June 22, 2012

 

Hello and welcome to this week's edition of your Insider Weekend Guide.

We have an exciting weekend ahead with beautiful weather in the forecast. If you're a music lover, this week and weekend are for you. Green Music Fest arrives Saturday and free music shows are available at the Empty Bottle and Double Door all week - and weekend - long. But that's not all. We've also included Savannah style shrimp boils, lots of free community events, theater and more. 

The Lollapalooza Aftershows we mentioned last week are already selling out. So if you haven't gotten your tickets to those yet...do it.  

 

Last but not least, we learned this week our small business is eligible for a very generous grant. But we need 250 Votes to be qualify. If you're a small business fan and could vote for us, we would be incredibly appreciative. It literally takes 30 seconds. Additional details are outlined below.

 

Thanks, as always for joining us. Have a great weekend and we'll see you in the neighborhood.

 

 

 

  BARS

 

 

 

COMMUNITY  

     

2012 Chicago Reader "Best Of" List

The Chicago Reader just published their best of list for 2012 which includes a number of Wicker Park & Bucktown businesses. But that's not all. 1st Ward Alderman Joe Moreno was voted as Best Alderman and Wicker Park was voted as the Best Neighborhood for Nightlife. This we already know. Chicago Reader's Best Of 2012.

 

Puppets in the Park

For young and old alike, please join The Magic Boat Puppet Show at the Wicker Park Playground - 1425 N. Damen Avenue this Sunday at 11am. You can also stop by the Sunday Farmers Market in Wicker Park proper that morning and then head to the playground. Puppets. 

 

Spanish Classes - At Club Lucky

If you missed the opportunity earlier and would love to take Spanish Classes, Elena Chicago is back in July. Join award-winning educator Elaine Winer for her 8 week course at Bucktown's Club Lucky - 1824 W. Wabansia. Forget the stuffy classroom.Grab a glass of wine and enjoy. But hurry. Classes start soon. Elena Chicago.

 

Wicker Mic - Open Mic- Tonight

Come out and perform your songs, poetry and stand up, or just enjoy listening at the outdoor open mic in Wicker Park proper (1425 N. Damen Avenue) this Friday from 6-9pm. Sign-up on the day of the event at 5pm. Each slot is 5 minutes (2 songs, 3 poems or 5 minutes of stand up). The weather is just perfect. Wicker Mic.

 

 

 

 

  MUSIC

    

Empty Bottle Announces Pitchfork AfterShows

The Empty Bottle just announced the Pitchfork 2012 AfterShows they'll be hosting and tickets are on sale now. You know these shows will sell out quickly. Want to know who will be playing at 1035 N. Western Avenue Pitchfork Festival Weekend? Aftershows.

 

 

FREE Music All Week & Weekend Long

The Double Door & Empty Bottle are offering FREE music shows all weekend long. No cover will be required but you may need to RSVP to sure your cover charge is waived. So you can catch great music all weekend long. Did me mention it's free? Freekend. Empty Bottle

 

Green Music Fest

Green Music Fest is also heading into the neighborhood this weekend on Damen Avenue between Schiller and Wicker Park Avenue. A $5 donation is requested but you can catch great bands like Dinosaur Jr. and the Raveonettes. The full line up.

 

 

 RESTAURANTS

Bucktown's Bluebird Introduces New Summer Menu

Bucktown's Bluebird -1749 N. Damen Avenue - is bringing in a new chef - and new menu just in time for Summer. Talented Chef Dave Ford is heading to Bluebird and will be overseeing the kitchen. What can you expect with his new menu? Predominantly small plates with a few large plates included to round out the menu. Here's a preview of what you'll find. Bluebird Menu.

 

FREE Forever Yogurt Gift Cards

The good news/bad news. The bad news is that we haven't been out walking the dogs as much as we usually do because the weather has been so incredibly hot. The good news is we still have a few Forever Yogurt gift cards to give away. And we'll be out and about this weekend for sure. See the dogs & we'll give you a $5 gift card right on the spot. While supplies last. Forever Yogurt.

 

Team Behind Prasino Plans New Spot

Alderman Moreno announced in a State of the Ward meeting that the team behind Prasino will be opening a new Greek/Middle Eastern gyro spot called Covo on Milwaukee Avenue next to Native Foods Cafe at 1482 N. Milwaukee Avenue. Look for this casual eatery to open late Summer. Additional details to follow.

 

 

 

 RETAIL/SHOPPING

 

 

Joe's Wine Cellar Opens Tuesday

Joe's Wine Cellar has moved in to Wicker Park and is located in the space formerly the home of Division Cleaners at 2108 W. Division Street. But we can assure you, there are no signs of the cleaners left in this space. Joe's offers 350+ varieties of wine, 16 taps for tasting, 80+ craft brews in bombers and mix and match six-packs plus mainly local cheeses, charcuterie, and fresh-baked baguettes from La Boulangerie. Joe's doors are open sporadically this weekend. Look for the official opening to happen Tuesday. Joe's Wine.

 

Plenty Grocery Heads to Wicker Park

Plenty Grocery & Deli is moving in to Wicker Park in the space formerly the home of Zaraz Collections at 2036 W. Division. Although plans are still in the works you can expect a neighborhood grocery store feeling and produce, dairy, breads, meats and cheeses. Plenty.

 

Temple Beautiful & The Fountain of Youth

Would you like to learn how to keep those botox injections at bay? Head to Temple Beautiful at 1903 W. Division tonight for an interactive workshop where you can learn a few secrets and participate in an acupressure session. Fountain of Youth.

 

SMALL BUSINESS GRANT 

 

Small Businesses Rock - Please Vote For Us !

Many people don't realize we're a small business. And because we are a small independent business we're eligible for a Chase/Livingsocial Small Business Grant. But we need your help. Please take a moment to vote for us! It only takes about 30 seconds (seriously). You logon here and type in Wicker into the "business" section and you're done. If everyone votes we'll have enough votes to qualify by the end of the day. But if you don't, we may not qualify at all. Thank you so much for your support!!  Rock the Vote.

 

 

 

 THEATER 

 

Anger/Fly At Trap Door Theatre

Bucktown's Trap Door Theatre at 1655 W. Cortland Avenue was just recognized by the Chicago Reader for having the Best String of Theatrical Stunners in Chicago. Don't miss Anger/Fly; Trap Door's current show. It closes June 30th. Anger/Fly.

 

If you're interested in receiving up-to-the minute news & event information from us throughout the week, please feel free to join our 8,000+ followers on Facebook & Twitter. We'd love to include you. And if you have news or an event to share, please don't hesitate to let us know.

 

 

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

 

 

The Wicker Park Bucktown Insider's Guide

June 21, 2012

 

Hello and welcome to this week's edition of your Insider Weekend Guide.

We have an exciting weekend ahead with beautiful weather in the forecast. If you're a music lover, this week and weekend are for you. Green Music Fest arrives Saturday and free music shows are available at the Empty Bottle and Double Door all week - and weekend - long. But that's not all. We've also included Savannah style shrimp boils, lots of free community events, theater and more. 

The Lollapalooza Aftershows we mentioned last week are already selling out. So if you haven't gotten your tickets to those yet...do it.  

 

Last but not least, we learned this week our small business is eligible for a very generous grant. But we need 250 Votes to be qualify. If you're a small business fan and could vote for us, we would be incredibly appreciative. It literally takes less than 1 minute. Additional details are outlined below.

 

Thanks, as always for joining us. Have a great weekend and we'll see you in the neighborhood.

 

 

 

  BARS

 

 

 

COMMUNITY  

     

2012 Chicago Reader "Best Of" List

The Chicago Reader just published their best of list for 2012 which includes a number of Wicker Park & Bucktown businesses. But that's not all. 1st Ward Alderman Joe Moreno was voted as Best Alderman and Wicker Park was voted as the Best Neighborhood for Nightlife. This we already know. Chicago Reader's Best Of 2012.

 

Farmers Market - Tonight - Division/Ashland

Yes there are 2 Farmers Markets this year in Wicker Park. And every Thursday you can visit the Farmers Market located at Division & Ashland for produce, cheese, teas, soups and more. Opens at 3:00pm. Market.

 

Puppets in the Park

For young and old alike, please join The Magic Boat Puppet Show at the Wicker Park Playground - 1425 N. Damen Avenue this Sunday at 11am. You can also stop by the Sunday Farmers Market in Wicker Park proper that morning and then head to the playground. Puppets. 

 

 

Spanish Classes - At Club Lucky

If you missed the opportunity earlier and would love to take Spanish Classes, Elena Chicago is back in July. Join award-winning educator Elaine Winer for her 8 week course at Bucktown's Club Lucky - 1824 W. Wabansia. Forget the stuffy classroom.Grab a glass of wine and enjoy. But hurry. Classes start soon. Elena Chicago.

 

Wicker Mic - Open Mic- Friday

Come out and perform your songs, poetry and stand up, or just enjoy listening at the outdoor open mic in Wicker Park proper (1425 N. Damen Avenue) this Friday from 6-9pm. Sign-up on the day of the event at 5pm. Each slot is 5 minutes (2 songs, 3 poems or 5 minutes of stand up). The weather should be perfect. Wicker Mic.

 

 

 

 

  MUSIC

    

FREE Do312 Anniversary Party Tonight

With roots in the neighborhood, we happy to report that Do312 is celebrating their 2nd Birthday with a Bash tonight at Double Door- 1572 N. Milwaukee Avenue. The Heavy is playing and you can get in for free but you have to RSVP. Do312.

 

 

FREE Music All Week & Weekend Long

The Double Door & Empty Bottle are offering FREE music shows all weekend long. No cover will be required but you may need to RSVP to sure your cover charge is waived. So you can catch great music all weekend long. Did me mention it's free? Freekend. Empty Bottle

 

Green Music Fest

Green Music Fest is also heading into the neighborhood this weekend on Damen Avenue between Schiller and Wicker Park Avenue. A $5 donation is requested but you can catch great bands like Dinosaur Jr. and the Raveonettes. The full line up.

 

 

 RESTAURANTS

Bucktown's Bluebird Introduces New Summer Menu

Bucktown's Bluebird -1749 N. Damen Avenue - is bringing in a new chef - and new menu just in time for Summer. Talented Chef Dave Ford is heading to Bluebird and will be overseeing the kitchen. What can you expect with his new menu? Predominantly small plates with a few large plates included to round out the menu. Here's a preview of what you'll find. Bluebird Menu.

 

FREE Forever Yogurt Gift Cards

The good news/bad news. The bad news is that we haven't been out walking the dogs as much as we usually do because the weather has been so incredibly hot. The good news is we still have a few Forever Yogurt gift cards to give away. And we'll be out and about this weekend for sure. See the dogs & we'll give you a $5 gift card right on the spot. While supplies last. Forever Yogurt.

 

Team Behind Prasino Plans New Spot

Alderman Moreno announced in a State of the Ward meeting that the team behind Prasino will be opening a new Greek/Middle Eastern gyro spot on Milwaukee Avenue next to Native Foods Cafe at 1482 N. Milwaukee Avenue. Look for this casual eatery to open late Summer. Additional details to follow.

 

 

 

 RETAIL/SHOPPING

 

 

Joe's Wine Cellar Opens Tuesday

Joe's Wine Cellar has moved in to Wicker Park and is located in the space formerly the home of Division Cleaners at 2108 W. Division Street. But we can assure you, there are no signs of the cleaners left in this space. Joe's offers 350+ varieties of wine, 16 taps for tasting, 80+ craft brews in bombers and mix and match six-packs plus mainly local cheeses, charcuterie, and fresh-baked baguettes from La Boulangerie. Joe's doors are open sporadically this weekend. Look for the official opening to happen Tuesday. Joe's Wine.

 

Plenty Grocery Heads to Wicker Park

Plenty Grocery & Deli is moving in to Wicker Park in the space formerly the home of Zaraz Collections at 2036 W. Division. Although plans are still in the works you can expect a neighborhood grocery store feeling and produce, dairy, breads, meats and cheeses. Plenty.

 

Temple Beautiful & The Fountain of Youth

Would you like to learn how to keep those botox injections at bay? Head to Temple Beautiful at 1903 W. Division this Friday for an interactive workshop where you can learn a few secrets and participate in an acupressure session. Fountain of Youth.

 

SMALL BUSINESS GRANT 

 

Small Businesses Rock - Please Vote For Us !

Many people don't realize we're a small business. And because we are a small independent business we're eligible for a Chase/Livingsocial Small Business Grant. But we need your help. Please take a moment to vote for us! It only takes about 30 seconds (seriously). You logon here and type in Wicker into the "business" section and you're done. If everyone votes we'll have enough votes to qualify by the end of the day. But if you don't, we may not qualify at all. Thank you so much for your support!!  Rock the Vote.

 

 

 

 THEATER 

 

Anger/Fly At Trap Door Theatre

Bucktown's Trap Door Theatre at 1655 W. Cortland Avenue was just recognized by the Chicago Reader for having the Best String of Theatrical Stunners in Chicago. Don't miss Anger/Fly; Trap Door's current show. It closes June 30th. Anger/Fly.

 

If you're interested in receiving up-to-the minute news & event information from us throughout the week, please feel free to join our 8,000+ followers on Facebook & Twitter. We'd love to include you. And if you have news or an event to share, please don't hesitate to let us know.

 

 

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

 

 

The Wicker Park Bucktown Insider's Guide

Learnapalooza Festival

Saturday June 16th 10am -4pm

Locations throughout Wicker Park & Bucktown

FREE

http://www.learnapaloozachi.com/

Wicker Park Field House – 1425 N. Damen Avenue and Various other Locations in Wicker Park

Learnapalooza is an annual volunteer-led event that's just around the corner. Workshops will be hosted by more than a dozen businesses and organizations throughout the neighborhood. The majority of the workshops are created for adults, but there will be several options for children and families as well. It’s a fun, free way to share your passions, learn new skills, and connect with your neighbors.

 

For a full list of workshops, go to the website. Hurry! Classes will fill up quickly.

Details – Schedule – Register for Classes: www.learnapaloozachi.com

 

SPONSORS: Learnapalooza, WPBSSA#33, Awesome Foundation, Wicker Park Advisory Council, Wicker Park Garden Club in Collaboration with the Chicago Park District and numerous Wicker Park organizations.

 

 

For up to the minute information throughout the week, be sure to follow us on Facebook  & Twitter.

The first week of June always feels like the official start to Summer. So for your convenience, we've created your Summer Guide to Wicker Park & Bucktown. Your Summer Guide includes everything from Movies in the Park to Garden Walks, Festivals and more. So you'll have everything you need to prepare for Summer in the neighborhood. 

 

  FESTIVALS

         

Wicker Park & Bucktown's Summer Festivals

 

  FOOD

     

FREE Gift Cards from Forever Yogurt - How You Can Get Yours

Just in time for the 90 degree weather predicted for the weekend! You can win a FREE gift card compliments of Forever Yogurt (1924 W. North Avenue) . All you need to do is spot us walking our dogs around the neighborhood and we'll give you a gift card for FREE Forever Yogurt right on the spot. Gift Cards. 

 

 

  NEWS

     

Chicago Park District Pools - Opening Soon

Mark your calendars! The Chicago Park District's outdoor pools open June 15th. So yes Holstein and Pulaski Park Pools should be open and ready for business very soon. Park District Pools.

 

 

Holstein Park Celebrates 100 Years

It's hard to believe Bucktown's Holstein Park (2200 N. Oakley) is turning 100 this year. A big 100 year birthday party is being planned and you can join the Chicago Park District in this once in a lifetime celebration. The details.

 

 

  SPECIAL SUMMER EVENTS

Bucktown Garden Walk

Over 700 attendees explore the 100 gardens of various sizes and locations each Summer in the Bucktown neighborhood. Trolleys provide transportation with designated stops for refreshments and a big party and petting zoo at Lotties follows. Garden Walk

 

 

Farmers Markets are Open

Two Farmers Markets are open again in Wicker Park this year. The first is the traditional Wicker Park Farmers Market hosted at 1425 N. Damen Avenue in Wicker Park proper. The 2nd is hosted in the Polish Triangle located at Division/Milwaukee/Ashland Avenue. It should be opening today:  Farmers Markets.

 

Historic Walking Tours

The Chicago Architecture Foundation is hosting Historic Walking Tours throughout the neighborhood this Summer and early Fall. With its history as a community dating back to the 1870's, you can explore everything from Victorian mansions to the commercial districts. Walking Tours.

 

Learnapalooza

Learnapalooza arrives in Wicker Park next weekend. Each year Learnapalooza provides an incredible opportunity for people to participate in workshops/classes for FREE. The classes are hosted by neighborhood business. Sign up early. As you can imagine, these classes fill up very quickly. Learnapalooza.

 

 

Movies in the Park

One of the neighborhood's favorite Summer events, Movies in the Park are held in Wicker Park, Churchill Park and Commercial Park. And this year Ferris Bueller kicks off the Summer series next week in Bucktown. For a full list of films, dates and times: Movies.

 

 

Sunday Symphonies and More

Doesn't this sound like a great way to kick off a Sunday Summer morning? This Summer you can head to Wicker Park Sundays and enjoy a little classical music. Grab a picnic lunch or a few treats from the Farmers Market and relax in the park. Classical.

 

 

The Magic Boat Puppet Show

Lots of fun for young and old alike, please join The Magic Boat Puppet Show this Summer at the Wicker Park Playground - 1425 N. Damen Avenue -Sundays at 11am. Magic.

 

 

Wicker Mic's Open Mic

Come out and perform your songs, poetry and stand up, or just enjoy listening at the outdoor open mic in Wicker Park every 4th Friday of June-September, from 6-9pm. Sign-up on the day of the event at 5pm. Wicker Mic.

 

Wicker Park Garden Tours

Kicking off this Sunday, now you can take a tour of the 10,000 square feet of award-winning ornamental gardens designed, funded and maintained by hard-working volunteers working in conjunction with the Chicago Park District. Tours will be available into early September.  Tours. 

 

As new events are announced, of course we'll keep you posted. 

 Create A Presence. Become A Sponsor.

Here's your chance to become one of a very select group of individuals and businesses who are investing back into the community and supporting our efforts. If you appreciate our hard work & community reach and want to have a consistent presence in the Wicker Park & Bucktown neighborhoods, then Contact Us today.

  Unlike other Sponsorship Opportunities that showcase your business for a couple of days, this Sponsorship Opportunity showcases your business all year long.  We generate the highest level of traffic of any website in the community and offer a number of Sponsorship Packages to fit your budget. You do not have to be located in the neighborhood to qualify as a Sponsor. Contact us for full details.

Contact our Publisher Thyra DeCicco for a Sponsorship Package info:

Email: INFO@Wickerparkbucktown. INFO

 

We appreciate your support and look forward to discussing this outstanding opportunity with you in greater detail. Thank you for your interest.

 

Thyra DeCicco - Publisher

The Wicker Park Bucktown Insider's Guide

 

 

We are incredibly appreciative of our sponsors and the partnerships we've developed with our local businesses & branches including Wicker Park's Staples at 1300 N. Ashland Avenue.

June 1st 2012

 

Hello and welcome to this week's edition of your Insider Weekend Guide.

 

Wicker Park's Do Division Festival and Sidewalk Sale kick off today so this week's Weekend Guide is all about Division Street with a few community events and a little news too to be sure you're in the loop on the neighborhood. The Do Division Festival is centrally located between Damen Avenue & Leavitt but sidewalk sales will be happening up and down Division Street -- all the way to Ashland Avenue. The street is also packed with large patios due to the extra wide sidewalks. So no matter where you land, you'll have a terrific time.

 

Thanks, as always, for joining us. Enjoy the fest and we'll see you in the neighborhood.

 

 

  BARS

         

Division Street Bars

 

 

 

COMMUNITY  

     

Farmers Market Opens Sunday

With our warm weather starting as early as St. Patrick's Day, it feels like the Wicker Park Farmers Market should have opened a long time ago. But it's officially opening this Sunday at 1425 N. Damen Avenue right in the Park. We will see you there. Farmers Market.

 

 

The Magic Boat Puppet Show in the Park

For young and old alike, please join The Magic Boat Puppet Show at the Wicker Park Playground - 1425 N. Damen Avenue -Sundays at 11am. This annual Summer event will continue through September. Lots of fun and the shows coincide with the Wicker Park Farmers Market. So you can visit the Farmers Market in the park and then head on over to the The Magic Boat Puppet Show.

 

 

 

 

  MUSIC

Final Lineup & Tonight's Do Division Headliners

Do Division's Festival includes a wide variety of music including: The Antlers, Peanut Butter Wolf, Murder by Death, Pinebender, Le Butcherettes and more.  The full line up is here and tonight The Black Belles and JC Brooks & the Uptown Sound will be kicking off the festival. Do Division Details.

 

 

 RESTAURANTS

Black Bull Tapas to Open Today

When Angels & Mariachis closed their doors in January stating they were remodeling, we didn't realize they were remodeling into a brand new concept.But they have. Focused on small plates and an extensive Spanish wine list, Black Bull Tapas is working hard to open tonight at 1721 W. Division Street :  Black Bull Tapas.

 

Division Street Restaurants

We've heard from a representative at the West Town Chamber of Commerce that there will be as many as 15 food trucks participating at Do Division this year. They'll be located at the Polish Triangle located at Ashland/Division/Milwaukee Avenue. So you can grab food coming to - or leaving - the fest. But if that's not for you, we've included a guide to great restaurants you can enjoy right on Division Street. Almost all include dog-friendly patios. Division Street Restaurants.

 

Win FREE A Gift Card from Forever Yogurt

This has nothing to do with Division Street but we wanted to let you know first that we're kicking off a fun contest where you can win a FREE gift card compliments of Forever Yogurt. All you need to do is spot us walking our dogs around the neighborhood and we'll give you a gift card for FREE Forever Yogurt right on the spot. Look for our announcement & details later on Facebook & Twitter. 

 

 

 

 RETAIL/SHOPPING

  

Do Division Celebration

Be sure to stop by Elevenzees this weekend at 1901 W. Division Street. In addition to their Sidewalk Sale Saturday & Sunday, they'll also be hosting a store wide celebration which will include: crab cakes, wine, raffles, scavenger hunts for kids and more. Elevenzees.

Steve Quick Jeweler to Open This Fall

Steve Quick Jeweler is a boutique and custom jeweler with stores currently located in Lincoln Square and Lincoln Park. This Fall they'll be opening their 3rd location right on Division Street in Wicker Park. We will keep you posted on the details but look for Steve Quick Jeweler's soft opening this September at 1909 W. Division Street. Details.

 

Insider Deal of the Week

Head to Division Street's Via Carducci at 1928 W. Division Street every Monday - Wednesday and you can enjoy half off a bottle of wine. Via Carducci offers excellent traditional Italian food, terrific service, a beautiful patio and this great deal. Insider Deals.

 

 

 

 THEATER 

 

Romeo & Juliet - The Chopin Theatre

Located at 1543 W. Division Street, The Chopin offers a wide range of film, music and theater entertainment options. This weekend you can see "a fun and  inventive spin" on the Shakespeare classic Romeo & Juliet. Ticket Information.

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

 

 

 

The Wicker Park Bucktown Insider's Guide

Your Handy Pocket Guide to Wicker Park & Bucktown's Best Festivals

 

Want to know where to head this Summer and beyond? We can help. We'll provide the up-to-the-minute information about Wicker Park & Bucktown's best fests, line ups shopping and more.We're your one stop shop to all neighborhood festivals. We've included everything from  Do Division to Green Music Fest, Wicker Park Fest, Renegade Craft Fair, the Bucktown Arts Fest and, or course, additional information about Coyote will follow. We will see you there.

Do Division

 

Green Music Fest

June 23rd June 24th

Damen & Schiller -

1425 N. Damen Avenue- Wicker Park

Headliners Dinosaur Jr and The Raveonettes

Festival Details - Line Ups and More

Wicker Park Fest

July 28th and July 29th

Milwaukee Avenue Between Wood and North Avenue

12:00pm - 10:00pm

Festival Details -  Line Ups and More

Bucktown Arts Fest

August 25th August 26th

Holstein Park - 2200 N. Oakley

Festival Details

 

 

Renegade Craft Fair

 Want the full details? Head to our Events section. We've included each Festival, lines up as they're announced, news and more. Stay tuned for full 2012 details.

May 24, 2012

 

Hello and welcome to your Memorial Day Edition of your Insider Weekend Guide.

 

First and foremost, thank you so much for your help in making us Wicker Park & Bucktown's most popular neighborhood guide. We've reached almost 8,000 followers on social media alone and 10's of thousands of people visit us online each month. We couldn't do it without you and are very appreciative of your support.

 

Secondly, we receive information, events and news all day long. Our Weekend Guide is expanding every week so we've streamlined the format a little so it's easier for you to read. Hope you like it. Just click on the accompanying links for more detailed information on any topic. Last but not least, we've included our highlights for Memorial Day Weekend. Chicago Craft Beer Week continues with special events planned up and down Division Street, Poi Dog Pondering will be playing 2 VIP shows this weekend, there's lots of Summer Fest news to share (with Do Division right around the corner), you can win FREE brunch for 4 this Sunday and a couple of sweet deals are waiting for you too.

Thanks, as always, for joining us. Have a great, long Memorial Day weekend and we'll see you in the neighborhood.

 

 

  BARS

         

Division Street IPA Crawl

 

 

 

COMMUNITY  

     

Do Division June 1st - June 3rd

Do Division 2012 is just around the corner and will be a 3 day festival for the 1st time in its history. Shopping, food and, of course, great music will be waiting for you. The final line-up includes: Pinebender, The Antlers. Peanut Butter Wolf, Le Butcherettes, Murder by Death and more. But that's not all, there are also lots of fun activities for kids. The details are here: Do Division.

 

The Magic Boat Puppet Show in the Park

For young and old alike, please join The Magic Boat Puppet Show at the Wicker Park Playground - 1425 N. Damen Avenue -Sundays at 11am. This annual Summer event kicks off this Sunday and will continue through September. Lots of fun and the shows coincide with the Wicker Park Farmers Market. So you can visit the Farmers Market in the park and then head on over to the The Magic Boat Puppet Show.

 

Wicker Park Fest Headliners

Although still 2 months away, Wicker Park Fest has announced the headliners for the 2012 neighborhood festival which will include: The Drums, Cursive and local favorites including Joe Pug and Kill Hannah. The festival will take place on Milwaukee Avenue between North Avenue & Wood Street July 28th and July 29th. Stay tuned for additional details about: Wicker Park Fest.

 

 

 

 

  MUSIC

    

93XRT Presents Poi Dog Pondering Weekend

Local Chicago favorites Poi Dog Pondering will be playing not 1 - but 2 - shows this weekend at Wicker Park's Double Door - 1572 N. Milwaukee Avenue. VIP Packages are available and include cds, signed posters, drinks and more. Get your tickets early. Poi Dog.

 

Raw Natural Born Artists Showcase

RAW: natural born artists is an independent arts organization that hand-selects and spotlights independent creatives in visual art, film, fashion, music, hair & make-up artistry, photography and performing arts. Tonight, they'll be showcasing who they feel represents the best of the best. Doors at 7:30pm. Show starts at 8pm. Raw Showcase.

 

 

 RESTAURANTS

FREE Brunch for 4 This Sunday

Would you like win FREE Brunch for 4 for this Sunday at Bucktown's Riverside Cafe? Just look for our announcement later today on our Facebook & Twitter pages. Share our announcement and you'll be entered automatically into our random drawing. The winner will be selected Friday afternoon. Win FREE Brunch for 4.

 

Glazed and Infused Now Open

Donuts donuts donuts. Yes you can now score gourmet doughnuts directly across the street from the Damen Blue Line el stop at Glazed and Infused. Just look for their window on the west side of Francesca's Forno at 1576 N. Milwaukee Avenue. Open early...and late. Doughnuts.

 

Jazz Tuesdays at MC

Perfect for Summer, MC Restaurant has announced they will be hosting jazz every Tuesday night from 6pm -9pm. With free parking & wi-fi, a beautiful patio and the banh mi/domestic beer special for just $6.95, MC will be a great spot to relax this Summer. And the banh mi is excellent. Details.

    The Trenchermen Looks to June

Although the folks behind The Trenchermen hosted a fundraiser/preview party May 17th, it looks like it will still be several weeks until Wicker Park's newest upscale eatery opens their doors. According to Grub Street, there is still a lot of work to do and they're guessing the opening date will be closer to the end of June. The Trenchermen.

 

 

 

 RETAIL/SHOPPING

 
 

20% Off Store Wide Memorial Day

Chicago's premier fair trade, eco-friendly store Greeneheart Shop has announced a store wide sale this Memorial Day Weekend.  You'll find unique, beautiful and recycled merchandise that helps to create a better world. The details are here. Sale.

Eat for Beauty - Friday

Kelli Komar reveals the secrets of achieving radiant skin from the inside out at this educational, fun and interactive workshop being held at Elevenzees Friday night. Join Kelli as she discloses the ancient secrets of Ayurveda to help you create a customized holistic dietary skin care regimen that will balance your body and skin. Eating For Beauty.

 

Insider Deals of the Week

Shear Sapphire is a Women's & Men's Salon at 1712 W. North Avenue in Wicker Park and their 1st Anniversary is just around the corner. As their way of saying "thank you" to you,  they're offering a couple of great deals. First: men can score 50% off any hair cut service. And women, you can get a FREE haircut with a purchase. These offers won't last forever. So hurry! Insider Deals.

 

 

 

 THEATER 

 

Theatre of War - The Chopin Theatre

Tonight only: Theatre of War is an artistic investigation of the disconnect between the experiences of most citizens and those of people directly impacted by war. This show takes place just days after the city bids farewell to the NATO summit. Theatre of War.

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.

 

And if you'd like to receive our Weekend Guide each week, sign up. It's easy.

 

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

 

 

 

The Wicker Park Bucktown Insider's Guide

The Bucktown Community Organization has announced their Summer "Movies in the Park" line-up  Churchill Park (2007 W. Churchill Street) for this Summer. This year will include:

 

June 1st, June 2nd and June 3rd

On Division Street (Of Course) from Ashland Avenue to Leavitt Street

$5 Suggested Donation

 Do Division Fest 2012 heads to Wicker Park the weekend of June 1st and for the first time will be a 3 day event beginning Friday night.  What can you expect? Lots of shopping, fashion shows, food, drink and possibly even food trucks at the Polish Triangle and, of course, lots of great music.

 Final 2012 Line UP

We're excited to present the final music line-up for these 3 days:

Damen Stage: Programmed by Empty Bottle Presents

Friday, June 1st
Black Belles 8:30 pm
BBU 7:15 pm
Moon Furies 6:00 pm
Hosted by Peter O'Connell [Wham City Comedy] 4:45 PM

Saturday, June 2nd
Peanut Butter Wolf 8:30 pm
Besnard Lakes 7:00 pm
Craig Finn 5:30 pm
Mannequin Men 4:00 pm
Peter O'Connell 3:50 / intro
In Tall Buildings 2:30 pm
Chris Connelly 1:00 pm

Sunday, June 3rd
The Antlers 8:30 pm
Pinebender 7:00 pm
Cory Chisel & The Wandering Sons 5:30 pm
Teengirl Fantasy 4:00 pm
People's Temple 2:30 pm
Eiren Caffall 1:00 pm

Leavitt Stage:

Programmed by Subterranean and House Call Entertainment

Friday, June 1st

JC Brooks and the Uptown Sound @ 8:30 pm

Todd Hembrook & The Hemispheres @ 7:15 pm

The O’My’s @ 6:15 pm

Saturday, June 2nd

Le Butcherettes @ 9:00 pm

O’ Death @ 7:45 pm

White Mystery @ 6:45 pm

Brown Bird @ 5:45 pm

The Blind Staggers @ 4:45 pm

Magic Milk @ 3:45 pm

Sunday, June 3rd

Murder By Death @ 8:00 pm

The Soft Pack @ 6:45 pm

Gypsyblood @ 6:00 pm

Mutts @ 5:00 pm

Young Jesus @ 4:00 pm

 

 

Wicker Park's Do Division Fest includes a variety of great music, fantastic food, retailers and shopping.  Sidewalk sales fill the perimeter of the area and the extra-wide side walks allow plenty of al fresco dining at the incredible area bars, restaurants and bakeries ... in addition to all of the food being served directly at the fest itself.  And for the first time, you'll even be able to take advantage of food trucks stationed at the Polish Triangle at 1500 W. Division Street.