West Side End of Summer Events
Somos Arte Chicago shares this flier for the event on Facebook. Flier has been modified for the website.
CHICAGO - The end of summer in Chicago usually means back to school events, health fairs, outdoor markets and neighborhood gatherings. Traditionally, these summer activities along with many others have marked the end of summer while allowing people to fellowship in-person before the cold weather arrives and students are back on a strict schedule in school.
Yet, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, many of these end of summer events are scheduled to continue requiring guests to wear masks and practice social distancing.
If you are looking for some safe community events to conclude summer on the West Side of Chicago, here are some upcoming events to attend before the summer ends!
Black Men United — State of Emergency — Westside Let's Stand Up - East Garfield Park/North Lawndale Neighborhoods
Instagram account (@Countingonchicago) shares a flier for a series of community events.
Bishop Dr. Claude Porter, Terry Young, Mark Carter, Pastor Johnny Miller, Pastor John Harrell, Pastor Tyree Beard, Pastor Reginald Bachus, Pastor Robbie Wilkerson, The Darren Group, and Rocky Parker have united to give back to various West Side communities throughout the month of August. The “Black Men United — State of Emergency — Westside Let's Stand Up” event is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 29 starting at noon located at the intersection of S. California Ave. and W. Flournoy St. The group of pastors and other organizers will be distributing free food, diapers, and school supplies. Additionally, there will be raffle prizes along with giveaways of toys, zoo tickets, and more. Residents will also be able to register to vote in this year's election and learn more about how to be counted in the 2020 Census.
Austin City Market - Austin Neighborhood
Forty Acres Fresh Market shares flier for Austin City Market via their Instagram account.
Forty Acres Fresh Market, a Black-woman owned market, will continue hosting the Austin City Market at Austin Town Hall, located 5610 W. Lake Street. The outdoor market is in collaboration with Finding Justice A Flower and Vegetable Garden, Chefs On The Go’Go/Sweet Polly Kitchen, and Danie’s Delicious Detox Drinks. Vendors plan to offer shoppers fresh produce as well as local food and products. Specifically, there will be more than 20 varieties of fresh fruit and vegetables for shoppers to purchase. The event takes place from 1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. every Thursday until Sept. 17.
Healing The Hood - Little Village Neighborhood
Chicago Youth Boxing Club shares their flier for the event on Facebook.
Chicago Youth Boxing Club (CYBC) will be hosting an end of summer celebration located at 2300 S. Millard entitled “Healing The Hood.” Since 2005, CYBC’s Healing the Hood events have offered community games, food, some cultural performances, and usually a community service street fair. During this event, CYBC and other partners such as Little Village Youth Safety Network, Healing the Hood, The Chicago Fund For Safe and Peaceful Communities, and La Villita Community Church will be celebrating neighborhood connections and community coming together to celebrate the end of the summer. The event is scheduled to take place on Friday, Aug. 28 from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.
Books and Backpacks a Community Supply Drive - Humboldt Park Neighborhood
Somos Arte Chicago shares this flier for the event on Facebook. Flier has been modified for the website.
Somos Arte Chicago and Lolita Productions will be hosting “Books and Backpacks, a Community School Supply Drive.” At this drive, the organizations will be distributing free supplies for students in prekindergarten through high school. Somos Arte Chicago stated via a Facebook post, “Chicago Public School students will be learning from home for the entire fall quarter. We’re working together with the power of the community to ensure our families have the supplies they need to start a successful school year.” Community members are able to volunteer to help serve at the event or to donate to the event as well. Families are able to sign-up for supplies being distributed.
Ride The Side - West Side Parks
Instagram account (@CountingonChicago) shares a flier for a community event.
As the summer comes to an end, The Chicago West Side Branch of the NAACP has organized a bike ride through major West Side parks on Aug. 29 from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. The free event will start with a route beginning at Columbus Park to Garfield Park. After riding at Garfield Park riders can continue to Douglass Park or to Union Park. The trip will end with riders returning to Columbus Park.