March 29, 2012
 

Hello and welcome to this week's edition of your Insider Weekend Guide. We're quickly approaching April and the weather is expected to be beautiful - once again. This week the theme is "Fundraisers". We have many happening throughout the neighborhood this weekend. But that's not all. We've also included many community events, music, new restaurant information, plans for new developments, theater and more. We've also included our handy Summer Festival Guide so you can mark your calendars now and plan ahead. For full details, just click on the photos below. If you'd like to receive information throughout the week, we sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter. We've already exceeded 7,000 followers and would love to include you. Thanks, as always, for joining us and we'll see you in the neighborhood.

 

  _Bars

     Crohn's and Colitis Foundation Fundraiser

This weekend a neighborhood resident is hosting a fundraiser at The Bedford - 1612 W. Division Street. A $5 donation is suggested (which is also good for one drink).  There will also be a silent auction and raffle and proceeds will benefit CCFA's Terese Klein Scholarship Fund.

 

     Trivia Tuesdays - New at Standard

Looking for something to do on Tuesday nights? Head to The Standard Bar & Grill iin Wicker Park for Trivia Night. Each week you're eligible to win cash & prizes; in addition to lots of drink specials and $5 Quesadillas. 

 

 

  Community

       Bucktown's Easter Egg Hun

Have kids? Be sure to bring them to Bucktown's Easter Egg hunt this weekend at Senior Citizen Park (formerly Holstein Park) at 2300 N. Oakley Avenue on Saturday.  The first hunt is for kids under 3 and starts at 10am. The suggested donation is $3 and the weather should be great.

       Development Update - The Pizza Hut Site 

For 5 years the site known as "The Pizza Hut site" has been vacant. Newly purchased in 2011 big plans are in the making which include commercial space on the first floor, office space on the 2nd floor and 9 floors of apartments. Details and plans for the space are here.

 

      Gardeners - Join Wicker Park's Spring Team

Gardeners! This one's for you. As you can imagine, it takes a lot of work and commitment to keep Wicker Park proper looking great. Interested in gardening in the park? The Wicker Park Garden Club would love your help throughout April. Sign up !

 

The much beloved co-owner of Gold Star Bar, Susan Stursberg, was recently diagnosed with cancer and a fundraiser is being held for her on Saturday. The details of that fundraiser are here. An additional opportunity to contribute/donate is happening simultaneously so if you can't attend the fundraiser you can still help Susan. Thank you so much for your help and contributions.

     Get Ready for Spring - Tool Sharpening Workshop

Spring is here! And if you're as busy as we are you probably haven't realized yet that all of your landscaping and gardening tools need to be sharpened. Two sessions are available this Saturday. Sign up for details. The address will be provided after you sign up.

       Sign Up! Beginner & Advanced Spanish Classes

She's back! After several very successful classes, Elaine Winer will be back again in May to teach both beginner and advanced Spanish classes. Don't miss this terrific opportunity to learn Spanish in your own back yard -- and at Club Lucky. With Elena Chicago you'll learn in a comfortable and casual environment. What could be better?

      Your Wicker Park Bucktown Festival Guide

Last week we let you know that Do Division has been expanded this year and will be 3 days June 1 - June 3. And for your convenience, we've developed this handy little Neighborhood Festival Guide for you. So take a look and mark your calendars. As additional details become available, we will let you know.

 

Galleries

     LVL3 - hArt for Arts Fundraiser

Please join LVL3 next weekend for the 3rd Annual hArt for Arts Fundraiser. On Saturday April 7th, a silent auction and raffle will be hosted by LVL3 at 1542 N. Milwaukee Avenue. Advanced bids begin this Saturday.

 

 

  Music 

 

    Hunx and His Punx - Tonight

Tonight don't miss Hunx and Punx at Double Door. Hunx and Punx may be the first ever "girl group" fronted by a flamboyant gay male whose dream in life is to sound like a girl. They've created their own unique sound which combines 50's rock n roll, 60's girl groups and bubblegum pop. 

       Free Music Mondays - Every Monday

This Monday - and every Monday - you can catch a free show at The Empty Bottle. This Monday don't miss: Tin Tin Can/ Carolina Smith & The Good Sleeps/Jesse Hanabarger  (of The Hit Back). Shows start at 9:30pm 1035 N. Western Avenue.

 

 

  Restaurants

     Glazed & Infused Doughnuts Head to Wicker
Last year when Francesca's Forno closed for their remodel, owner Scott Harris mentioned he would also be opening a doughnut shop. Look for Glazed & Infused to open for business also in mid-April directly across the street from the Damen Blue Line stop. Did we mention they will be offering Bacon Long Johns? 

    Monthly Martini Party - Wednesday

It's that time again. The first Wednesday of each month, Bucktown's Club Lucky hosts a martini party. Next Wednesday the party is on. So mark your calendars and head to Club Lucky on April 4th.

 

  Retail/Shopping

      Bump Couture's Pop-Up Shop & Weekend Sale

Bump Couture's high-end pop up shop has moved in to the space soon-to-be the home of San Francisco's Sprout at 1943 W. Division Street in Wicker Park. This weekend they're hosting a trunk show and sale for moms and moms-to-be.

 

       Spring Eggstravaganza at Building Blocks Toys

Building Blocks Toy Store at 2130 W. Division Street always has fun & engaging events for kids and families. And in April you can bring your kids to their Eggstravaganza. Prizes, giveaways, temporary tattoos and more are waiting for you. Mark your calendars!

 

 

  Theater

We love the variety of theater and performing arts options available to us every week. Everything from comedy to drama to film and more. Check our  Theater  section for the many performances included in the Insider's Guide. This weekend you can take advantage of these performances:

 

     Death & Harry Houdini Extended

Over the past few months we've strongly encouraged our viewers to see Dennis Watkins in Death and Harry Houdini. And, as we've suspected, these shows have been selling out at The Chopin Theatre. If you've missed this run, which closes April 15th, mark your calendars now. The show returns to The Chopin this Summer. Don't miss it. 

     The 10th Annual Carnaval - Saturday

This weekend only, don't miss Collaboration's 10th Annual Carnaval. One of the best parties of the year, Carnaval is a fundraiser and launch party for Collaboraction's Sketchbook 12. Starts at 8pm on Saturday.

 

    They Are Dying Out - Closes This Weekend

This weekend marks the final weekend for They Are Dying Out at The Trap Door Theatre in Bucktown. They Are Dying Out is an epic meditation on the corporate mindset and how it infects the souls of those who engage it. Business mogul Hermann Quitt knows that it is impossible for him to live up to his own ideal image.....

Are you a Wicker Park or Bucktown Business?  Get Featured! And, as we mentioned earlier, for up-to-the-minute information throughout the week, please join us on Twitter and Facebook where we publish information daily. We'd love to have you.

 

Have a great weekend and we'll see you in the neighborhood.    

 

 

 

The Wicker Park Bucktown Insider's Guide