Ravenswood ArtWalk; Oktoberfest

Hi neighbors,

It’s becoming increasingly difficult to open a small business in Chicago—especially for first-time business owners. Federal tariffs, commercial rents, and professional service fees are rising, and City government uses a business licensing system built in 1999. 

That’s why I’m thrilled the City Council’s License Committee passed legislation I introduced that directs City departments to make a plan to replace this outdated system. We need better integration between departments, clearer instructions for businesses to follow, and a simpler application process. 

New York City and the State of Pennsylvania have already taken similar steps to modernize their licensing systems and speed up applications. I’m glad that Chicago will be following their lead.

Earlier today, I had the pleasure of attending Ravenswood Elementary’s back-to-school event. At this event and others, it’s been wonderful talking with local families about their summer highlights and their hopes for the new school year.

I hope you all have an enjoyable weekend. If you’re looking for something to do, consider swinging by the annual Oktoberfest street festival this evening through Sunday near the recently rehabbed Western Brown Line plaza. 

You also won’t want to miss the annual Ravenswood ArtWalk tomorrow (Saturday) through Sunday!

Finally, Shana Tova to all of our neighbors who will be celebrating Rosh Hashanah this weekend.

Yours in service,

Ald Matt Martin

Calling Artists: Fall Showcase

Submit Art by October 30th

Artists of all ages and experiences are invited to participate in our Fall showcase. Choose a tree to bring it to life, then bring your finished artwork to the 47th Ward Office by October 30 to display your work alongside pieces created by Bell students during their Bob Ross-inspired “Happy Clouds” unit.

Want some inspiration or guidance? Join us for a free community art class on Saturday, October 3 at 12 PM at North Center Town Square (RSVP). 

Learn more

North Center: Mobile City Hall

Saturday, October 17th

City Hall is coming to you! At a Mobile City Hall resource fair, you have the opportunity to access services like: 

• Purchasing a City Sticker
• Purchasing a Residential Parking Permits
• Purchasing Dog Licenses
• Getting a FREE CityKey card
• Connect with our on-site partners

Mobile City Hall will be at St Ben's Gym (3941 N Bell) from 10 AM to 1 PM. Plus, we'll be providing flu shots on-site. Bring proof of insurance to receive a flu shot. A limited number of free vouchers are available for individuals who are uninsured.

Learn more

Ravenswood ArtWalk

September 12th-13th

The Ravenswood ArtWalk is a weekend-long celebration of our local creative community, featuring open studios and galleries, pop-up performances and activations, and an outdoor arts market featuring 80+ local makers, two stages of live music, a pop-up beer garden, kids activities, food trucks, and more.

Learn more

Oktoberfest

September 11th-13th

Try authentic German food and traditional drinks. Dance to the music of German bands and spend the evening with friends and enjoy a fabulous festival. Traditional singing and dancing groups from Chicago will perform on Saturday after the parade and on Sunday at 2pm.

Parking restrictions along parade route will be in effect 9 AM-4 PM on the following streets:

• Lincoln from Irving to Eastwood (both sides)
• Eastwood from Lincoln to Western (both sides)
• Lawrence from Western to Damen (south side only)
• Western from Eastwood to Lawrence (east side only)

Learn more

Midnight Circus at Welles Park

September 25th-27th & October 2nd-4th

Midnight Circus in the Parks brings an intimate, exciting, world-class circus to the heart of every community in which it plays. Midnight Circus is back at Welles Park for two weekends.

Learn more

Office Hours with Senator Duckworth's Team

Friday, October 9th

Need help with a passport? An immigration issue? How about Social Security or Medicare?

You can get help right in the neighborhood. The Office of U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) will host “Mobile Office Hours” on Friday, October 9th at the Sulzer Regional Library.

Constituent service representatives will be onsite to assist Illinoisans with federal matters, including Veterans Affairs, Social Security, Medicare, Immigration and more.

Appointments are encouraged and walk ins welcome.

Schedule appointment

Submit Infrastructure Ideas

Have an idea on how to improve the neighborhood? Want a new mural? New equipment at a local park? Maybe new benches or a bike lane? Submit your ideas for our 2027 Participatory Budgeting process. The 47th Ward Youth Council will consider ideas at their meeting later in September. Selected ideas will be put on a ballot for the community vote later this year.

Learn more

Property Tax Appeals Workshop

Thursday, September 24th

Join Commissioner Steele for an upcoming Property Tax Appeals Outreach Workshop event for Lakeview Township. Their team will provide a short presentation on the role of the Board of Review, how to file a property tax appeal, and will host a Q&A session. The District 2 team will also be onsite to register attendees, assist with creating online accounts, and help residents file their property tax appeals.

Learn more

North Center Farmers Market Family Day

Saturday, September 26th

Enjoy an extra fun day at the Northcenter Farmers Market, presented by the Northcenter Chamber of Commerce and North Center Neighbors Association! There will be family activities in the Northcenter Town Square all morning, including: a bounce house, kids crafts, live music, and all your favorite farmers market vendors!

Learn more

Best of Ravenswood Awards

Voting Open Until October 30th

The Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to present the third annual Best of Ravenswood Awards, celebrating the unique and vibrant business community in our neighborhood. They invite neighbors and visitors to vote for their Ravenswood favorites in 15 categories, including Favorite New Business, Favorite Neighborhood Staple, and Favorite Wellness Provider.

Learn more

19th District Council Monthly Meeting

Wednesday, September 30th

Jens Ludwig, Director of the University of Chicago Crime Lab, who will discuss his book, Unforgiving Places. The book draws on his research examining why ordinary conflicts sometimes escalate into serious violence—and why some places and circumstances are more likely to allow those moments to turn deadly.

Attendees will also hear from Becoming A Man (BAM) about their work with young men and how their evidence-based approach to helping young people navigate conflict, emotions, and difficult situations connects to the ideas explored in Unforgiving Places.

Learn more

Ashland Resurfacing

CDOT is projected to finish the western Ashland raised crosswalks today! The road closures will remain in place until Monday 9/14 as the concrete needs to cure. Final pavement markings and sewer structure cleaning are projected to be done by mid-October.



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This Year: Upcoming Projects

• Water Main Replacement near Leavitt and Lawrence
• People's Gas Projects on Greenview from Roscoe to Grace

Early September

• Oktoberfest, September 11th-13th, Learn more
• Lake View High School Aquatics Fundraiser, September 12th, Learn more
• Ravenswood Art Walk, September 12th-13th, Learn more
• St Bens Community Garage Sale, September 12th, Learn more
• Twilight Canoe and Kayak, September 13th, Learn more
• Midway 5K, September 13th, Learn more
• Chicago Thriller Flash Mob Rehearsal, September 13th, Learn more

Late September

• Harvest Jam, September 18th-19th, Learn more
• Free Shredding Day, September 19th, Learn more
• DANK Haus Oktoberfest, September 19th, Learn more
• Games for Good Food Pantry Fundraiser, September 19th, Learn more
• Southport Neighbors Yard Sale, September 19th, Learn more
• Bezazian Book Sale, September 19th-20th, Learn more
• Midnight Circus in the Parks, September 25-27th, Learn more
• Children's Resale Event, September 26th, Learn more
• Taste of Uptown, September 30th, Learn more

October

• What the Constitution Means to Me Theatre, October 1st, Learn more
• I Am Your Neighbor Party, October 2nd, Learn more
• Apple Fest, October 2nd-4th, Learn more
• Community Art Class, October 3rd, Learn more
• Spooky Bike Ride, October 7th, RSVP
• Office Hours with Senator Duckworth's Office, October 9th, Learn more
• Mobile City Hall and Vaccine Clinic, October 17th, Learn more
• Cornelia Arts Studio Open House, October 16th-17th, Learn more

Community Job Boards

Looking to work locally? Many of our local chambers of commerce offer job boards to help highlight openings at local businesses. Find more information at the following links:

• Andersonville
• Lakeview/Roscoe Village
• Lincoln Square/Ravenswood
• Northcenter
• Greater Ravenswood