Upcoming Events & Meetings
North River Commission is committed to building and engaging our community.
Explore our upcoming and past events below.
Bat Walk at River Park
Join Urban Rivers and Chicago Park District staff as they look for bats around the floating wetlands islands. No registration needed!
They will meet at the Park fieldhouse 15 minutes before sunset.
Teen Placemaking with the Chicago Park
Calling all teens: spend your Saturdays out in nature at North Park Village Nature Center! This intentional time together will be spent exploring the preserve, examining participant's relationship to nature, and creating a meaningful gathering space for teens by teens. This program is free, no registration required, and open to all high school aged teens.
Questions? Call 312-744-5472.
Games for Good
While enjoying an afternoon of great food, drinks, and amazing raffles, guests will be put to the test with fun games and challenges to help end hunger. All games will be kid-friendly and we’ll have some special activities for children too.
All event proceeds will help provide access to fresh food and vital resources to our estimated 70,000 neighbors facing hunger in Chicago’s NW neighborhoods.
Games for Good is produced by our Associate Board, a group of passionate professionals committed to ending hunger in our community.
Reckoning with Redress: A Community Celebration & Project Premiere
Forty-five years ago, survivors and descendants walked into a room at NEIU and testified before a federal commission — testimony that helped fuel one of the largest reparations efforts in U.S. history. This September, join Full Spectrum Features and NEIU to mark that 45th anniversary with an evening of community and celebration: premiere screenings of the short docudrama Enough and the documentary Reckonings, live taiko by Ho Etsu Taiko, an interactive digital exhibit, and light refreshments. Free and open to all!
📍 Alumni Hall, NEIU | 🅿️ Free parking, Lot F & PF | 🎟️ More info & RSVP: www.fullspectrum.education
RiverLab: Birding Paddle at River
This peaceful guided canoe outing is designed for bird enthusiasts of all levels to observe and experience the beauty of the Chicago River. We’ll provide waterproof field guides and binoculars, but feel free to bring your own gear if you prefer. Cameras are welcome, just note that any personal equipment is brought at your own risk. Please wear comfortable clothing and remember to bring water and sunscreen. All equipment is included in your registration fee. Basic instruction will be provided, and beginners are encouraged to join! The Chicago Park District's RiverLab program is a series of educational events and activities dedicated to reconnecting residents of Chicago with their river.
Teen Placemaking with the Chicago Park
Calling all teens: spend your Saturdays out in nature at North Park Village Nature Center! This intentional time together will be spent exploring the preserve, examining participant's relationship to nature, and creating a meaningful gathering space for teens by teens. This program is free, no registration required, and open to all high school aged teens.
Questions? Call 312-744-5472.
Teen Placemaking with the Chicago Park
Calling all teens: spend your Saturdays out in nature at North Park Village Nature Center! This intentional time together will be spent exploring the preserve, examining participant's relationship to nature, and creating a meaningful gathering space for teens by teens. This program is free, no registration required, and open to all high school aged teens.
Questions? Call 312-744-5472.
Teen Placemaking with the Chicago Park
Calling all teens: spend your Saturdays out in nature at North Park Village Nature Center! This intentional time together will be spent exploring the preserve, examining participant's relationship to nature, and creating a meaningful gathering space for teens by teens. This program is free, no registration required, and open to all high school aged teens.
Questions? Call 312-744-5472.
Teen Placemaking with the Chicago Park
Calling all teens: spend your Saturdays out in nature at North Park Village Nature Center! This intentional time together will be spent exploring the preserve, examining participant's relationship to nature, and creating a meaningful gathering space for teens by teens. This program is free, no registration required, and open to all high school aged teens.
Questions? Call 312-744-5472.
Teen Placemaking with the Chicago Park
Calling all teens: spend your Saturdays out in nature at North Park Village Nature Center! This intentional time together will be spent exploring the preserve, examining participant's relationship to nature, and creating a meaningful gathering space for teens by teens. This program is free, no registration required, and open to all high school aged teens.
Questions? Call 312-744-5472.
Albany Park Community Meeting on Flooding
This meeting is for Albany Park residents and workers who are interested in learning more about existing initiatives in Chicago centered on solutions to the growing problem of urban flooding.
These initiatives aim to empower residents like you with understanding avenues for real solutions (like local policy change).
-Learn about the Hyfi flood sensor pilot in Chicago, currently happening this year.
-Hear from groups like Chicago’s Flood and Sewage Coalition on their flood policy advocacy
-Input where you’d like to see 200+ new trees in the neighborhood
-Understand how to use Chicago’s 311 information system to report flooding
And more!
Summer Series Garden Party
Join Global Gardens Chicago for their second-annual Garden Party! They’ll have live music, delicious food prepared by local vendors, tours of the farm, a raffle, and, of course, incredible community.
Musika SamaSama Filipino Festival
Celebrate Filipino culture at Musika SamaSama Filipino Festival — August 29, 2026, at Eugene Field Park! Presented by the Chicago Park District, this FREE community celebration features live music, storytelling, artisanal crafts, kid-friendly activities, and mouthwatering Filipino food from Chicagoland's finest vendors. Headlining the afternoon: Chicago's premier Filipino folk fusion band, SamaSama Project! RSVP recommended at musikasamasama2026.eventbrite.com. Bring blankets or chairs, sunscreen, and cash or card for vendors. Street parking on Foster and Ridgeway Avenues; additional parking at NEIU Lot L. For more info, visit samasamaproject.com or follow @samasamaproject on Facebook and Instagram. See you there!
Lot Jams #4
Lot Jams is a free, outdoor summer concert series that showcases the people, businesses, and cultures that make Albany Park one of the best communities in Chicago—transforming a neighborhood parking lot into a lively hub of music, dance.
Join us on August 26th at Movement on Montrose for performances by Cecy Santana and Surabhi Ensemble!
Homeowners - Considering a new tree?
Learn how to select, plant, and care for a tree that will thrive in your landscape for decades to come. This workshop covers how to choose the best planting location by considering utilities, buildings, neighboring properties, and sunlight conditions. Participants will explore tree selection guidance, including species recommendations for the Chicago region and how to match a tree to their goals, budget, and maintenance preferences. The session will also cover proper planting techniques, necessary tools and materials, and when professional assistance may be needed. Finally, attendees will learn essential tree care practices such as watering, mulching, and staking to support healthy establishment and growth.
Length: 1.5 hours
Audience: All ages
For More Information: https://chipublib.bibliocommons.com/events/6a3af43440f004e45f857957?source=ev
Ronan Park Tree Walk
Take a walk with us 🌳
Join us for a Chicago Park Tree Walk on August 23rd from 11am – 1 PM at Ronan Park (at the Lawrence entrance)! In partnership with Openlands TreeKeepers, this guided walk will highlight the different tree species on site and explore what makes each one unique—from bark to canopy.
Whether you’re a nature lover or just curious about the trees in your neighborhood, this is a great way to learn and connect outdoors.
Sign up here or using the link in our bio: https://cerv.is/0254x3005
Chamber Chat
Calling all Chamber members and all community members! The Albany Park Chamber of Commerce is hosting its second monthly meeting at The Jade Vine!
This event is an opportunity for our Chamber members to meet and network, but is also open to all community members to connect. Share your ideas for the neighborhood, your ideas for a business, learn about our services, or simply hang out and mingle!
This event is free to attend. Coffee will be provided. We can't wait to see you there!
Albany Park East Walking Tour
Join Chicago for Chicagoans' founder and longtime neighborhood resident Patti Swanson for a one-of-a-kind Albany Park ten year anniversary tour! You'll explore the history, landmarks, and architecture of one of the city's most brilliantly diverse neighborhoods.
Friendship Center Block Party
All are welcome at the free Friendship Center Block Party featuring community partners, yoga, and workshops. Families are welcome! The first 100 guests will receive a gift.What’s Happening
Community Yoga
Community-led Workshops
Know Your Rights Workshop
Art Therapy
Job/Resume Workshops
Albany Park West Walking Tour
Join Chicago for Chicagoans' founder and longtime neighborhood resident Patti Swanson for a one-of-a-kind Albany Park ten year anniversary tour! You'll explore the history, landmarks, and architecture of one of the city's most brilliantly diverse neighborhoods.
Lot Jams #3
Join us for our third Lot Jams of the season! Stop by Staxx between 7pm and 9pm to see a performance by Naüvoo!
Lot Jams is a free, outdoor summer concert series that showcases the people, businesses, and cultures that make Albany Park one of the best communities in Chicago—transforming a neighborhood parking lot into a lively hub of music, dance.
Independence Park Tree Walks
Join us for a tree walk focusing on tree identification, growth habit, and appreciation. We will meet on the east side of the field house.
Eugene Field Tree Walk
Take a walk with us 🌳
Join us for a Chicago Park Tree Walk on July 23rd at Eugene Field Park (meeting in front of the field house on Hamlin)! In partnership with Openlands TreeKeepers, this guided walk will highlight the different tree species on site and explore what makes each one unique—from bark to canopy.
Whether you’re a nature lover or just curious about the trees in your neighborhood, this is a great way to learn and connect outdoors.
Sign up here or using the link in our bio: https://cerv.is/0254x3013
Lot Jams #2
Join us for the second Lot Jams of the season! Come by the Albany Park Multicultural Academy from 7pm to 9pm to see SamaSama Project!
Lot Jams #1
Join us for the kick off of Lot Jams! We’ll be starting the series off with performances by Ocean Child and Filipino School of Chicago.
Lot Jams is a free, outdoor summer concert series that showcases the people, businesses, and cultures that make Albany Park one of the best communities in Chicago—transforming a neighborhood parking lot into a lively hub of music, dance
Horner Park Tree Walk
Take a walk with us 🌳
Join us for a Chicago Park Tree Walk on June 28th from 11am-12pm at Horner Park Field House (Montrose & California)! In partnership with Openlands TreeKeepers, this guided walk will highlight the different tree species on site and explore what makes each one unique—from bark to canopy.
Whether you’re a nature lover or just curious about the trees in your neighborhood, this is a great way to learn and connect outdoors.
Sign up here or using the link in our bio: https://cerv.is/0254x3044
Pride & Joy
Kick off Pride Month by celebrating loud and proud with us! An evening of drag, karaoke, and crafting awaits 🌈 🪩 🎤
North River Commission and the Albany Park Chamber of Commerce are proud to present Pride and Joy, a celebration aimed at uplifting the LGBTQ+ community in Albany Park, Irving Park, and North Park 🏳️🌈 🏳️⚧️ 🏳️🌈 🏳️⚧️ Watch an incredible drag performance by Totomiko, sing your heart out in karaoke, and create your own keepsake craft with Hey, I Thought of You!
Not only will you support the arts, but your attendance will directly benefit the community! Half of all ticket proceeds will go to local mutual aid to support neighbors with rental assistance, food, and emergency aid 🤝 Tickets are on a sliding-scale. Every $5 you spend on your ticket = 1 raffle entry to win a package of tickets, art prints, and more!
Join us at Color Club for this night of singing, dancing, and creating. We can't wait to celebrate with you! 💃 💃 🕺 🕺
🗓️ Thursday, June 4
⏰ 6:00-9:00pm
📍 Color Club | 4146 N Elston Ave
👥 All ages welcome!
How to get to Color Club? You can take the Blue Line to Irving Park (12 minute walk), #80 Irving Park Bus to Irving & Hamlin (4 minute walk), #78 Montrose Bus to Montrose & Hamlin (8 minute walk), or drive and park nearby with free street parking.
Thank you to the generous support of our sponsors: Scissor & Fork, Khepri Cafe, and La Casita Verde, The Scent Queens Candle Co., Nighthawk, Steph Mielcarek with Baird & Warner, Angelo's Wine Bar, and a. favorite design. Their contributions help us to make this event possible!
For more information or sponsorship inquiries, contact Caelin at caelin@northrivercommission.org
BUILT TO LAST: Future Proofing Businesses for the Next Generation (An AAPIHM Celebration)
Join us for an evening of celebration, connection, and practical support as we close out AAPI Heritage Month in Albany Park.
This free community event brings together small business owners, entrepreneurs, and neighbors to uplift and invest in the AAPI business community. Whether you’re running a long-standing business, just getting started, or exploring an idea, this event is designed to connect you with the tools and people you need.
Hear from a panel of Asian American business owners at different stages of their journeys as they share insights on how to future-proof your business—covering topics like adapting to the digital landscape, succession planning, and preparing for long-term growth or transition.
Connect directly with local partners offering resources for small businesses.
Enjoy a “Noodles Party” featuring dishes from across Asian cultures, and spend the evening building relationships with fellow entrepreneurs and community members.
This event is free and open to all.
Howard Levy 4
The Howard Levy 4 is a dynamic, multi-styled band hailing from Chicago, led by Grammy-Award winning diatonic harmonica master, pianist and composer Howard Levy. Joining him are the incredibly virtuosic guitarist Chris Siebold, the outstanding upright and electric bassist Joshua Ramos, and the masterful Brazilian drummer Luiz Ewerling. This powerhouse ensemble delivers pure musical magic in a range of styles that includes Jazz, Latin, World Music, and Blues. Besides several distinctively reworked American and Brazilian tunes, the band has an astonishingly diverse repertoire of original compositions that combine and blend many cultures, rhythms and genres, creating a sonic experience that's nothing short of extraordinary.
Tickets available at neiu.edu/tickets
River Park Tree Walk
Take a walk with us 🌳
Join us for a Chicago Park Tree Walk on May 7 from 7–8 PM at River Park Field House (5100 N Francisco Ave)! In partnership with Openlands TreeKeepers, this guided walk will highlight the different tree species on site and explore what makes each one unique—from bark to canopy.
Whether you’re a nature lover or just curious about the trees in your neighborhood, this is a great way to learn and connect outdoors.
Sign up here or using the link in our bio: bit.ly/May_TreeWalk
One for the Foxes
Dave Curley, Tadhg Ó Meachair & Joanna Hyde form an exciting and dynamic transatlantic trio that presents a rousing blend of Irish and American folk music, having already won over audiences on both sides of the ocean. The group is made up of Dublin’s Tadhg Ó Meachair (Goitse), Galway’s Dave Curley (SLIDE) and Denver, Colorado’s Joanna Hyde (The Hydes), and features a mix of Irish and American folk music and song – both traditional and newly- composed – presented in an energetic and engaging manner.
Tickets available at neiu.edu/tickets
Community Choice Awards 2026
Prepare for the most anticipated evening of the year! We are electrified to invite you to the 2026 Community Choice Awards. This one night of the year is dedicated to honoring the powerhouse small businesses that ignite the spirit and drive the success of our community.
This isn't just an event; it's a high-energy showdown where the best-of-the-best in various categories will be crowned! And the judges? YOU! Every winner is selected through passionate nominations and pivotal votes from community members just like you.
What to Expect
Thrilling Reveals: Witness the dramatic announcement of winners.
Epic Celebration: An evening packed with community pride and powerful recognition.
Unforgettable Networking: Connect with the visionary owners, innovative entrepreneurs, and devoted community members who make our neighborhood extraordinary.
This is your chance to shine a spotlight on the businesses that don't just exist, but exceed expectations and leave a lasting, positive impact. Let's make some noise for the legends of local businesses!
Don't miss the ultimate community celebration! Secure your spot today and be a part of this MUST-ATTEND night of recognition and revelry. We can't wait to celebrate with you!
Cleveland School Preschool Little Bird Playdate
Preschool Open House for future students and families. Come meet teachers, other current/prospective parents, and learn about the great opportunities that Cleveland School offers Preschool aged children. Cleveland is one of the few schools in the area that offers Preschool after care options for families.
Winter Wellness
We would like to invite Albany Park families to come & join us for some Winter Wellness! We will have open gym for basketball & volleyball, light refreshments, crafts, loteria & family yoga!