The nonprofit Rogers Park Business Alliance (RPBA) is excited to announce a vibrant summer of public programs that cater to event goers of all ages. Programming includes a wide span of the neighborhood’s most popular entertainments, from art festivals, artisan fairs, neighborhood-wide garage sales, a Pride event for families, to taco extravaganzas. Most events are free to the public, but the Hard Core Cider Fest and Taco Crawl will be ticketed. For more information and event updates, visit RPBA.org.
(L) Artists of the Wall, courtesy of Artists of the Wall Festival. (R) Taco Crawl, courtesy of Rogers Park Business Alliance.
The complete list of summer events in Rogers Park is as follows, in chronological order:
Music Fest: First Friday Music Series
Friday, June 6, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
On Sheridan Rd. between Devon and Pratt.
The First Friday Music Series entails an evening of live music on multiple local business patios. At Loyola Plaza (6536 N. Sheridan Rd.) Mossy Stones will perform from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Cafe Nova (6431 N. Sheridan Rd), Paul Velat Sax Bike will perform at 6 p.m., and at Giordano’s (6836 N. Sheridan Rd), Vivian Garcia will perform at 6:00 p.m. and Nicholas Barron at 7:00 p.m. Visit www.rpba.org/ffms for more information.
Food Fest: Hard Core Cider Fest
Sunday, June 8, 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Jarvis Square Alfresco, 1500 W. Jarvis Ave.
Advance tickets $35, General Admission $40, Day-of tickets $45
The third annual Hard Core Cider Fest is coming to Jarvis Square Alfresco, a vibrant outdoor gathering dedicated to supporting Care4Real, a local charity providing essential resources to neighbors in need. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore a diverse selection of over 50 ciders from cideries far and wide. Guests will be able to purchase their favorite ciders via an order sheet. The festival will also feature delicious food options from R Public House and other local businesses, enhancing the tasting experience. Ticket options can be purchased at www.rpublichouse.com/HCCF.
Art Fest: Jarvis Square Summer Artisan Markets
Saturday, June 14, July 12, August 9, and September 13, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Jarvis Square Alfresco, 1500 W. Jarvis Ave.
Jarvis Square will be hosting an Artisan Market once a month throughout the summer where 28 rotating local makers will sell products ranging from candles, body care, soaps, plants to cards to one-of-a-kind treasures, handbags, jewelry, macrame, oddities and more.
Art Fest: 32nd annual Artists of the Wall
June 14-15, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
1096 W Pratt Blvd
Free admission, with painting spaces available for purchase
A beloved Father’s Day weekend tradition, this long-standing community festival will feature 160 murals, live music, and kids’ activities. Artists, neighbors, and families in Rogers Park and from across the city will paint sections of a 600-foot-long beach wall, with pre-registered mural spots available for purchase. This year’s theme will be “All Together Now,” and registration for spaces will occur online on May 1st, 3rd, and 5th at 8 a.m., with 50 spaces available each day. A form will be available to enter a lottery, with one entry per family/household allowed. Visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic and blanket while enjoying the festival, and check out the walking trails, natural dunes, picnic grounds, a fishing pier, lighthouse, nearby restaurants, bookstores, and gift shops. This event is organized by the Loyola Park Advisory Council. Visit www.loyolapark.com for more information.
Community Fest: Jarvis Square Community Rummage
Saturday, June 21, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Jarvis Square Alfresco, 1500 W. Jarvis Ave.
Residents and visitors alike are invited to participate in the upcoming Jarvis Square Alfresco Rummage Sale, a vibrant community event that transforms the square into an open-air marketplace. Participants are encouraged to clean out their closets and reserve a space to sell their goods or browse and discover one-of-a-kind treasures. This seasonal event will feature ten individual rummage sales set up throughout Jarvis Square, with additional sales taking place across the surrounding neighborhood.
LGBTQ+: 13th Jarvis Square Family Pride Fest
Sunday, June 29, 1 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Jarvis Square Alfresco, 1500 W. Jarvis Ave.
Jarvis Square Family Pride Fest is a much-anticipated event rounding out Chicago’s LGBT Pride weekend. Now in its thirteenth year, Jarvis Square Family Pride features a main stage, kids’ area, dance floor, vendors, and a unique neighborhood block-party atmosphere that welcomes a diverse audience to celebrate the biggest holiday in the LGBT+ community. Located a few train stops from the parade, Jarvis Square Pride Fest is becoming a favorite stop during the Pride Weekend for an exuberant yet spacious and friendly party. This event is organized by R Public House and local businesses at Jarvis Square. Visit www.jarvissquarechicago.org for more information.
Tacos from El Charro.
Food Fest: Taco Crawl
Thursday, July 17, 3 p.m. - 7 p.m.
North Clark Street between Devon and Rogers Avenues
Ticket prices to be announced at a later date
Over a dozen restaurants lining North Clark Street—one of the city’s most popular dining destinations for Mexican restaurants—offer their signature menu items for a taco extravaganza. Participating restaurants and an event menu will be announced later.
Music and Art Fest: Jarvis Square Music and Art Fest
Saturday, July 19, 2 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Jarvis Square, 1500 Block of Jarvis
Jarvis Square Alfresco is set to bring energy and creativity to the heart of Rogers Park with a full day of artistic discovery, live entertainment, and culinary delights. This beloved annual event transforms Jarvis Square into a vibrant, open-air festival celebrating the rich culture and community spirit of the neighborhood. Festivalgoers will enjoy live musical performances, a showcase of works from talented local artists, and a curated selection of food offerings from some of the area’s favorite restaurants.
Food Fest: Pierogi Fiesta
Saturday, August 2, 12 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Jarvis Square Alfresco, 1500 Block of Jarvis Ave.
Patrons of the Jarvis Square Alfresco Pierogi Festival will get an unforgettable culinary experience where they can savor a mouthwatering selection of pierogi, enjoy live music, and explore unique local crafts. This vibrant event offers something for everyone, from traditional potato and cheese pierogi to creative combinations like sauerkraut and mushroom, all made by local vendors. In addition to the delicious food offerings, guests can cool down with a one-of-a-kind Pierogi Margarita while dancing to lively tunes provided by live musicians. The festival also features a diverse selection of local vendors showcasing unique goods and crafts, adding to the festive atmosphere that Jarvis Square is known for.
Rogers Park Business Alliance is a nonprofit organization that has served Chicago’s diverse Rogers Park neighborhood for 30 years. RPBA works to cultivate and sustain a thriving economic environment in Rogers Park, serving businesses and residents with a variety of public events and business initiatives. RPBA programs include the GROW/PROGRESANDO entrepreneurial training program, the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Rogers Park Business Alliance, annual Best of Rogers Park awards, Chalk Howard Street Festival, Taco Crawl, and the Glenwood Sunday Market farmers market. For more information, visit RPBA.org.