Ravenswood ArtWalk is less than 1 month away!

Don't miss out! Our newsletter can get cut off in your email. Click here to view as a webpage.

Week of August 18

In This Issue:



·Around Ravenswood

·Community Calendar

·Eat Local, Drink Local

·Arts Corner

·Business Resources & Workshops

·Updates from SSA #31

·Now Hiring

·Offers From GRCC Members

·Doing Good in the Neighborhood

·Volunteer Opportunities

Coming Up: Catch live local tunes and an album release party at Timber Lanes, find good reads and more at The Rooted Space's "Not Your Mom's Book Club", take a Friday night class at Chicago Glass Collective, and more!



Attention Business Leaders: Start thinking about your future! We're hosting a FREE Small Biz Retirement Planning Happy Hour next Wednesday, Aug 26. Register Here

Welcome to our new members: DeVry University Advantage Academy, Finally Home, Ginger & Lime Print Shop, Mulch Consulting, Nexa Dental Clinic, Petite Protea, Sip Society, Stars Align Art Therapy, StrongWithDana, The Lincoln Lodge, Turin Bicycle, and Tyler Scherer State Farm.


And a thanks to our returning members for their continued support: 4Legs Pet Products, Bad Coffee, Barry Sweets, Color Me Mine North Center, Forteza Fitness, G&G Law, Haitian American Museum of Chicago, Japan Karate Association, Juniper Dentistry, Mimi's on Lincoln, Open Space Early Learning Center, Ravenswood Nail Party, Spoken Cafe, T. Salon and Gallery, The Pottery Loop, Tiztal Cafe, and Waechter Architects.

There's a Facebook group just for Ravenswood! Click here to connect with neighbors about community issues, events, neighborhood-specific questions, and more.

Instagram  Facebook  Linkedin  YouTube

Around Ravenswood

·Remembering Jacob Fishman - "Jacob Alan Fishman, 74, a devoted father, husband, grandfather, and friend, passed away on August 5th 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. As a father and community member Jacob radiated kindness, dedication to craftsmanship, and the importance of friendship. In the neon world he was a beloved teacher and was known for bridging the gap between being an artist and an engineer. Among his many achievements, co-authoring The Neon Engineers Notebook and teaching countless students over 50 years in the craft are among what made him a pillar in the community." More Info


·WGN Midday News: Lunchbreak - Biscuits - Jess Martell of AJ's Bakery, famous for slinging sizzling breakfast and lunch dishes from the Sidecar at Long Room, shows viewers how to make the perfect biscuit from scratch every time. 🎥 Watch Here


·WGN Midday News: Lunchbreak - Double-Smash Cheeseburger - Travis Champer, owner of Cash's Kitchen at Long Room Chicago, joins the set of WGN Lunchbreak to divulge the secrets behind Cash's famous double-smash cheeseburger.🎥 Watch Here


·Celebrate National Wellness Month in Ravenswood - Ravenswood is full of health & wellness providers who want to help you feel your best! We sat down with five providers to learn more about their stories, their pro tips, and the powerful impact they’re making here in our neighborhood. More Info

·Share Your Favorite Stories from Green Machine Cycles - As our iconic independent bike shop prepares to close its doors, we're collecting community members' favorite stories and memories from the shop. Do you have a memory to share? We'd love to hear from you! More Info


·Volunteer at Ravenswood ArtWalk! - The 24th annual ArtWalk is back on Sept 12 & 13, and we can't do it without volunteers! All volunteers get FREE t-shirts, beer tickets, and access to a Volunteer Party at the end of the year. Plus, it's a great way to support your community and meet new people! More Info


·North Branch Works: Bike to Feel Good Supports Local Businesses - "On August 8th, twenty riders gathered for the Bike to Feel Good ride... Hosted by North Branch Works and the GRCC, the 5-mile ride featured stops at local businesses in Avondale and Ravenswood." More Info


·Fundraiser for the Family of Officer John Bartholomew - Chicago Police Officer John Bartholomew was shot and killed by a robbery suspect at Swedish Hospital on the morning of April 25, 2026. Officer Bartholomew served with CPD for 10 years, assigned to the Albany Park (17th) District. He is survived by his beloved wife, Renee Bartholomew, and his three children- Oliver, Miles, and Sophia. On Sunday, Sept. 27, the Hellenic American Police Association (HAPA) and St. George Greek Orthodox Church will hold a fundraiser at Chateau Ritz in Niles, from 5-10pm. Tickets include food, drinks, and entertainment. Proceeds will benefit Officer Bartholomew's family and HAPA outreach programs. More Info | Obit

Ravenswood Shows Up: Support for Awakenings & Local Survivors - For 15+ years, Awakenings has provided free, trauma-informed art programs for survivors of sexual violence. No insurance to navigate, no referral required, and no cost to participate. 


While the need for these services keeps growing, Awakenings has lost key grant funding and is operating in a philanthropic environment that has become constrained and uncertain. Support from the community they call home is more important than ever.


As neighbors, can make a difference. To that end, GRCC is helping Awakenings launch a new monthly giving program, and we want to invite you to be part of it. Read More

(click to enlarge)

Community Calendar

·8/21, Bartleby's End of Summer Puppy Party - Bartleby's is saying goodbye to summer with a day full of ice cream, books, bluegrass, and dogs! The party will feature author Susan Blake reading and signing copies of Ruby A. Beagle, local musicians, and 10% of sales going to benefit Anti-Cruelty. Bring your dog to join the fun with a pup-friendly sundae and a splash pool on the sidewalk! 1-6pm, 1943 W Byron St, FREE More Info


·8/21, Rock and Bowl Concert Series at Timber Lanes - Twenty bucks at the door gets you a night of free bowl & live music at Timber Lanes! Enjoy tunes by local bands Our Century in Pictures, Jake Joiko, lowground, and Hyaena Deluxe. 21+, doors at 8:30pm, 1851 W Irving Park Rd, $20 at door More Info


·8/22-8/23, 11th Annual Thirsty Ears Festival - The Thirsty Ears Festival is Chicago's only classical music street festival featuring 2 days of performances by stellar ensembles, craft beer and wine, community vendors and kid-friendly activities. 2-11pm on 8/22, 1-9pm on 8/23, Wilson between Ravenswood & Hermitage, FREE More Info



·8/23, Puppy Yoga at Bosly's Backyard - Stretch, breathe, cuddle—repeat. Join Paws & Pose Puppy Yoga—a 60-minute slow-flow yoga class led by certified instructor Lisa Pickert from Yogaview, with some very special co-hosts: adoptable puppies from One Tail at a Time! 4-5:30pm, 4011 N Ravenswood Ave, $50 More Info


·8/29, Not Your Mom's Book Club at The Rooted Space - It's like book club, but better! Enjoy a short book talk, followed by an book-themed yoga class, an author q&a, a Book Fair pop-up, bites and sips, and book themed crafts! You'll take home a new book, a junk journal, a bouquet, a bookmark you made, and a goodie bag FULL of freebies! 1-7pm, 4432 N Ravenswood Ave, $125 More Info


·9/9, North Park Elementary Unveils New Mural Honoring Kitihawa - NPES is proud to unveil a new public mural honoring Kitihawa, a Potawatomi woman and co-founder of Chicago, created by acclaimed Indigenous Chicago artists Noelle Garcia and Monica Rickert-Bolger. The mural celebrates Indigenous history, the arts, and student learning, incorporating elements of Potawatomi storytelling and student-created designs. 7:30-8:15am, 2017 W Montrose Ave, FREE More Info

9/12-9/13, Ravenswood ArtWalk: Tour of Arts & Industry


Spend a weekend celebrating Ravenswood's bustling creative scene! Discover local artists and makers, enjoy live performances and pop-ups, peek inside open studios along the historic Ravenswood Industrial Corridor, fill up on street food & beer, and so much more!


Enter our Outdoor Arts Market at Ravenswood and Berteau to shop 80+ local artists while enjoying two stages of live music, live painting, kids building projects with BitSpace, food trucks, and a pop-up Begyle Brewing beer garden!

11am-6pm each day, Enter at Ravenswood Ave and Berteau Ave, $5-10 Suggested Donation More Info | RSVP on Facebook


·9/18, Celebrate the Grand Opening of Corpore Sano Massage! - Welcome Corpore Sano to the neighborhood with a Grand Opening and open house, featuring a ribbon cutting ceremony and goodie bags for attendees! Corpore Sano is a goal-oriented massage practice offering a variety of services for all walks of life. 3pm, 1746 W Wilson Ave, FREE

·9/19, Tattoos for Rabbits at Hidden Light Tattoo - Hidden Light is hosting a flash tattoo sale fundraiser to help support the House Rabbit Society of Chicago! Stop by for rabbit themed flash, as well as toys and treats for rabbits. 12-6pm, 4201 N Ravenswood Ave A105, FREE More Info


·View Our Full Community Calendar


Eat Local, Drink Local

·Submit Your Dine In Solidarity Receipts! - Did you dine in at Tiztal Cafe or La Mexicana Grill on Clark between August 14-16? Send us your receipts for the chance to win local prizes! 10 winners will be drawn and notified next Monday, August 24th. More Info


·Del Sur Bakery Residency at Ravenswood Event Center - Miss Del Sur? We do too! While we wait for the Damen Ave cafe to re-open, they're doing a two-weekend residency at the Ravenswood Event Center at the end of this month! They're offering up limited amounts of pre-packaged pastry boxes available for $45/each. Pre-orders go live on 8/15 and 8/23! More Info


·Bears vs Browns Preseason Watch Party at Gio's Bar and Grill - This Saturday at high noon, forget watching the game from the couch -- bring your crew to Gio's for Bears sound on and $17 beer buckets! What could be better? No, seriously, try to think of one thing that could be better. You can't! More Info

What's Up on Malt Row?


·8/20, Gilmore Girls Trivia at Cultivate by Forbidden Root - Yo, it's almost fall--and you know what that means. Sweater weather = Gilmore Girls season. Make sure you're still firing on all cylinders with 6 rounds of Stars Hollow trivia. There's a $100 cash prize! 7-9pm, 4710 N Ravenswood Ave, $20 More Info


·8/27, Parks and Rec Trivia at Half Acre Beer Co - Treat yo' self...to a night of Parks and Rec trivia later this month! Put the "sip" in "municipal" with your sitcom-savvy pals. Prizes for the top 3 teams! 6-9pm, 2050 W Balmoral Ave, FREE More Info


·9/10, Oktoberfest Cocktail Class at KOVAL - Think Oktoberfest is only about beer? Think again! Join a hands-on mixology class and trade the beer steins for cocktail shakers. Mix up festive libations infused with classic German flavors while you learn to shake, stir, and garnish like a pro. 7-9pm, 4241 N Ravenswood Ave, $95 More Info

Arts Corner

·Fall Registration is Open at Lillstreet Art Center! - With crisp weather and leaves changing color, autumn is the perfect time to pick up a new creative pursuit! Treat yourself and register for a multi-week class at Lillstreet, with offerings in disciplines like pottery, printmaking, painting, and more! More Info


·Don't Spoil Your Dinner: Youth Improv Workshop at EmpowerFit - In this 4-week workshop, participants will explore games & exercises designed to strengthen communication, creativity, and self-expression. Wednesday evenings from 9/9-9/30, this workshop is designed for ages 11–14. More Info


·You Can't Fake the Funk at Black Ensemble Theater - Hop on the Mothership and take a groovy ride through the era when Afros were high, bell-bottoms were tight, and the music was out of sight! Daryl D. Brooks' You Can’t Fake the Funk: A Journey Through Funk Music is a feel-good tribute to a sound that defined a generation. Showing 9/5-10/25. More Info

Creative Calendar


·8/20, Mosaic Paper Collage Workshop at bon femmes studio - Create your very own mosaic collage, made by arranging small pieces of paper, fabric, textures, and imagery together to form one larger design. Think of it like piecing together a tiny world from beautiful lil fragments. 6-8pm, 4919 N Damen Ave, $30 More Info


·8/28, Friday Night Fusing Workshop at Chicago Glass Collective - Choose from several sizes and shape options, and spend part of your Friday creating your own beautiful fused glass piece. Learn how to cut and assemble beautiful sheet glass into your own unique design. No experience needed! 14+, 6:30-8:30pm, 1770 W Berteau Ave, $58 More Info


·8/30, End of Summer Craft Party at Indigo & Violet Studio - Celebrate the end of summer with three craft projects in a chill, BYOB community environment! You'll get the opportunity to do tea towel stamping, beaded lizards & keychains, and a tie dye finale! 12-3pm, 1411 W Irving Park Rd, $18 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. Sponsored by Erwin Law.

Tickets include admission, refreshments from Mimi’s on Lincoln and Salam Restaurant, ice cream canapes from Bartleby’s Homemade Ice Cream, refreshments from Cultivate by Forbidden Root, and an entry into our door prize raffle. 6pm-8pm, 3908 N Lincoln Ave, $20 for 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! Registration 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.

Each month, Chicago's Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection hosts a variety of free business resource webinars!


·8/26, Chicago Business Direct Online Licensing Services - Presented by Chicago BACP, this webinar will cover how to use Chicago’s online business licensing portal, Chicago Business Direct. Learn how to create a user profile, start a business license application, manage your existing licenses, and renew your licenses, all from the comfort of your home. 3-4:30pm, Zoom, FREE w/ RSVP Register Here

·8/28, Own the Business? Own the Building - If you own a business, owning your building offers financial and operational benefits. Learn about the power of ownership and how the SBA 504 loan makes buying commercial real estate attainable - helping entrepreneurs stabilize costs, build equity, grow operations, and create a pathway to generational wealth. 9:30-11am, Zoom, FREE w/ RSVP Register Here




·View Upcoming Free City Workshops

Updates from Special Service Area #31

·Security Camera Rebate Program Update - Congratulations to Pollen Studio (4835 N Damen Ave), 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

Now Hiring

Calling all job seekers! Interested in exploring a career in local manufacturing?


Join us on Wednesday, September 23rd at Begyle Brewing for our third annual FREE Careers in Manufacturing Mixer! This event is designed to connect local industrial business leaders with community members and students interested in manufacturing careers. More Info



·NEW: Gnome Brew Seeks Retail Assistant - This is a hands-on retail and hospitality position that includes customer service, filling orders, stocking, packaging, cleaning, and store upkeep, along with fermentation and occasional brewing. More Info


·NEW: Amy's Candy Bar Seeks Part Time - Amy's is looking for an energetic, customer service-oriented PT retail sales associate! Help grow a local small business, build relationships with customers and support everyday operations at the store. More Info


·Color Me Mine Seeks Studio Associate - Join the team at Color Me Mine! CMM is looking for a creative, organized, and people-focused Studio Associate to assist with daily operations and deliver an exceptional guest experience. More Info


·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


·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


·The Friendship Center Seeks Development & Communications Coordinator - This role works collaboratively with the Director of Development to engage stakeholders to make a financial impact and foster hope & dignity in the community through access to food and other vital resources. 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


·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


·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


·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


·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


·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


·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

Offers From Our Members

·Enjoy a FREE WEEK of Training at Feast Fitness in August! - In celebration of wellness month, Feast is offering community members 1 FREE WEEK of training at Feast. Meet our coaches and enjoy fun and challenging workouts. All are welcome! No previous training or fitness background needed. More Info


·Get 15% Off Classes at Ladies Who Lift - August is National Wellness Month! Commit to your health this month with LWL's group class packages. Receive 15% off in the month of August for buying a 12 pack of classes. 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


·NEW: Online Ordering at Trading Post Pet Supplies - Trading Post Pet just started offering online ordering with options to pick up via in-store or curbside! Get the best in pet products without leaving the house (or breaking the bank). More Info

Doing Good in the Neighborhood

·Bosly's Backyard Donates $1500 to One Tail at a Time - Bosly's Backyard, a private indoor dog park, recently donated $1500 to Chicago animal rescue One Tail at a Time using funds raised through monthly Puppy Yoga fundraiser events. More Info


·Jenny G's Tiny Tag Art Show Raises Funds for Neighbors Detained by ICE - On July 25th, Jenny G's held an art show and fundraiser where 100% of art sales went to Liliana & Ricardo, a local mother & son detained by ICE helping them get back onto their feet. The total amount raised was $1299! 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


·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. Looking to volunteer? Sign up to serve meals and make a larger impact! 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 ArtWalk on September 12 & 13 - The 24th annual ArtWalk is back on September 12 & 13, and we can't do it without volunteers! All volunteers get FREE t-shirts, beer tickets, and access to a Volunteer Party at the end of the year. Plus, it's a great way to support your community and meet new people! More Info


·Volunteer with Montrose Metra Community Gardens This Weekend - The MMCG are looking for volunteers to help tackle overgrowth and clean up the area south of Montrose on Ravenswood Ave on Saturday, August 22, from 10:30am–12:30pm. The bigger the turnout, the more opportunity to take on additional projects and beautify the area. They’re also looking to borrow a lawnmower for the work day—if you have one to lend, please reach out! Inquire Here


·Help Green Machine Move Out of Montrose Shop - Over 13 years, Green Machine has built a reputation as the go-to custom shop for quality bikes and accessories made to last. Join us on Tuesday, August 25th to help us pack up the shop as Green Machine prepares to close its doors. 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

Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce

Ravenswood Community Council

1770 W Berteau, Suite 101 | info@ravenswoodchicago.org