Upcoming Events & Meetings
North River Commission is committed to building and engaging our community.
Explore our upcoming and past events below.
Flavors of Albany Park
North River Commission and the Special Service Area 60 are excited to invite you to the event of the summer! Flavors of Albany Park is back with your favorite restaurant crawl!
Flavors of Albany Park is back with your favorite restaurant crawl, giving you FOUR routes to choose from and bites from all over the world to sample! Let's celebrate the #GlobalRootsLocalHeart at the largest restaurant crawl in Chicago!
Experience the diverse, international cultures, and cuisines by tasting the delicious "Flavors of Albany Park" at our neighborhood restaurant crawl on Wednesday, June 25th, from 5:00 pm-8:00 pm. Albany Park is "Chicago's Gateway to the World" reflected in the distinct variety of ethnic cuisines from 50+ participating restaurants. Flavors of Albany Park explores the depth and diversity of global cuisines across four routes. The choice is yours! Attendees receive a "passport" as their ticket and route guide to taste sample-sized portions of culinary delights from local restaurants along.
CHOOSE YOUR ROUTE:
- Lawrence WEST
- Lawrence EAST
- Kedzie
- Montrose
Take your time walking from restaurant to restaurant. Each restaurant on the route will offer a sample of their food, a sweet treat, or a unique drink to all attendees. Participating restaurants will be listed soon!
Eat your way around the globe and get your tickets today!
Albany Park Pop-Up Market
Join us for the second Albany Park Market of the season!
June 29th | 11AM–4PM
📍3403 W Lawrence Ave (in the parking lot)
Come shop handmade goods, unique finds, and support local makers and small businesses!
Bring a friend and connect with your community — we’ll be there, no matter the weather!
Chicago Vintage Fest @ Albany Park
SAVE THE DATE FOR CHICAGO VINTAGE FEST TO COME TO ALBANY PARK FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME! Taking place on Kedzie Ave between Lawrence and the Kedzie Brown Line
P-B-B Asian Kitchen Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening
Join us as we celebrate the grand opening of P-B-B Asian Kitchen with a special ribbon cutting ceremony! Be among the first to experience our unique fusion of Chinese, Thai, and Korean flavors.
Event Details
📅 Date: Thursday, June 12th
🕑 Time: 2:00 PM
📍 Location: 4569 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL
(Right next to Perfect Brunch Bros.)
✨Grand Opening Special:
All customers will receive 50% off their order on the day of the ribbon cutting!
Come hungry, bring friends, and be part of the beginning of something delicious!
Session on Community Engaged Policing
Give your feedback and shape community policing in this session on neighborhood safety. An immigration attorney and CPD representatives will be present to answer questions.
Participants will receive gift cards. Light refreshments and Spanish translation will be available.
Youth Led Environmental Town Hall
Join the North River Youth Council, a group of civic minded high schoolers from the Northwest side, at their environmental town hall!
There will be local groups and environmental champions on the panel answering questions and talking about the work they do for our communities!
Support the youth by coming out!
It's Your Park Day!
Let's keep that Earth Day energy going every day! It's YOUR Park Day is a big community cleanup event that kicks off our volunteer season every year. Dozens of parks will pitch in across the city with park improvement activities. This is a free, fun, family-friendly event.
Coffee & Chat at Dulce De Leche Café
Join us at Dulce De Leche Café, one of Albany Park’s beloved local spots AND five-time champion of the Community Choice Awards!
Free samples will be provided and you’ll get a chance to try their NEW menu. Come hang out, make some new connections, and enjoy good vibes!
50% of ticket sales proceeds will go to support Dulce De Leche!
URI Cafe and Baklava Ribbon Cutting
Sweet news, Albany Park!
Join us for the ribbon-cutting of @uri_cafe_and_baklava and experience a taste of heaven with Turkish delights and unique coffees and drinks. See you there!
📍4640 N Kedzie
🗓️May 23rd
⏰4pm
Special Meeting of the Membership Council
Dear Member of the Membership Council, Community Members, and Friends of NRC,
Since its founding in 1962, the North River Commission (NRC) has worked to connect and empower our community. And, as a longstanding organization committed to the holistic wellness of our community, we understand as well as anyone that, as the world around us changes, so, too, must we learn to adapt and change with it. Part of that journey will always be to examine what is working, and what is not. The Covid Epidemic left an indelible mark on our community, leaving behind both challenge and opportunity as we find our way in a transformed world.
Seeking opportunities to better serve the community we hold dear, the current Board of Directors has been examining itself from the inside out. While we consider ourselves to be the voice of the community, we are looking for ways to better represent the community at the board table. One change was obvious: we need more diversity of voices at that table. We say that we make room for new voices, but how do we act on that declaration? Well, we build into our organization’s structure a mechanism for making room for those new voices.
In April, after much discussion, the current Board of Directors voted to enact term limits for itself and generations of the Board going forward. This step brings our organization’s bylaws more in line with other non-profits of similar stature in the modern day, and endeavors to make space at the table for new and powerful voices with interesting and modern ideas as a natural part of its lifecycle. It is, we believe, a positive and responsible step in service to the community we hold dear.
On Tuesday, May 20th, at 6:00 p.m. we are holding a meeting to answer any questions from the community on this change, and to hold a vote for the Membership’s approval of the Bylaws change. All members are welcome and encouraged to attend, and members in good standing will be invited to vote on the bylaws change to make this much-needed adjustment official.
On behalf of the North River Commission Board of Directors, and our remarkably capable Staff, I look forward to connecting with you and your member organization, both on Tuesday, and in bright future days.
Please RSVP if you plan to attend.
With warm regards,
Marilee Rutherford
President, North River Commission
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FOR THOSE ATTENDING VIRTUALLY, YOU CAN JOIN AT THE LINK BELOW:
Join Zoom Meeting
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Meeting ID: 821 2134 0892
Passcode: 365643
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Passcode: 365643
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33rd Annual Chicago River Day
It is almost time for the 33rd annual Chicago River Day, Friends of the Chicago River's largest volunteer stewardship day of the year!
Our local sites at River and Ronan Park are completely full but there still over 70 locations to pick from. There will also be THREE community hubs where you can learn all about their new River Shallows Project!
Interested in learning more? chicagoriver.org/get-involved/volunteer/chicago-river-day
Career Fair & HANA Resources
Explore new career opportunities in the Chicago area and discover HANA resources, including legal services, senior services, public benefits, education classes, housing support, mental health counseling, youth programs, and civic engagement.
Free services:
Professional headshot
Resume consultation
Mock interview practices
Career training resources
RSVP at bit.ly/2025CAREER
"Grounded & Growing" – A Mental Health Awareness Month Workshop
Join us for a special Mental Health Awareness Month workshop, "Grounded & Growing", led by Licensed Counselor and Dance Therapist Lisaura Lozada-Goode of Drawing Closer Counseling & Wellness.
When life feels like too much, it’s easy to disconnect from yourself and those you care about. In this one-of-a-kind experience, you’ll learn gentle mind-body practices to help lower stress, build resilience, and feel more present in your relationships. Whether you're in a tough season or simply seeking a reset, this workshop is for you.
✨ Light refreshments and snacks will be provided.
Event Details:
📍 Location: 3403 W Lawrence Avenue, Chicago, IL – Suite #301
📅 Date: Thursday, May 8th, 2025
⏰ Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Business Safety Meeting
📣ATTENTION ALL BUSINESS OWNERS🚨
In partnership with the 33rd Ward Office, we're hosting a business safety meeting where YOU will have the opportunity to receive important safety updates from the 17th District Commander and team. Stay informed, ask questions, and connect with fellow business owners.
📆 Wednesday, May 7th
⏰ 6pm to 7pm
📍NRC Office | 3403 W Lawrence Ave, Ste 301
Your safety is our priority -- see you there!
Take Back 15 Hours: A Free Workshop for Small Business Owners
📣 FREE WORKSHOP: Take Back 15 Hours
Still buried in admin work?
Join us on April 30 @ 6PM at North River Commission to learn how to:
✅ Automate emails & scheduling
✅ Reclaim 15+ hours/week
✅ Grow your business without burnout
🎁 Toolkit included. Space is limited, RSVP at the link in our bio.
👉 4features.ai/15hours
📞 Text/call: 773-207-3720
Taller bilingüe disponible
Friends of the Parks Earth Day Cleanups
This year @friends_of_the_parks will be hosting their annual citywide Earth Day cleanups on April 26th!🌏
Are you located in Albany Park, North Park, or Irving Park areas? Use our list to find a park near you hosting a clean up! Be sure to RSVP in advance using the link in our bio! 🌳🌟
Can’t volunteer but want to support your local PAC? They’re always looking for donations to keep events like these going!💚
Creativity & Connections: Networking Event
Get ready for a vibrant and fun networking experience! The Albany Park Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to invite you to a one-of-a-kind event at @intouchandmotion , a creative arts therapies practice in Irving Park. This isn’s just another meeting-it’s a chance to connect with amazing professionals, spark new collaborations, and dive into a hands-on, creative grounding activity. Plus, there will be snacks and refreshing beverages to keep you fueled! This event is free of charge.
🗓️Date: April 23rd
⏰Time: 11:00 AM to 1:00PM
📍Location: 4028 W Irving Park Rd, Loft B, 2nd Floor
***Please note, the venue is only accessible via stairs. Street parking is available. Once you arrive, kindly use the buzzer to be let in.
Panda Express Ribbon Cutting
We’re so excited to welcome Panda Express to Albany Park! 🎉 Come join us for the grand opening and help us celebrate this tasty new addition to the neighborhood.
Stick around after the ribbon cutting—the first 88 guests will score a free T-shirt!
From their famous Orange Chicken to a full menu of bold, flavorful dishes, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
📍 Location: Panda Express – 3380 W Lawrence Ave
📅 Date: Monday, April 22nd
⏰ Time: 9:30 AM
We can’t wait to see you there!
Small Business Improvement Fund Workshop
Join our office and Wintrust Bank for an information session on both the Lawrence/Pulaski AND the Lawrence/Kedzie Small Business Improvement Fund! We will be going over the eligible applicants, the application process, the available resources and so much more!
The Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) provides reimbursement grants to Chicago small businesses to make permanent building improvements and repairs. Grants can be up to $150,000 for commercial projects and $250,000 for industrial projects. SBIF rolls out to accept applications each month in various TIF Districts.
This information session will take place on April 2nd at 12:30 PM at our North River Commission Office located at 3403 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60625 Suite #301. We are excited to explore this opportunity with you and help you access the resources needed to improve your business.
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Acompañe a nuestra oficina y a Wintrust Bank en una sesión informativa sobre el Fondo para la Mejora de Pequeñas Empresas de Lawrence/Pulaski y Lawrence/Kedzie. Revisaremos los solicitantes elegibles, el proceso de solicitud, los recursos disponibles y mucho más.
El Fondo para la Mejora de Pequeñas Empresas (SBIF) ofrece subvenciones de reembolso a pequeñas empresas de Chicago para realizar mejoras y reparaciones permanentes en sus edificios. Las subvenciones pueden ser de hasta $150,000 para proyectos comerciales y $250,000 para proyectos industriales. El SBIF acepta solicitudes cada mes en varios distritos TIF.
Esta sesión informativa se llevará a cabo el 2 de abril a las 12:30 p.m. en nuestra oficina de la Comisión del Río Norte, ubicada en 3403 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60625, Suite 301. Nos entusiasma explorar esta oportunidad con usted y ayudarle a acceder a los recursos necesarios para mejorar su negocio.
Esta presentación se realizará en inglés, pero se puede ofrecer traducción al español.
REGISTER HERE/ REGISTRATE AQUI
Smart Money Workshop: How to Manage Your Money Better
Join us for this workshop and learn how to manage your money better through financial management tips. Understand this critical practice for yourself or for your business by a professional advisor from Wintrust Bank.
Location TBA.
Doors open at 5pm
Workshop begins at 530pm. Networking after.
Hosted by the Chicago Business Center and Albany Park Chamber of Commerce
2025 Northside Restaurant Week
Discover the vibrant culinary scene of Chicago's north side during North Side Restaurant Week! Hosted by six business organizations, this collaborative event invites you to explore a world of flavors across Lincoln Square, Ravenswood, Albany Park, Edgewater, Irving Park, Northcenter, North Park, Rogers Park, and Uptown. From Argentinian and French to Serbian and modern American cuisine, participating restaurants will showcase their unique offerings with special prix fixe menus.
Our participating restaurants include Kale My Name, Los Barriles Restaurant and Sports Bar, Maman Zari, Mima’s Taste of Cuba, Perfect Brunch Bro’s, Angelo’s Wine Bar, El Alebrije Mexican Restaurant & Bar, Beograd Cafe & Restaurant, Chim Thai Cuisine, and Kabobi Persian & Mediterranean Grill.
North Side Restaurant week runs Thursday, February 27 - Sunday, March 9.
2025 Community Choice Awards
It is that time of year again, let's celebrate the Community Choice Awards! Join on Feb 27th to celebrate our best businesses, chosen by the Community!
Register here: https://events.humanitix.com/community-choice-awards
