land LLC Seeks Infant/Toddler Lead Teacher - The Lead Teacher will plan and implement a daily curriculum, provide responsive care, and lead classroom staff to ensure a high-quality learning experience for every child. More Info
·NEW: Sunny Kids Land LLC Seeks Assistant Teacher - The Assistant Teacher will support the Lead Teacher in providing a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment for children, helping implement daily activities, and contributing to a positive classroom culture. More Info
·NEW: Rooted Connections Counseling Seeks Intake Coordinator - Rooted Connections Counseling is seeking an intake coordinator to manage their large referral base, request for services, and connections to their clinical team. More Info
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·Maydel Seeks Retail & eCommerce Specialist - Maydel is looking for an energetic, detail-oriented person to help with in-person and eCommerce retail operations. Maydel is a fast-growing craft company whose mission is to encourage accessibility and responsibility in craft. 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
·Half Acre Seeks Seasonal Taproom Associate - This is an hourly, seasonal position that requires availability during business hours, which includes weekends and nights. 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 | | |
·Mother's Day Sale at Lucila's Alfajores - Lucila's beautiful alfajores cookie gift boxes are the perfect gift for Mom on Mother's Day - use Code RAVEN10 for 10% off! Boxes can be shipped anywhere in the US or picked up locally in Ravenswood. Offer valid through 5/12/25. More Info
·Win an In-House Tooth Whitening at Juniper Dentistry - As a thank you for being part of the community, Juniper Dentistry is excited to offer a chance to win a professional in-house tooth whitening treatment! Enter by either becoming a new patient or referring a new patient. Offer valid 5/1/25-6/30/25. More Info
·Mother's Day Special at BRB Aesthetics Central - Celebrate Mother's Day all May long! Get a FREE ZO® Getting Skin Ready Kit (worth $78) when you buy a $300 BRB Gift Card. Offer valid 5/1/25-5/31/25. More Info
·Spring Promotion at Salon élan Vital - Buy 4 get 1 free single laser hair removal sessions. Plus, new massage clients will receive $10 off and can pre-book at end of the session to get $5 off your next appointment! Offer valid through 5/31/25. More Info
·Onboarding Trial at Bolt Fitness - New to fitness or looking to ease into group training with confidence? Bolt Fitness' 2-Week Onboarding Program is the perfect way to experience Bolt Fitness while receiving personalized guidance to set you up for success. Offering ongoing for new clients. More Info
| | Volunteer & Donation Opportunities | | |
·Call for Donations at the Levy Senior Center Gift Shop – The auxiliary board is getting busy bringing back everyone’s favorite way to support the Levy Senior Center by reopening their gift stop, which has been closed since the pandemic. All proceeds from the shop directly support the many events and activities provided by the Center. Along with traditional gift store merchandise they are looking to have the new shop feature a selection of handcrafted items and artwork created by local artists and artisans - donations of either type would be greatly appreciated. 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. Pasta and rice donations can be dropped off Tuesdays between 1-7:30pm at 1757 W Wilson Ave. 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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