May 4th 2012
 

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

   Do Division Update 

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. 

 

   Movies in the Park - Bucktown

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. 

 

   Wicker Park Farmers Market

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.

    Local H - This Saturday

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.

 

Rockin' For Rescue Fundraiser

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

 

 

 

  Real Estate

Every foreclosure we publish sells within a week or less. The 1 bed + den we mentioned last week was under contract in couple of days. But you have another chance. This 3 bed/2 bath is in Ukrainian Village is current listed for $341k. We've also included a banner on our website which links to foreclosures. Don't wait on these if you're interested. 

 

  Retail/Shopping

     Mother's Day Gift Baskets- $25

Looking for a gift for Mom? Head to Greenheart Shop. You'll find beautiful gift baskets that extend beyond physical and cultural borders. Support fair trade and empower mothers everywhere. Starting at only $25. 

 

    Spex Grand Opening Party - Tonight

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

   The Mariachi Man Drinks to Cinco de Mayo

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