Thirsty Ears Musical Festival; Property Tax Bills

Shredding Day

Saturday, September 19th

Join us at the Jewel Osco parking lot (4250 N Lincoln) for a free paper shredding and recycling event.

In partnership with Midway Recycling, we'll offer both Document Destruction and Electronics Recycling services. For paper, we ask that you remove staples beforehand and bring no more than 2 boxes per household. All types of electronics will be accepted.

Learn more

47th Ward Youth Council Back to School Event

Thursday, August 27th

Join the Youth Council for their back to school event at Chase Park! Meet other students in the neighborhood and talk about goals for the school year.

The Youth Council is a group of 47th Ward residents grades 8 through 12 who work to engage and organize young people throughout the Ward. They consult with the alderman on legislative priorities, plan community events, and weigh in on the issues most affecting young people in Chicago.

Learn more

Thirsty Ears Music Festival

August 22nd-23rd

Thirsty Ears Festival is Chicago’s only classical music street festival! For two days Wilson street between Hermitage and Ravenswood are closed to feature stellar ensembles and soloists a huge range of classical music from all eras on the main stage.

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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.

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Shakespeare in the Park

Saturday, August 22nd

Join Gross Park Neighbors for their annual Shakespeare in the Park event presented by SMC Players. Before the performance, you can join them for a native garden tour, and afterwards, you can stay for a neighborhood social hour.

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Property Tax Bills Released

Due October 1st

Cook County property owners can now view and pay their 2025 Second Installment property tax bills online at cookcountytreasurer.com.

The bills are due October 1, 2026, and the Treasurer’s Office expects to mail bills by September 1. To access your bill, select “Pay Online for Free” and search using your property address or Property Index Number (PIN). Property owners can also pay at participating banks, the Cook County Treasurer’s Office, or by mail.

Learn more

Apply: Storm Damage Loans

Deadline: Tuesday, September 8th

The federal SBA disaster loan program is covering damage from the June 10–11 severe storms and tornadoes. Cook County is a declared county, and the deadline for physical damage applications is Tuesday, September 8.

Program basics: homeowners up to $500,000 for their residence, homeowners and renters up to $100,000 for personal property, businesses, and nonprofits up to $2 million. Rates start at 2.875%, terms up to 30 years, no payments for the first 12 months.

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Discounted Bike Share: Divvy for Everyone

Do you qualify for a full year of bikeshare access for just $5? Certain income-qualified residents can apply for Divvy for Everyone for reduced cost access to Divvy bikes.

Family Size Maximum Household Income:

• 1: $46,950
• 2: $63,450
• 3: $79,950
• 4: $96,450

Learn more

Town Hall: Proactive Rental Inspections

Saturday, August 27th

Chicago renters and landlords are invited to community meetings across the City to share their experience with rental housing conditions and learn more about proactive rental inspections.

The City currently only conducts rental inspections that are reactive–meaning buildings are inspected only when the City is informed of an existing problem or conditions imperil renter health. These community meetings are part of a working group convened by the Mayor’s Office to inform recommendations for implementing proactive rental inspections here in Chicago.

Learn more

Apply: Sustainability Leadership Training

This unique training will focus on the sustainability of our local food system. They'll examine critical issues like food access, sustainable agriculture, and how to lower the greenhouse gas emissions associated with our food.

They’ll also explore how we all can support Chicago’s growing urban agriculture and food rescue initiatives. 

Participation Requirements:

• Age 18+
• Attend ONE information session (or watch a recorded one)
• Submit a simple online application

Learn more

RSVP: Data Center Town Hall

Tuesday, September 22nd

Data centers are everywhere these days: in the news, on social media, maybe even being proposed in your neighborhood, bringing a host of concerns, from water and energy impacts, to environmental concerns, to the cost of your utility bills. Attend this town hall with a panel presentation and a Q&A portion with State Reps. Kelly Cassidy and Ann Williams, sponsors of the POWER Act.

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Welles Park Bird Walk

Sunday, August 30th

Bring your own binoculars, mask and comfy shoes. Walks are extremely casual, so if you are running late or need to leave early, that’s fine. Please dress for the weather. Welles Park can be muddy after a rainfall so leave your good shoes at home. Plan to meet at the gazebo at 7:00 a.m (NOTE earlier time than last year). Walks are approximately 2 hours and will be cancelled if raining.

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Meeting: Next Police Superintendent

Wednesday, August 26th

This month, the 19th District Council meeting will focus on the search for Chicago’s next Police Superintendent. They will be asking community for input on the qualities, priorities, and vision they want to see in the next leader of the Chicago Police Department. They will also be sharing other District Council updates and as always give an opportunity for public comment.

Learn more

Western Brown Line Construction

CDOT continues addressing their final touches required for project completion in the plaza and surrounding area. CTA is scheduling the return of bus service to the turnaround for August 23rd to align with timelines for bus staff schedules, digital map updates, and the installation of additional signage.

Sign up for Updates

Ashland Resurfacing

CDOT's work on Ashland is pending a detour permit approval. Once the permit is approved, CDOT is projected to begin constructing the 7 raised crosswalks and bus pad at Ashland and Wilson. The work will be done in sections to ensure pedestrian access is maintained. The raised crosswalks will be installed at Sunnyside, Ainslie, Carmen, and Winona. Final pavement markings and sewer structure cleaning are projected to be done by mid-October.



Sign up for Updates

This Year: Upcoming Projects

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

End of August

• Meet Alpacas and Paint Pottery, August 15th, Learn more
• End of Summer Party at Bartleby's, August 21st, Learn more
• Thirsty Ears Music Festival, August 22nd-23rd, Learn more
• Shakespeare in the Park, August 22nd, Learn more
• Dog Days Andersonville Farmer Market, August 26th, Learn more
• Saigon Jazz Revival, August 29th, Learn more

September

• Bike the Drive, September 6th, Learn more
• Oktoberfest, September 11th-13th, Learn more
• Ravenswood Art Walk, September 12th-13th, Learn more
• Twilight Canoe and Kayak, September 13th, Learn more
• Midway 5K, September 13th, Learn more
• Games for Good Food Pantry Fundraiser, September 19th, Learn more
• Southport Neighbors Yard Sale, September 19th, 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