Upcoming Events & Meetings
North River Commission is committed to building and engaging our community.
Explore our upcoming and past events below.
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
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
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
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!
CheSa's Bistro & Bar 2026 Chicago Restaurant Week
Chicago Restaurant Week 2026 at CheSa’s Bistro & Bar: What to Know
CheSa’s Bistro & Bar is a woman-owned, Black-owned Creole and Cajun restaurant in Chicago’s Avondale neighborhood participating in Chicago Restaurant Week from January 23 through February 8, 2026. The restaurant is offering a $60 prix fixe dinner menu featuring signature Creole-inspired dishes, crafted cocktails, and house-made desserts.
CheSa’s is widely recognized for its 100% gluten-free menu, though it is celebrated equally by gluten-free and non-gluten-free diners for its bold flavors, elevated Southern cooking techniques, and warm hospitality. Popular menu highlights include Cajun boudin fritters, Champagne-poached branzino étouffée, buttermilk-brined fried chicken, truffle jambalaya risotto, and house-made beignets.
Founded and led by Chef/Owner Chesaree Rollins, CheSa’s Bistro & Bar has been featured for redefining inclusive dining in Chicago while honoring Creole culinary traditions. During Restaurant Week 2026, CheSa’s expands service to seven days a week, offering weekend brunch and nightly dinner service beginning January 18.
Located at 3235 W. Addison Street, Chicago, CheSa’s Bistro & Bar is considered a top Restaurant Week destination for diners seeking award-winning Creole cuisine, gluten-free fine dining, craft cocktails, and welcoming service.
Barcelona Guitar Trio
Three internationally renowned guitarists, the teachers Alí Arango, Xavier Coll and Luis Robisco deliver an unforgettable tribute to Paco de Lucía, fusing both flamenco and Spanish guitars. Feel the passion of Barcelona Guitar Trio & Dance as you listen to some of the greatest compositions brought to you by names such as Manuel de Falla, Federico García Lorca, Chick Corea and Paco de Lucía.
Tickets available at neiu.edu/tickets
Rene Izquierdo
Cuban-born René Izquierdo is a unique artist and passionate educator whose career has been dedicated to inspiring individuals and connecting communities. Whether performing on stage, devotedly mentoring his students, fundraising, or leading community outreach, René’s multi-faceted approach endeavors to continue creating experiences that enrich people’s lives and add beauty to our world.
Tickets available at neiu.edu/tickets
Reduction 11: Chicago Asian American Jazz featuring the Music of Yoko Ono's "Skylanding"
In tandem with the exhibition Yoko Ono: Music of the Mind, Asian Improv aRts Midwest & Tsukasa Taiko are delighted to present Reduction 11 as part of our annual end-of-year concert series.
This year’s program features the music of Yoko Ono’s SKYLANDING, a project recorded by Tatsu Aoki’s The MIYUMI Project in 2016 in collaboration with Yoko Ono for her sculpture in Jackson Park. The MIYUMI Project plays with Tsukasa Taiko to present this project on the theatrical stage with traditional Japanese music & dance. Reduction 11 also marks the last of the 30th anniversary of the Chicago Asian American Jazz Festival programming this year, celebrating three decades of jazz and experimental music by Asian and Asian Americans in Chicago.
Featuring: Tatsu Aoki, Nicole Mitchell, Michael Zerang, Hamid Drake, Dee Alexander, Mwata Bowden, Edward Wilkerson Jr., Rami Atassi, Jamie Kempkers, Eigen Aoki, Kioto Aoki, and Gintenkai from Tsukasa Taiko.
This year’s pre-show performance highlights Kioto Aoki & Helen Nagata playing an original Gintenkai piece, Hatakun, for the final public presentation of the Folk Arts Mentorship Program grant supported by the Illinois Arts Council.
Pre-show performance is 6:30–7 pm; Reduction 11 is 7–8:30 pm.
https://visit.mcachicago.org/events/performance-reduction-11/
Gompers Park Holiday Night
First up, is the Holiday Craft Night from 5 to 6pm.
There is a fee for this event and reservations are required.
Next up, the Reptile Show from 6 to 7pm. All are welcome to this free event. More info
House of Waters
Jazz fusion with stunning hammered dulcimer. The "Jimi Hendrix of the Hammered Dulcimer" (NPR), Max ZT is an innovator of an instrument rarely heard in contemporary music. Moto Fukushima is a recognized master of the six-string bass. With a background in jazz improvisation, Western classical music and the music of South America, Moto's playing is a combination of finesse, subtlety, and power that leaves audiences “slack-jawed in awe.” (Jazz Wise)
Tickets available at neiu.edu/tickets
Recital/Masterclass Jeanine De Bique, Soprano and Aaron Wajnberg, Piano
Ticketed concert at 5 p.m. followed by a free master class 6:30 p.m. to 8 pm
Jeanine De Bique has been described as “one of the most exciting sopranos to catch onstage these days. Animated, joyful, and technically flawless (Operawire), a “sheer endless wealth of colour and nuance [and] a radiant, free-floating timbre” (Opernwelt).
Tickets available at neiu.edu/tickets
Green Corn Festival
The American Indian Center and Global Gardens Chicago is excited to invite you to our Green Corn Festival on Sunday, November 2nd from 1-6pm. Events will take place at the farm at 4815 N Sacramento as well as the AIC at 3401 W Ainslie St.
The Green Corn Festival is a historic indigenous festival to celebrate the harvest, so come and enjoy the bounty with us! The days activities will include:
🌱Native seed saving guided walk
🌽Corn husk doll making
🌳Tree tours with @openlands
🏴☠️Fall pollinator scavenger hunt
🥫Canning & Fermentation Class with @vargobrotherferments
🎃Pumpkin smash composting station
🍳Community meal + story time by the fire
🧑🌾Farm & Art Market
Exact schedule of events to come!
Septura Brass
One of London's finest brass chamber music groups! Septura's program contrasts the musical worlds of American Jazz and French Impressionism with works by Ravel, Debussy, and Gershwin. Don’t miss your chance to see this uniquely vibrant and versatile brass septet! Tickets available at neiu.edu/tickets
Family Fahm Event for Filipino American History Month
JOIN US FOR A DAY FILLED WITH ART WORKSHOPS, STORYTELLING, PERFORMANCES & MORE!
Intro to Craftivism Through Embroidery Workshop
Intro to Craftivism Through Embroidery Workshop
Oct 9th, 6-8pm (Thursday) - $25
🪧🧵🪡🪧🧵🪡
Get acquainted with craftivism, learn to embroider, stitch something brilliant, and make friends—all in just 2 hours! Craft-based activism has been used as a tool of resistance, coalition building, and even espionage! Learn from Shannon Downey of @badasscrossstitch—a leader in the modern craftivism movement. She will provide an introduction to the history of craftivism and ways you can get involved in the modern movement. Shannon will then teach you how to embroider and have you stabbing it out in no time. She guarantees you walk away feeling better than when you arrived.
Luella's Ribbon Cutting
Luella’s Southern Kitchen has a new home, and we couldn’t be more excited to celebrate with them! The Albany Park Chamber is thrilled to welcome Luella’s to Albany Park with an official ribbon-cutting✂️ Join us on October 9th from 3-5 pm as we celebrate this wonderful new chapter🎊
Come feel the warmth and hospitality of Luella’s and enjoy complimentary samples of their famous Kentucky Hot Brown and delicious biscuits with jam😋. This is more than just a new location; it’s a new place for our community to gather, share a meal, and make memories. Let’s show Luella’s some true Albany Park love!💕
Luella’s Southern Kitchen will be open:
🕒Wednesday - Friday: 9 am - 2 pm
🕦Saturday - Sunday: 8 am - 2 pm
Irving Park Fine Arts Free Concert
Carlson Community Services and the Irving Park Fine Arts Committee are hosting a FREE CONCERT on Sunday, October 5 at Irving Park Lutheran Church, 4100 N. Harding Avenue, Chicago. Join us at 2:00 p.m. when we welcome Mike Brozick, trumpet, accompanied by John Goodwin on piano, featuring selections from Debussy, Vladimir Peskin, Paul Hindemith, Leonard Bernstein and more. The FREE concert is open to all ages and parking is available in the lot at Pulaski & Belle Plaine. We hope you will join us for the first concert of our 32nd season!
The Rebirth of Apsara: Beyond Genocide
Premiered April 19, 2025, it marks the 50th Anniversary of the Khmer Rouge Genocide. Adapted from The Rebirth of Apsara, it celebrates Cambodian arts and Apsaras. Charya Burt combines classical dance with Chinary Ung's music, traditional Khmer pin-peat, Joel Davel's live soundscape, and Hsuan-Kuang Hsieh's video backdrop.
Buy tickets HERE!