Charleese checks out the in-progress Damen/Leland Mural (📸: charleese.shiba) | | |
Welcome to our new members: Albany Bank and Trust Company, Glendale Communications Group, Hanneman & Associates, Karl Saffran, KBH Media, Karl Saffran LCPC, Laura Scout Coaching, Little Fire Ceramics, Mimi's on Lincoln, Scott Arthur Yerkey Design LTD, Thistle & Thorne, Tucker Pup's Pet Resort, and Urban Athlete.
And a thanks to our returning members for their continued support: Agruss Law Firm LLC, Andrea Harney Marketing & Photography, Barry Sweets, Beans & Bagels, Begyle Brewing Company, Bender Martial Arts and Fitness, BRB Aesthetics Central, Dovetail Brewery, Falcon's Handcrafted Sandwiches, Friends of Ravenswood, Lightwriters Neon, Ravenswood Supportive Living, and T. Salon and Gallery.
| | There's a Facebook group just for Ravenswood! Click here to connect with neighbors about community issues, events, neighborhood-specific questions, and more. | | |
·Clark Street Construction Update - The Chicago Department of Transportation is making street improvements along Clark St from Montrose to Winnemac. Work is anticipated to last for approximately three months. Parking will be restricted in the impacted areas. More Info
·Chicago Reader: Seth Boustead, composer and cofounder of Access Contemporary Music - "In 2015, ACM launched Thirsty Ears, Chicago’s only street festival devoted to classical music. This year’s Thirsty Ears takes place on Saturday and Sunday, August 23 and 24, on Wilson between Hermitage and Ravenswood." Read More
·Celebrating Wellness Month in Ravenswood - This August, the Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce is proud to spotlight 10 inspiring local businesses that are redefining what wellness means in our community. Read More
| | |
·WGN Spotlight: Eye-Spy Ravenswood: Artist Alex Perkins Wins Mural Design Contest - A Ravenswood mural design contest has announced its winner! “Eye-Spy Ravenswood” is a showcase of all the wonderful things about the neighborhood representing its food and art in a visually fun and engaging way. 📽️ Watch Here
·Bon Appétit: These New Restaurants Are Waking Up the Breakfast Menu - Ravenswood's Bayan Ko Diner gets a shout-out! From a Thai café in Berkeley to a Cuban-Filipino diner in Chicago, these are the 14 best new breakfast spots in the US. Read 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
| | |
·8/29, Fridays On The Green at Black Ensemble Theater - Bring a lawn chair and your dancing shoes for this free concert series! The Black Ensemble All-Stars will be performing on the Black lawn for this edition. 6:30-8pm, 4450 N Clark St, FREE More Info
·9/3, Walk the Trail at Winnslie Parkway - Join the Friends of Winnslie Parkway to learn about the Winnslie Expansion Project, take a guided walk, and hear from the Lakeside Palace Garden Club about their exciting new native planting initiative. 5pm, across from 5003 N Ravenswood Ave More Info
·9/4, Mahjong 101 at Mimi's on Lincoln - A fun evening of tiles, strategy, and friendly competition! Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn and socialize with fellow Mahjong enthusiasts. This is a 3-session course! Ticket includes all 3 sessions and an official 2025 National Mah Jongg League Card! 5:30-7:30pm, 3801 N Lincoln Ave, $130 More Info
| | |
·9/7, Bartleby's Freewheeling Fall Festival - Roll into fall! Get a bike tune-up, nosh on treats from Barry Sweets, enjoy live music, catch the rollout of Bartleby's fall flavors, and more! 1-5pm, 1943 W Byron St, FREE More Info
·9/12, 47th Ward Community Bike Ride -Alderman Martin and the 47th Ward team lead a family-friendly tour of the 47th Ward highlighting landmarks and projects -- and ending with a choice of ice cream or beer! Arrive early at 5:30PM to test out e-bikes at the Gazebo with Alderman Vasquez. 6pm, Welles Park, FREE More Info
·9/13-9/28, The CheckOut Opening Festival - Step inside the one‑of‑a‑kind Grand Opening Festival at The CheckOut, Chicago’s only chamber‑music venue ingeniously housed in a former 7‑Eleven! It’s more than a venue, it’s a year‑round invitation to re‑imagine the possibilities of live music! 7:30pm, 4116 N Clark St, $22+ More Info
·View Our Full Community Calendar
| | |
9/13-14, Ravenswood ArtWalk: Tour of Arts & Industry
Come out for two days of celebrating Ravenswood's creative community! RAW includes open studios and galleries, special performances and activations, public art, an Outdoor Arts Market, food trucks, and a pop-up beer garden!
Enter our Outdoor Arts Market at Ravenswood and Berteau to shop 70+ local artists while enjoying two stages of live music, live painting, kids building projects with BitSpace, food trucks, and a pop-up beer garden featuring Begyle Brewing!
| | |
·Student & Teacher Meals at Falcon's Handcrafted Sandwiches - It's back to school time! Students and teachers, you deserve a little treat to start the year off. Falcon's $13 student/teacher meal specials come with fries and a drink. More Info
·Join the Fall Euchre League at Begyle Brewing - Sign up now to join Begyle's Fall Euchre League! You may join as a pair or a single. League runs every Tuesday from September 16th until December 2nd, with the playoff game on December 9th! Players receive 10% off on game nights. More Info
·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
| | |
What's Up on Malt Row?
·9/2, Happy Lobster Pop-Up at Demo Brewing Co - And they're back! Happy Lobster is coming back to demo's parking lot for Round 2. Come grab a beer and a buttery lobster roll, hang with friends, and enjoy summer the right way. 5:30-8:30pm, 1763 W Berteau Ave, FREE More Info
·9/4, Ghouls and Girlies at KOVAL Distillery - Ghouls and Girlies is back at KOVAL this month for another chat about the spooky side of life. This month's theme? Superstitions! Put on your lucky pants, throw salt over your shoulder, and come ready to yap! 7-9pm, 4241 N Ravenswood Ave, FREE More Info
·9/5, Salsa Night at VIN312 Winery - Get ready for an unforgettable evening of rhythm, flavor, and wine! VIN312 hosts a special live performance by the Humboldt Park Orchestra featuring Edward Carpio. Grab your spot early and dance the night away in this tucked-away urban winery! 7-11:30pm, 4710 N Ravenswood Ave, $20 More Info
| | |
·Dance Colony Studios: Fall Registration - Register for the Colony Kidz Recreational Dance Program! This program is designed for beginner to intermediate-level movers, and is divided into four levels to support young movers at different stages of their dance journey. Classes start September 8! More Info
·Tri.Accord: Exploring Emotion Through Light and Form at Lightwriters Neon - This compelling solo exhibition examines how feelings manifest physically in our bodies while celebrating the collaborative spirit that fuels artistic creation. This exhibition runs until September 19! More Info
·Foundations: Architecturally Themed Prints at Chicago Printmakers Collaborative - Featuring fine art prints by local and international artists, CPC is displaying a gallery show focused on architecture! Come to the reception on September 6 for a first look at this selection of gorgeous prints. This gallery show will be on view through November 16! More Info
| | |
Creative Calendar
·8/31, Beginning Watercolor at Jenny G's Art Supply - This will be an intro watercolor session, with emphasis on learning the fundamental techniques of the medium, including color mixing for watercolor, transparency & layering. 10:30-12:30pm, 1926 W Montrose Ave, $35 More Info
·9/7, Collage Club at Ridman's Coffee - Looking to unplug, make something with your hands, and to be in good company? Come cut, glue, and connect! Supplies are provided - no experience is necessary! 3:30-5:30pm, 4758 N Clark St, $7 Suggested More Info
·9/12, Incense Making Workshop with Hard Broom at Bon Femmes - Join this captivating workshop, where you'll learn the art of crafting your own natural incense cones. This is an opportunity to delve into the world of incense making and create your own aromatic masterpieces. 6-8pm, 4917 N Damen Ave, $60 More Info
| | Business Resources & Workshops | | |
9/4, Know Your Rights Training & Immigration Update
In this webinar, organizers from HANA Center will lead us in a discussion of what your legal, constitutional rights are, as well as how to interact with ICE agents and police officers. This webinar is tailored to local business owners, leaders, and their employees.
| This webinar is FREE and will be presented in both English and Spanish. Advance registration is required to receive the meeting link, which will be shared via email prior to the workshop. 3-4pm, Zoom, FREE w/ RSVP 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.
| | |
Each month, Chicago's Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection hosts a variety of free business resource webinars!
·9/5, Access Capital to Buy or Renovate Your Small Business Space - This presentation will provide details on eligibility rules, benefits, application instructions, and client success stories on impactful capital resources like the Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF). Presenter SomerCor is a non-profit lender, certified by the Small Business Administration (SBA), and contracted by the City of Chicago to administer the SBIF and NOF programs. 9:30-11am, Zoom, FREE w/ RSVP Register Now
| | |
·9/18, Empower Hour: Klein's Bakery & Cafe - In honor and recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated from September 15 to October 15, this month’s Empower Hour will feature BACP Chief Small Business Officer Lotika Pai chatting with Jessica Klein and Dayana Klein, Owners of Klein’s Bakery & Cafe. The candid conversation will cover the start and growth of the business, site selection, product development and cultural influence. The webinar will end with a Q&A for attendees to ask questions. 2-3pm, Zoom, FREE w/ RSVP Register Now
·View Upcoming Free City Workshops
| | Updates from Special Service Area #31 | | ·Commercial Corridor Activation Grant - Special Service Area 31’s 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 | | |
·Amy's Candy Bar Seeks Part-Time Retail Sales Associate - Amy's Candy Bar is seeking an energetic, service-oriented part-time retail sales associate. Help grow a local small business, build relationships with customers, and support everyday operations at the store! 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
·Flavin Electric Seeks Project Manager - As a highly organized and detail-oriented Project Manager, the ideal candidate will be instrumental in ensuring projects are completed efficiently, on time, and within budget. More Info
| | |
·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
·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
·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 | | |
·Club Pilates Student & Teacher Discount - It's time to celebrate the students and teachers who make up such a big part of the community! Club Pilates Ravenswood offers exclusive membership discounts for teachers and students - 10% OFF for life on select memberships AND a waived $149 enrollment fee! More Info
·Anne Leuck Making Space Studio Sale - You’re invited to the Making Space Studio Sale. Take 25% off all originals, prints, and one-of-a-kind pieces through ArtWalk weekend. You can shop online, or visit the studio by appointment—and stop by during Ravenswood ArtWalk! Sale ends 9/15/25. 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
·Spoken Cafe 10th Anniversary Raffle - To celebrate a decade in business, Spoken Cafe is raffling off a set of "The Mighty Meandering Mississippi" posters! Try your luck by going into the cafe and filling out an entry form, it's that easy! Winner will be pulled 9/3/25. More Info
·New Patient Discount at Thistle & Thorne - T&T provides various healthcare services, including acupuncture, board-certified herbal medicine, cupping, and lifestyle recommendations to help you achieve your health goals. New patients will receive a 15% discount when paying out of pocket! Offer valid through 10/31/25. More Info
| | Volunteer & Donation Opportunities | | |
·Volunteer at Ravenswood ArtWalk! - Talk the talk and walk the (Art)Walk! We're looking for volunteers to help bring Ravenswood's iconic annual art festival to life. Giving back to the community never felt this fun! Plus, get free drink tickets and an invite to our end-of-year volunteer appreciation party. More Info
·Haitian American Museum of Chicago Call for Donations - HAMOC is currently seeking a permanent home for the museum to anchor the Chicagoland Haitian community. Through robust programs, exhibitions and initiatives, HAMOC has been the epicenter of Haitian culture throughout Chicago and the Midwest. You help them reach their goal! 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
| | | | |
