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Welcome to our new members: DeVry University Advantage Academy, Finally Home, Ginger & Lime Print Shop, Hidden Light Tattoo, Mac Dynamite LLC, Nexa Dental Clinic, Paper Bunny Press, Rate: Anna Webdell, Retirement & Legacy Planning HELP LLC, Sip Society, StrongWithDana, Turin Bicycle, and Tyler Scherer State Farm.
And a thanks to our returning members for their continued support: 4Legs Pet Products, Bad Luck Club, Carol's Pub, Crafty Beaver, Dovetail Brewery, EHS Business Solutions, Enclosure, Gio's Bar and Grill, In Sight Sign Company, Little Fire Ceramics, Pilgrim Lutheran School, and Thistle & Thorne.
| | There's a Facebook group just for Ravenswood! Click here to connect with neighbors about community issues, events, neighborhood-specific questions, and more. | | Letter From Our Executive Director | | |
Hello neighbors,
I consider myself incredibly fortunate to be part of this community through my work at the Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce. Over the past twelve years, some of them pretty tough, I’ve had a front-row seat to the best of Ravenswood. I’ve watched neighbors from every walk of life step up for one another, support local businesses, volunteer their time, and work together to make this a welcoming, vibrant, deeply connected place. When someone needs a hand, Ravenswood has a way of showing up.
That spirit is embodied by the remarkable nonprofit and community organizations that call Ravenswood home. Every day, they strengthen our neighborhood in ways that are easy to overlook but impossible to replace. They ensure families have enough to eat, connect people with housing and mental health services, prepare residents for meaningful careers, care for our parks and gardens, and create spaces where everyone feels they belong. They remind us that a great neighborhood isn’t defined only by its restaurants, shops, and festivals. It’s also defined by the people who make it a place where others can find support, dignity, and hope.
Today, I’d like to ask you to show up for one of those organizations: Awakenings.
Awakening provides free, trauma-informed art programs for survivors of sexual violence. There is no insurance to navigate, no referral required, and no cost to participate. Just a safe, welcoming place where survivors can process, create, and heal.
Right now, Awakenings is facing real pressure. They’ve lost key grant funding, and like many organizations, they’re navigating a more uncertain philanthropic environment while demand for services continues to grow. That gap is exactly where community support matters most.
That’s why GRCC is helping Awakenings launch a new monthly giving program, and I’m inviting you to be part of it. We’re looking for 20 neighbors to step up and pledge a monthly gift. Monthly giving, even in small amounts, provides steady support that keeps these programs free and accessible to anyone who needs them.
If Ravenswood is a place where we show up for one another, this is one of those moments where that matters.
Click here to support Awakenings and join the “Ravenswood 20."
As a thank you, each quarter Ravenswood 20 supporters will receive a hand-made, postcard-sized art print from Awakenings and entry intro a drawing for a $25 gift card to a local business from GRCC. More Info
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·Bike to Feel Good: Our FIRST EVER Community Bike Tour on August 8! - We've teamed up with North Branch Works to create a 5-mile community bike tour across the north side, stopping at hidden gems along the way and ending at Ravenswood Feel Good Fest. Donation only - all proceeds go to the Riley O'Neil Memorial Fund! More Info
·46th Ward Back to School Bash on August 1st - Celebrate the start of the school year with a fun-filled day at Clarendon Park, including free backpacks & haircuts for kids, live music, free food from local vendors, games & activities, and a bounce house! More Info
·Local Businesses Awarded Community Development Grants - On June 24, Mayor Johnson announced 56 projects awarded a total of $42.5M in community development grants, including nearby businesses Phoenix Bean, Quantum LEEP Academy, and the Haitian American Museum of Chicago! More Info
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·Chicago Tribune: Ninth annual Ravenswood On Tap celebrate best of Malt Row - "It's these kinds of strong community ties between neighbors and Malt Row breweries that have been a key to keeping Ravenswood breweries afloat and active at a time when many Chicagoland breweries have closed their doors for good." More Info
·Dine In Solidarity on Clark St: August 14-16 - Dine out at immigrant-owned businesses on Clark St to show your support to neighbors who need it most! Spend $25+ at Tiztal Cafe or La Mexicana Grill from August 14-16 and send us your receipt for the chance to win prizes! More Info
·KT's Kids Seeking Volunteers for CAMP (Children with Adapted Mobility Play) - Make a difference, meet amazing kids, and have some summer camp fun! KT's Kids is seeking volunteers to assist with summer camp activities from August 3rd-7th. Each day brings something new! More Info
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·7/24, Grand Opening at Nexa Dental Clinic- Celebrate the grand opening of Nexa Dental! Nexa offers all the comforts of patient-first care while delivering the best equipment and results dental tech has to offer. Enjoy refreshments and goodie bags, learn more about services, and meet the team!3pm, 1821 W Lawrence Ave, FREE More Info
·7/25, Garden Crawl & Happy Hour w/ Ravenswood Neighbors Association - Join RNA for free educational tours and workshops or take a self-guided tour to explore gardens around Ravenswood. All programs are free! Afterwards, enjoy a happy hour & live bluegrass at Cultivate by Forbidden Root. 9am-5pm, Sunnyside & Ravenswood, FREE More Info
·7/25, Summer Fest by The Hive - Come celebrate the dancers of The Hive Studios at their annual day festival where you can enjoy food, art, makers, flash tattoos, and more! At 2pm, the dancers from The Hive will be performing 8 separate styles of dance. 12-5pm, 4222 N Ravenswood Suite 102, $5 Suggested Donation More Info
·7/25, Goodness Market at Mindful Baking - Beat the heat with the Goodness Market at Mindful Baking Kitchen & Cafe! Featuring Puerto Rican Vegan Brunch menu and desserts, plus live music, tarot readings, and local vendors with art, jewelry and more. 1-6pm, 4201 N Ravenswood Ave, FREE More Info
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·7/25, Open Gym Day at Ladies Who Lift Studios - Curious about Ladies Who Lift? Starting July 26, LWL is holding open gym days on the last Sunday of every month. Discover a supportive community of women and nonbinary folks! 11am-3pm, 4747 N Ashland Ave, FREE More Info
·7/29, 19th District Council Meeting at Clarendon Park Community Center - This meeting will focus on the Parking Alternative Response Team (PART) pilot ordinance, a proposal that sends trained civilian parking enforcement staff to parking-related 911 calls, allowing police to focus on higher priority needs. 6:30pm, 4501 N Clarendon Ave, FREE More Info
·7/30, Grand Opening at Ginger & Lime Print Shop - Save the date! Celebrate G&L's big day with snacks, refreshments, music, jokes, and more. All are welcome to join in on the fun! Plus, the chamber will be there for a Very Official ribbon cutting ceremony. 4-8pm, 4609 N Wolcott Ave, FREE More Info
·7/31, Rose Retreat at Ravensgoods - Experience an evening celebrating roses in a retreat that combines meditation and art. Create a rose out of crepe paper to be mounted on a small box. While there, enjoy refreshments and 20% off in store purchases! 6:30-8:30pm, 4703 N Damen Ave, $55 More Info
·View Our Full Community Calendar
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8/8, Ravenswood Feel Good Fest
This summer, the Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce and Minh Hearing Solutions invite you to our inaugural Ravenswood Feel Good Fest on Sunnyside Avenue! Join us on Saturday, August 8th for a micro-festival that brings together wellness, arts, sustainability, and community organizations for an inclusive, all-ages, all-abilities celebration.
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Ravenswood Feel Good Fest is brought to you by the GRCC, Special Service Area #31, Tightrope Collective, Chiro One, Bannerville, Chicago Magic Lounge, Colectivo, Traffic Jam! Swing, Budrista Club, Assisting Hands Chicago North, and CHIRP Radio.
11am-5pm. All ages welcome. Suggested gate donation of $5 goes back to supporting the neighborhood! More Info
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·Farm Bar Honey Fest This August - Mark your calendars for August 14-16 as Farm Bar offers a three-course Honey Harvest tasting event. Dine with Farm Bar from August 1-13 to enter their raffle for a chance to win a dedicated hive at Brown Dog Farm, a bee suit experience, and a custom honey harvest from your very own hive! More Info
·Register for Late Summer Skeeball at Begyle Brewing! - Whether you're a total newbie or a skee-soned professional, everyone is welcome to join The Skee League! Meet new people, drink Begyle beer, and roll with a new challenge every week. Starts the first week of August and ends with playoffs in mid-September. More Info
·July Do Good Cocktail at Long Room Chicago - Stop by Long Room this month for a refreshing Rosemary Daquiri! For every sale, $1 will be donated to Devices 4 the Disabled, who refurbish medical equipment and provide it for free to those in need. More Info
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What's Up on Malt Row?
·7/26, Garden Exchange at Spiteful Brewing - Gardens have a habit of getting a little ambitious. Bring your extra produce, flowers, cuttings, seeds, or tools and swap! Whether you're a green thumb or keeping one stubborn pothos alive, everyone's welcome. 12-3pm, 2024 W Balmoral Ave, FREE More Info
·7/29, Board Game Night at KOVAL Distillery - Enjoy your favorite board and card games with a craft cocktail at KOVAL! Bring games, bring friends, or find both in KOVAL's cozy tasting room. Hosted by Austin Heemstra, craft cocktail and board game connoisseur. 6pm, 4241 N Ravenswood Ave, FREE More Info
·8/8-8/9, Dovetail's 10 Year Weekend - Join Dovetail as they celebrate a decade of German-inspired brews with an all ages weekend full of pop-ups, exclusive beers, 2016 throwback prices, and incredible live music! ALL WEEKEND, 1800 W Belle Plaine Ave, FREE More Info
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·Adult Summer Intensive at Joel Hall Dancers & Center - Join some of Chicago's finest teachers from August 4-7 to explore various techniques and choreographic ideas. Ballet, Jazz, Modern: this summer, JHDC has it all. Register by July 31 with discount code ADSI2026 for 10% off! More Info
·Fall Registration Opens July 28th at Lillstreet Art Center - Explore hundreds of classes & workshops across Ceramics, Printmaking, Textiles, Drawing & Painting, Digital Arts, and more. Secure your spot today—classes begin September 8. From one-day workshops to multi-week courses, there's something for every skill level and creative interest. More Info
·Tiny Tag Art Show + Benefit at Jenny G's Art Supply - On July 25th, enjoy a tiny art gallery show at Jenny G's! 100% of art sales will go to Liliana & Ricardo, a local mother & son detained by ICE helping them get back onto their feet. ALL ART IS $15. Plus, get a t-shirt or tote bag screenprinted for FREE while you wait in line! 5:30-8pm, 1926 W Montrose Ave, FREE More Info
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Creative Calendar
·7/23, Bobbin Frame Workshop at bon femmes - In this hands-on workshop, you'll decorate a frame with bobbins, paint and whatever else you can find! Choose your favorite colors, add fun details, and personalize the mat board to create a frame that matches your style and space. 4919 N Damen Ave, 6-8pm, $28 More Info
·7/25, Salsa Class and Open Social at Ballroom Dance Chicago - The night starts with a class to bring you up to speed and ends with an open floor for social dancing. Whether you're looking to practice your moves or just have a great time on the floor, it's the perfect night out! 4039B N Ravenswood Ave, 7-9:30pm, $15-$30 More Info
·7/29, Poetry Open Mic at Time and a half Books - All are welcome to join this monthly poetry open-mic: "Our Favorite Poets and You." Poets are invited to bring one of their favorite poems by one of their favorite poets to share before reading their own work. 4839 N Damen Ave, Sign Up 7pm & Reading at 7:30pm More Info
| | Business Resources & Workshops | | |
8/20, Summer Social at Common Pantry
The Greater Ravenswood Chamber, Northcenter, and Albany Park Chambers of Commerce invite you to a co-hosted Summer Social at Common Pantry! This fun, casual gathering is a great opportunity to expand your network beyond your immediate neighborhood, exchange ideas, and build relationships with businesses and organizations throughout Chicago’s North Side.
| Tickets include admission, refreshments from Mimi's on Lincoln and Bartleby's Homemade Ice Cream, and an entry into our door prize raffle. 6pm-8pm, 3908 N Lincoln Ave, $20 for GRCC members / $30 for non-members More Info | |
8/26, Small Business Retirement Planning Happy Hour
Presented in partnership with Alera Group and Transamerica, this session will cover what quality retirement plan options are available to small business owners, how each operates, and how to choose the retirement plan that is right for you. Offering a quality retirement plan can help attract and retain talented employees. Plus, it helps show you care about their financial future.
| This event is FREE! Admission includes admission, your first drink, and snacks. 3pm-4:30pm, 4257 N Lincoln Ave, FREE More Info | |
The Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) is one of Chicago’s longest-running and most successful programs, helping to retain and expand small businesses in nearly every neighborhood. SBIF grants use local Tax Increment Financing (TIF) revenue to reimburse businesses for permanent building repairs and upgrades. These grants can cover 30 to 90% percent of the cost of remodeling work, with a maximum of $150,000 for commercial properties and $250,000 for industrial properties. SBIF grants to not need to be repaid.
SBIF Grant applications for businesses in the Clark/Montrose TIF District open on August 1, 2026 and close August 30. Click here for more on the Clark/Montrose SBIF.
| Learn more about applying the Clark/Montrose SBIF at an in-person SBIF 101 session on Wednesday, August 5th! This event is hosted by Wintrust Bank in collaboration with the GRCC and the Uptown Business Center. A light lunch and refreshments will be provided. 12:30-3:00pm, 2300 W Lawrence Ave, FREE More Info | | |
Each month, Chicago's Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection hosts a variety of free business resource webinars!
·7/29, Accessing Your Business Support System - Owning and operating your own business can leave you feeling isolated when you face unfamiliar challenges. BACP has cultivated a cohort of BSOs to provide Chicago business owners with industry-specific technical assistance. Learn how to access and establish relationships with key partners whose primary mission is helping you! 9:30-11am, Zoom, FREE w/ RSVP Register Here
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·8/5, City Inspections: Ask Questions, Get Answers - The Chicago BACP, Dept of Public Health, and the Dept of Buildings provide insight on how to operate a compliant business in Chicago. Topics include preparing for inspections, building permits & sign display requirements, food inspection and necessary certificates, and zoning review procedures. Learn how to operate safely and avoid common setbacks. 3-4:30pm, Zoom, FREE w/ RSVP Register Here
·View Upcoming Free City Workshops
| | Updates from Special Service Area #31 | | ·New Neighborhood Banners Installed – It's a bird! It's a plane! No—it's our updated Ravenswood Neighborhood Banners! Catch those bright pops of color atop light poles around the neighborhood and see which local businesses and organizations are sponsoring this community-forward initiative. Learn More | | ·Security Camera Rebate Program Update - Congratulations to Quantum LEEP Academy (1447 W Montrose Ave) and SketchPad Chicago (4411 N Ravenswood Ave) for completing installations of new security cameras as part of Special Service Area #31's Security Camera Rebate Program! Learn More | | ·Façade Rebate Program Update - Congratulations to Teddy's Ice Cream (2000 W Montrose Ave) for completing storefront improvements as part of Special Service Area #31's Façade Rebate Program! Learn More | | |
·NEW: BadaBing Wings Zone Seeks Dishwasher/Cook - Work part-time in the kitchen of a beloved, mafioso-themed wing spot! This is a dishwasher position with potential to become an assistant cook, perfect for dependable candidates seeking roles with growth potential. More Info
·NEW: Assisting Hands Chicago North Seeks Live-In Caregivers - Assisting Hands is seeking two compassionate, experienced caregivers to provide dedicated, round-the-clock care for an elderly Indian husband and wife in a comfortable home setting. More Info
·NEW: Vivant Gardening Services Seeks Temporary Administrative Assistant -
Vivant is seeking a kind, curious, and organized Temp Administrative Assistant to support communications, workshops, calendars, and internal systems during an Operations Manager maternity leave. More Info
·La Mexicana Grill Seeks Team Members - La Mexicana Grill is hiring for full-time and part-time employees! Are you a responsible team player with a positive attitude? You could be a great fit for this opportunity. More Info
·Paper Bunny Press Seeks Retail/Studio Assistants - Fine your niche with part-time work at a quirky stationery brand and retail shop! Ideal candidates are outgoing self-starters, multitaskers, and eager learners. More Info
·North Park Elementary School Seeks Part-Time Band Director - NPES is seeking an accomplished school Band Director to lead weekly Beginning Band and Advanced Band meets, prepare performances, design curriculum, and lead community engagement efforts. More Info
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·Thistle & Thorne Seeks Licensed Massage Therapist/Bodyworker - Thistle & Thorne is looking to expand its offerings! The ideal candidate is a professional, responsible expert who is as passionate about patient education as they are the quality of their care. More Info
·Tempel Steel Seeks Tool Room Manager - This full-time role manages and oversees all aspects of the day to day tool room operations and activities. This includes the repair, modifications and improvements of existing tooling. More Info
·Color Me Mine Seeks Studio Team Lead - Color Me Mine is looking for a creative, organized, and people-focused Studio Team Leader to lead daily operations and deliver an exceptional guest experience. More Info
·Lena Rose Beauty Seeks Natural Nail Technician - Lena Rose Beauty is Chicago's first non-toxic, holistic beauty spa and shop. This small, close-knit, growing team is seeking full-time technicians at both Chicago and Naperville locations. More Info
·Accurate Products Seeks Quality Control Assistant - Have experience implementing quality systems, inspecting products, and coordinating with suppliers? Accurate Products is seeking detail-oriented candidates excited about collaboration. 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 | | |
·Back-to-School Dental Exam & X-Rays at Nexa Dental Clinic - Start off the school year with the confidence of a healthy smile! Nexa Dental Clinic is offering free back-to-school exams with X-rays through August 31st. More Info
·Self Washing Stations at Trading Post Pet Supplies - Summer brings with it shedding coats and dirty paws, meaning it's the best season to give your four-legged friend a refresh at Trading Post Pet! Schedule a 45-minute or 115-minute self-wash sesh today. More Info
·Free 15 Minute Consultation with Ladies Who Lift - Want to get started, but not sure where to start? No problem. Ladies Who Lift would love to chat with you and help you figure out your best options. Their complimentary consultations are quick and completely pressure-free. More Info
| | Doing Good in the Neighborhood | |
·School Supply Drive at Hazel - Hazel is partnering with McPherson Elementary for a school supply drive through mid-August! Bring in new school/classroom supplies before August 10 to be distributed to McPherson kids. More Info
·Thursday Community Suppers at Spoken Cafe - Since starting their Community Supper series in November 2025, Spoken Cafe has served over 755 dinners and raised $8531 for local food pantries! Community Supper is served every Thursday from 6-8pm, free of charge. More Info
·Cool off with Long Room's July 'Do Good' Cocktail - Stop by Long Room this month for a refreshing Rosemary Daquiri! For every sale, $1 will be donated to Devices 4 the Disabled, who refurbish medical equipment and provide it for free to those in need. More Info
·The Friendship Center Breaks Distribution Records - Local food pantry The Friendship Center hit record breaking numbers on hot meal distribution, community resource appointments, food rescue amounts, pet food pantry, and second highest number of people served in the pantry and home delivery in the month of June. More Info
·Free Community Meals at Queen of Angels Church - Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Queen of Apostles Parish is hosting a Free Community Meal every 2nd and 4th Sunday of the Month. The next ones are happening Sunday, July 26 and Sunday, August 8 at Queen of Angels Church at 2330 W. Sunnyside. Share a hot meal and community! And pick up a bag of sandwiches and more to eat for the day. More Info
·Sip Society Brings Coffee to Those in Need - Sip Society sponsors and runs a Saturday cafe for a local food kitchen: St. Francis Catholic Worker, Chicago. Every Saturday, they serve up the best coffee Chicago has to those who deserve it the most. More Info
| Volunteer & Donation Opportunities | | |
·Volunteer at Ravenswood Feel Good Fest on August 8th - Ravenswood Feel Good Fest is a brand-new micro festival at Sunnyside & Clark brought to you by the Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce and Minh Hearing Solutions! We're seeking volunteers to help pour beer, assist with ticket sales, and welcome guests at the gate. More Info
·Serve Free Community Meals at Queen of Angels - Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Queen of Apostles Parish is looking for volunteers to help with our Free Community Meal every 2nd and 4th Sunday of the Month. The next ones are happening Sunday, July 26 and Sunday, August 8 at Queen of Angels Church at 2330 W. Sunnyside. Youth age 13+ are welcome to serve, but all minors must be accompanied by an adult. Your help is welcomed, needed, and appreciated! 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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