March 8, 2012
 

Hello and welcome to this week's edition of your Insider Weekend Guide. This week we've got lots of news and many fantastic events to share. Spring is just around the corner and this Saturday night don't forget to turn your clocks ahead. But that's not all, St. Patrick's Day celebrations are starting this weekend and the Green Music Fest 2012 headliners have already been announced. Can Summer be far behind?  For full details, just click on the photos below. Thanks, as always, for joining us and we'll see you in the neighborhood. 

  _Bars

   The Fat Pour Update

Several months ago, Metromix reported that a new 7,000 square foot sports bar would be heading in to the spot formerly the home of Adobo Grill. Although the original opening date was projected for early this year, according to the folks behind this project, it looks like Fat Pour's opening is being delayed to late Fall or even early Spring of 2013.

 

   March Madness Picks

March Madness is kicking off so if you're looking for a great spot to watch the games, here's where we'll be. These bars are true sports bars and offer good food, a fun environment, easy tv viewing and great specials. We'll be adding their specials later this week.

 

    St. Patrick's & Anniversary Parties

It's hard to believe our friends at The Fifty/50 are celebrating 4 years on Division Street. They're having a big party on Monday which starts at 7pm. The Fifty/50 will also be celebrating St. Patrick's Day this weekend and next. 

 

   Community

     Bloomingdale Trail Unveiling 

CBS has reported that the plans for the Bloomingdale Trail are ready to be presented. The Chicago Department of Transportation will be holding a meeting tonight. The time and the location of that meeting are attached.

 

    Cheerleading Workshops for Kids

For kids, tweens and teens, please join Dance Spa every Monday starting April 2nd for their Cheerleading workshops presented by United Spirit Athletics. Hurry! Classes start soon.

      The Art of Design - Lecture Series Monday

On Monday, don't miss this month's lecture series featuring Craig Bergmann. Bergmann has been an active gardener for over 40 years and is also a landscape architect and plantsman

 

 

        Help Find Snickers A Home

The Insider's Guide and Bucktown's Treehouse Humane Society are working together to find this young kitten a home. Found in Wicker Park, this little guy was outside in sub-zero temps and hadn't even developed his teeth yet! If you or anyone you know are interested in Snickers, please let us know and/or help to spread the word.

 

 

  Galleries

      Wicker Park & Bucktown Exhibitions

Curious to know which galleries are currently hosting exhibitions? Here is an overview of the neighborhood's current open exhibitions and Park Schrek has a new opening scheduled for next Friday at 7pm.

 

  Music 

        Lez Zeppelin - This Friday

This New York based all female quartet has become the first and foremost female rock act to pay homage to Led Zeppelin and to garner rave reviews across the board. And you can catch them this Friday at Double Door - 1572 N. Milwaukee Avenue.

 

 

      Garage Rock Sale - 7 Shows $20

The Empty Bottle is known for showcasing a broad range of genres in their club and this month you can score a pass for 7 days of garage rock shows for only $20. A very limited number of tickets are available. Also this weekend, Sausage Fest kicks off SXSW Weekend.

 

 

  Restaurants

         Eat Out Award Nominations

A very big congratulations to our Wicker Park and Bucktown businesses for being nominated for Time Out's 2012 Eat Out Awards. Those who have been nominated include: Forever Yogurt, The Southern Mac, Ripasso, The Anthem, Francesca's Forno, Tipsycake and more. There's one week left to vote for your favorites.

 

        Where You Can Find Free WiFi

Every day we look for places we can access wifi in the neighborhood. So we thought if we are ... you might be too. So here's our handy little guide to where you can find free wi fi in Wicker Park & Bucktown. 

 

    1/2 Off Bottles of Wine at Via Carducci

Head to Via Carducci Monday - Wednesday and not only will you enjoy a delicious Italian meal, you can enjoy bottles of wine for 50% off. The details are attached. 

 

 

  Retail/Shopping

        Celebrate Women's International Day

Spend $10 or more at the Greenheart Shop on International Women's Day today and receive a FREE cupcake from The Giving Treats. Each cupcake handed out at purchase is a cupcake donated to The Safe Haven Foundation.

 

       Handmade Market - Saturday

This Saturday, head to the monthly Handmade Market hosted by the Empty Bottle at 1035 N. Western Avenue. Each month you can support over 33 artisans selling clothing, accessories and more. 

 

 

     Second Time Around is OPEN

If Jimmy Choo, Chanel and Louis Vuitton are music to your eyes, be sure to head to Second Time Around; Wicker Park's newest consignment shop. You'll find high-end fashion and budget-friendly prices and you can find them at 1543 N. Milwaukee Avenue.

 

 

  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. Our pick for this weekend:

 

    Death & Harry Houdini

Don't miss Death & Harry Houdini at The Chopin Theatre in Wicker Park. You'll see the very talented magician, Dennis Watkins, perform Houdini's incredible Water Torture Cell escape trick --- and more. 

Don't forget to review your favorite bar, restaurant, shop or events. You can log on to our website any time to rate your experience and provide comments. And, 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