Chicago families are gearing up for the new school year with a host of community events this weekend. From free art markets to ticketed supply drives, the city’s neighborhoods offer activities that blend celebration with practical back-to-school support.
Lakeview and North Broadway
North Broadway will be closed to traffic from Friday evening through Sunday, allowing diners to enjoy the annual Dine Out on Broadway celebration. Patrons can sample patio dining, grab a classic Chicago dog from Flub‑A‑Dub‑Chubs, and sip a drink from Dram Shop. The event is free and open to the public.
Back‑to‑School Supply Drive for Teachers
Creative Chicago Reuse Exchange, located at 2124 W. 82nd Place in Auburn Gresham, invites teachers with a valid school ID to collect classroom supplies and furniture. Tickets cost $40 for Friday and $30 for Saturday.
Southport Corridor Taco Competition
Lakeview’s Southport Corridor will host a taco showdown at 3500 N. Southport Ave. Ten local eateries will compete for the best taco, accompanied by beer pairings, live music on two stages and a lucha libre activation. A $10 suggested donation is requested at entry.
Ravenswood Classical Music Street Festival
Wilson Avenue between Hermitage and Ravenswood will be transformed into a classical music street festival. The free‑admission event features ensembles, soloists, food trucks, beer and wine sales, and kid‑friendly activities. A $10 suggested donation is welcomed.
West Loop Open‑Air Art Market
From 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, the West Loop’s Fulton Market district will host an open‑air art market spanning four city blocks. Over 100 curated vendors will display fine art, ceramics and handmade goods, with food trucks providing bites and cold drinks. Admission is free.
Romanian Food and Folk Festival
The 27th annual Chicago Romanian Food and Folk Festival will take place at Holy Nativity Romanian Orthodox Church, 5825 N. Mozart St. in West Ridge. Attendees can enjoy folk dancing, traditional cuisine, a kids’ zone with inflatables, ice cream and a fire‑truck visit.
Media Burn Archive Vintage Video Night
Every third Thursday, Media Burn Archive screens a vintage educational video at 348 N. Ashland Ave. in West Town. This Thursday’s lineup includes topics such as yo‑yo tricks and 1980s workout routines. The event is free; comfortable clothing is recommended.
Gallery Guichard Opening Reception
Bronzeville’s Gallery Guichard will host the opening reception for Theila Burts’ exhibit “All Eyes on Her” on Friday at 6 p.m. The show includes an artist talk and a cash bar. Admission is free.
Paradise Garden Live Classical Music
Logan Square’s Paradise Garden community garden will feature an open‑mic style classical music night on Friday at 6 p.m., with guitarists, pianists and opera singers. Free pizza from Festa Pizzeria will be served; attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets.
Hyde Park Block Party and Resource Fair
A family‑friendly block party at 433 E. 46th St. in Hyde Park will run from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday. The event offers free book bags, school supplies, physicals, a bouncy house, local vendor market and an open‑mic jam session with DJs QT and Roc Smoov.
Bridgeport Third Friday Art Walk
Bridgeport’s Third Friday Open Studios Art Walk returns Friday evening, showcasing museums, galleries, studios and restaurants. The free event invites art lovers to meet local creators and explore the neighborhood’s cultural scene.
Live Blues and Soul at The Blk Room
West Garfield Park’s The Blk Room partners with Inside the Chicagoan for a blues and soul night Friday at 7 p.m. Performers include A Patch Of Blues and Greanttea & The Tempos. Barbecue bites will be provided by Jade Thee Chef. Tickets are $10 at the door.
Brew and Bounce Skate Lesson
Marz Community Brewing in McKinley Park offers a skate‑dance class on Saturday at 10 a.m. Instructor Myesha McCaskill will teach edge control, posture and turning basics, followed by a draft pour. Tickets start at $30.25; participants may bring or rent skates.
Griffin Museum Health Screening Day
Griffin Museum of Science and Industry in Hyde Park will host a free health‑screening day Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., offering physical exams, dental check‑ups, back‑to‑school swag and STE(A)M activities. Reservations are required for health exams.
Calumet Park Shore‑Land Walking Series
A free public walk begins at Calumet Park Saturday at 10 a.m., guided by artist‑activist JeeYeun Lee. Participants will hear the audio piece “Shore Land” while walking the lakefront through Calumet Park, Jackson Park and 31st Street Beach. Headphones and walking shoes are recommended.
Back of the Yards Coffeehouse Pop‑Up
Back of the Yards Coffeehouse at 1621 W. 47th St. will host a pop‑up event Saturday, featuring Kombi Chicago and local coffee vendors. Details are pending.
These events reflect Chicago’s vibrant community life and provide families with both entertainment and resources as the new school year begins.
Original reporting: Block Club Chicago — read the source article.
