Hello and welcome to this week's edition of your Insider Weekend Guide.
The Kentucky Derby and Cinco de Mayo arrive this weekend and there are many events and parties planned throughout the neighborhood. But that's not all. We've also included community news, art gallery celebrations, new restaurant openings and more. If you'd like to receive information throughout the week, be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter. We would love to include you.
Thanks, as always, for
joining us and we'll see you in
the neighborhood.
Bars
Cinco de Mayo- Kentucky Derby Parties
This
weekend Cinco de Mayo and the Kentucky Derby land on the same day. So
we've included Cinco de Mayo street festivals, Kentucky Derby parties
and those celebrations that will include both. We're adding a few more
parties so if you're looking for fun and festive options in the
neighborhood, we've got em right here.
Community

More bands have been announced so be sure to check for the line-ups to date right here. Sounds like there will also be food trucks at the Polish Triangle over the weekend. We will keep you updated.
The Bucktown Community Organization announced their Movies in the Park line-up this week. So, which movies are heading to Churchill Park this Summer? Ferris Bueller's Day Off, The Wizard of Oz and The Lorax. And they're free. Stay tuned for the dates. As soon as they're announced, we will let you know.
It's coming....the highly anticipated Wicker Park Farmers Market will reopen in Wicker Park proper at 1425 N. Damen Avenue on June 3rd. For those who may not know, the market is located at the corner of Damen & Wicker Park Avenue. We will see you there!
Wicker Park Plant Sale & Fundraiser
Don't miss the Annual Plant Sale & Fundraiser this weekend in Wicker Park. Experienced gardeners and designers will help you pick the plants that are best for you. Proceeds are donated to the 10,000 square foot Wicker Park Gardens and lecture series.
Galleries/Art
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at Arts N Spirits
Want to do something
different this weekend in honor of Cinco de Mayo? Head to Arts N Spirits
at 1921 N. Damen Avenue in Bucktown with your friends and drink of
choice. (They're BYOB). You'll have a great time and come home with
artwork ready for framing. Details for how to sign up are right here.
Park Schrek's 1 Year Anniversary
Park
Schrek Gallery is celebrating their 1st Year Anniversary with an
opening reception tonight from 7:00pm - 10:00pm. Featured work will
include Jonathon Stein and the one and only Dan Schrek & John Park.
Congratulations on a terrific 1st year.
Music
Better Than Something - Film Screenings
The Empty Bottle will be hosting 2 film screenings this weekend for Better Than Something:
a feature documentary about the controversial
and prolific garage rock icon Jimmy Lee Lindsey Jr, better known to the
world as Jay Reatard.The portrait of Jay's life is captured just months
before his untimely passing. Public Works Gallery - 1539 N. Damen
Avenue.

Hailing
from Chicago, Local H is a two-man wrecking crew; a powerhouse
invigorated by former Triple Fast Action drummer Brain St. Clair and
driven by the distinct lyric and melodic vision of guitarist/vocalist
Scott Lucas. Get your tickets now. Keep your eyes open on our facebook
and twitter pages. We're giving away FREE tickets
for this show later today. Double Door- 1572 N. Milwaukee Avenue.
Mark your calendars. The Annual Rockin' For Rescue
Fundraiser for the Trio Animal Foundation heads to the neighborhood May 19th. Food will be provided by a
top Chicago Caterer featuring signature items designed and served by Hot
Doug's Chef. There will also be an open bar, 2 VIP areas, and a
fabulous silent auction and raffle. All
donations are tax-deductible.
Restaurants

Via Carducci not only offers delicious and authentic Italian fare, but every Monday - Wednesday you can save 50% on select bottles of wine. Head to the patio and enjoy.

The reviews following the soft opening last weekend have been extremely positive and the Red Door officially opened yesterday in Bucktown
in the space formerly the home of Duchamp at 2118 N. Damen Avenue.
We're looking forward to the private 100 person patio. See you there.
Real Estate
Retail/Shopping
Mother's Day Gift Baskets- $25

Spex
opened their Wicker Park location earlier this
year at 1407 N. Milwaukee Avenue and on Friday May 4th they'll be
hosting their official Grand Opening Party. With swag bags, refreshments
and appetizers, it's sure to be a great time. Be sure to
stop by.
Theater

For one day only this weekend, in celebration of Mexican Heritage and
drinking holidays everywhere, the cast of El Mari Chi Chi will
perform an interactive drinking theme burlesque show. The audience may keep up with the characters on stage and take a
drink for each time a character takes a swig. Gorilla Tango Theatre - 1919 N. Milwaukee Avenue.
Again, if you're interested in receiving up-to-the minute news & event information from us throughout the week, please feel free to join us on Facebook & Twitter. We'd love to include you.
If you'd like to receive our Weekend Guide each Thursday, here's how you do it. Sign up.
Have a great weekend and we'll see you in the neighborhood.
The Wicker Park Bucktown Insider's Guide