This post highlights gatherings, festivals and parades
as well as the outside movies shown in selected areas
in old and current Lake View
Most outside gatherings occurred in picnic groves during the warm months. The most notable according to newspaper articles was events at Sharpshooter Park on Western Avenue and the Old Settlers' Picnic in Harms Park also on Western Avenue - Western Avenue was the street that bordered the Township/City of Lake View and the former Township of Jefferson, both annexed in 1889 to Chicago.
Lake View Township in 1862
W.L. Flower Map
was officially known as
Schuetzen Park
1894 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map vol A
with zoomed view below
zoomed further
section 1
section 2
Thousands of Chicagoans and folks for the surrounding townships were show at one time
Picnic and kids with Rifles in 1877
Over 15k in Attendance in 1887
The Swedes at a Gathering in 1895
The Poles had a Gathering in 1896
The Old Settler's in 1903
at Harm's Park
1894 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map
The apparent location of the park based on the information from Forgotten Chicago - title link
Many events and festivals were held in Harms Park, most
notably the Chicago Old Settlers’ Picnic, which celebrated the north-sider's oldest
citizens. The year 1937 marked Chicago’s hundredth year, and the Chicago Charter Jubilee
held various celebrations and events, among them this picnic, which was held
annually until 1946. This Charter Jubilee was also responsible for the
placement of many historical plaques in various places throughout the city.
- Forgotten Chicago
According to several Chicago Tribune articles Harms Park was a popular location for this event since 1874. The first event was held at Harms Park with up to 5000 residents gathered to celebrate a Chicago annual tradition. According to a photo of the Daily News Archives the Old Settlers Picnic was at least once held in Riverview Park in 1905,once part of Schuetzen Park, one year after its own public opening. - see photo above
The Picnic of 1939
Picnic of 1944
Picnic of 1945
Vintage
Entertainment Spots:
District of Lake View
Ferris Wheel Park was established in 1895 when Lake View was a newly formed District of Chicago along Clark Street between Wrightwood Avenue just south of Diversey Avenue (Parkway).
Ferris Wheel Park was the creation of a transportation baron from the 19th century who owned streetcar rail company from Chicago to Clark & Wrightwood so that folks from Chicago could reach this amazement park for his own personal financial gain.
The park existed for a brief period of time in the 1890's.
The neighbors hated it!!
photo via Calumet 412
Community of North Central
This park was established in 1913, west of Western Avenue and just across the street from the old border with the District of Lake View.
There was a separate streetcar to the park on Roscoe Street while the main roadways to the park was Belmont Avenue & Addison Street
We Still like Out-Door
Gatherings/Events
In order to find these and other gatherings Google the
Chambers of Commerce
The Events Timeline
as of 2018:
(sure I missing one or 2)
(sure I missing one or 2)
Soup Walk &
Frost Fest Craft Beer Festival
once called the Halsted Winter Fest
Frost Fest Craft Beer Festival
once called the Halsted Winter Fest
March
Restaurant Week
(Feb-March)
Chicago Shamrock Crawl in
Wrigleyville!
Taste of NorthHalsted
April
Ravenswood 5k
May
Cover the Bases
May
Cover the Bases
Mayfest
Belmont-Sheffield Music Festival
WOOGMS Memorial Day Parade
June
Live Lakeview
Porchfest
SausageFest Chicago
June
Live Lakeview
Porchfest
SausageFest Chicago
Chicago Pride Fest
Summer on Southport
'Gay' Pride Parade
July
Live on Lincoln
Live on Lincoln
Southport Art Festival
Taste of Lakeview
and once called Rock Around the Block
Southport Art Festival
August
August
Wrigleyville Summerfest
Porch-Fest
Porch-Fest
OUT at Wrigley
Northalsted Market Days
Northalsted Market Days
September
WOOGMS Labor Day Parade
Lakeview East Festival of the Arts
Lakeview East Festival of the Arts
Octoberfest at St. Alphonsus
October
Race to Wrigley
Ravenswood Art Walk
Bank of America Marathon
former known as La Salle Marathon
Trick or Treat on Southport
Halloween Block Party
November
Life Time Turkey Day Chicago
December
Life Time Turkey Day Chicago
December
12 Bars of Christmas
The Southport Holiday Stroll
Most Fabulous Santa Speedo Run
The Southport Holiday Stroll
Most Fabulous Santa Speedo Run
The Events
in Some Detail:
In February:
Warm up to winter! From super cool winter exhibits to a steamy soup walk that's sure to warm your bones, there's something for everyone at Northalsted Winter Fest. Our restaurants, retailers and performers will be dishing out fire and ice to make this a
'Sunday Funday' for the books - since 2014
NorthHalsted Business Alliance is holding a Winter Fest for the first time later this month, with hopes that fire dancers, an ice sculptor and free hot soup will attract people out into the cold. In the 7-Eleven parking lot at 3407 N. Halsted St., an artist will be sculpting chunks of ice into works of art with a chainsaw during the day. At Taverna 750's patio, 750 W. Cornelia Ave., dancers will be performing with fire. And outside Kit Kat Lounge, 3700 N Halsted St., the club's drag queen divas will be dressed up as ice kings and queens for photos. - DNAinfo 2014 - and currently called ...
On St. Patrick’s Day, everyone is Irish. That means you.
Grab your closest friends and empty all the green gear out of your closest.
It’s time for you to celebrate the right way as we take over the Wrigleyville
neighborhood with this one of a kind event. Picture it: You’re laughing and
singing and you start to feel that giddy St. Patrick’s Day morning buzz. All of
a sudden, you realize that you can Irish dance! Then you realize that ALL of
your friends can Irish dance too, and they can do it with beers in hand! Make
this dream a reality. We’ll see you there. All of the venues are within walking
distance so you can spend more time partying with friends.
since 1998
This three-day celebration that began in 1995 kicks off the City of Chicago’s festival season. This event located at 3100 North Ashland near Lincoln Avenue brings in three days of celebration featuring Chicago’s BEST Bands, Festival Cuisine, pretzels, beer, and a broad spectrum of super cool entertainment starting off Friday with VIP Party for the general public.
May since 1984
Established in 2001, this event is a weekend event that showcases local music talent. The event is located between Belmont and Addison and along Sheffield. The Fest (video) offers continuous live music, tastings from area restaurants, and goods and wares from local merchants with the famous ballpark as a backdrop.
May since 2002
This annual event kicks the cars off of beautiful Lake Shore Drive so you can peacefully ride their bike along it. You get to admire Chicago from one of its best vantage points and view LakeView East that includes Belmont Harbor along the outer drive. All eight lanes are open for riders along a 15 mile stretch. If you make the entire loop (north and south), it's a 30 mile ride. Marker 7 & 8 (mile) are located in Lake View.
May since 2009
The event hub is St. Alphonsus Church
at 1429 W Wellington Avenue
June since 2010
*moved to Old Town as of 2015*
- Redeye pics
Celebrate all things having to do with encased meats at Sausagefest. This fest is in the shadow of Wrigley Field in the community of Wrigleyville. This annual summer street festival features plenty of live music, arts & crafts and, of course, stellar sausage offerings from local butcher shops and eateries such as Bobak's Sausage Company, Paulina Meat Market, Chicago's Dog House, Murphy's Bleachers, Notolli & Son Italian Sausage Shop and Greek Delights.
June since 2003
*once held on the same weekend as Pride*
2022 map
June
*apparently discontinued*
Once
eleven local restaurants will set up booths along Aldine at Halsted for a
walk-around tasting event including live music and entertainment in the form of
the Waiter's Race Cup. Online sales are now closed. Tickets at the door cost
$35, but you get access to some of the neighborhood's best restaurants and
chefs including Yoshi's Cafe, HB Home Bistro, Hearty, D.S. Tequila Company,
Chicago Diner, Las Mananitas, Whole Foods and more.
In July
Live on Lincoln
former names and logos
former names and logos
the original logo for this event below
since 1988
one of the first outdoor fests in Lake View
once called
Summer on Southport
In August:
Wrigleyville Summerfest
since 2002
*suspended??*
August since 1981
This lower photo as of 2012
A crowd of more than 100,000 from across the country will converge on Market Days on Halsted Street in August to celebrate an annual event. It's the largest two-day street fair in the Midwest and lives up to its reputation as one of the country's finest festivals!
View my friend's, Greg Baird's
YouTube perspective of 2012 event
August since 1959
While this event occurs over North Avenue Beach the residents of Lake View experience it during their practice runs
on Thursdays & Fridays before the show
turning around with a view of Belmont Harbor
2002 photos
by Bruce Uruh from the Belmont Harbor area
In September:
since 2013
below photo - Lake View Chamber of Commerce
Attendees will vote for “Chicago’s Best Taco” winner
Attendees will vote for “Chicago’s Best Taco” winner
In October:
Yes, it's in September! since 1988
Lake View's version of Oktoberfest located at one of the oldest Catholic churches in the neighborhood. St. Alphonsus Parish was founded by German immigrants in 1882 and continues to recognize its German roots by celebrating an authentic Oktoberfest every September. Keeping with tradition, festival-goers can expect to experience homemade bratwurst, the “oom-pah” of German bands, the music of top area headliner bands, activities for kids (“Kinderfest”), and of course lots of great beer! The festival is held outdoors in a beer garden fashion under a ‘big-top’ tent. Thousands from Chicago of all ages attend and raise their stein to toast this German event. As of 2013 the new location was at Southport between Lincoln Avenue and George Street instead of tradition Oakdale. Find it on Facebook!
2016 & 2021
a sign in Sidetrack on Halsted
in Sidetrack on Halsted
presenting the awards for the most best custom
above images - Garry Albrecht
September since 2004
photo - East Lake View Chamber of Commerce
photo - East Lake View Chamber of Commerce
This festival showcases more than 150 chamber approved
(qualification by merit) artists featuring world class original paintings, sculpture, photography, furniture, jewelry and more. Artists in almost every medium will be represented including photography, printmaking, mixed media, ceramics, clay, collage, fiber, glass, sculpture, furniture and more. Unique and original artwork is on sale in all price ranges. In addition to the art on sale, the Festival features live demonstrations and entertainment stages where some of Chicago’s favorite musicians play throughout the weekend. Sculpture artist Lucy Slivnski typically contribute her designs to the Chirsty Webber urban garden. The festival also hosts children’s entertainment featuring puppet shows, interactive arts and crafts and activities to foster an appreciation of fine art in the youngest participant.
'You are the Parade'
Labor Day & Memorial Day
since 1963
Back in 1963 Al Weisman's neighbor on Oakdale Avenue gave him one as a gift, and he was faced with a decision: He could just hang it out a window, or he could hold it up and march around the neighborhood with local children. So he rounded up less than 10 neighborhood kids, including his son Tony. A girl who played violin strummed the only song she knew, the Israeli national anthem "Hatikva." - DNAinfo 2013
above photos from their Facebook page
below 2017 group photo - Matthew Nickerson
The was to be the last year of the parade was in 2017
At the 'Wellington-Oakdale Old Glory Marching Society Memorial/Labor Day Parade' everybody marches from grandparents to school kids. The event began when a resident named Al Weisman grabbed a flag in 1963 and led some neighborhood kids around the block.The grass-root parade begins at the corner of Pine Grove and Wellington Avenues, then moves south on Sheridan Road and winds up at St. Joseph`s Hospital about 30 minutes later for an after parade entertainment. The main attraction of the parade is a chance for folks to come out of hibernation and see the neighbors. In 2012 the parade featured the Jesse White Drum Corps and the Jesse White Tumblers. In 2013 Alderman Tom Tunney entered a resolution to the city council celebrating its' 50th year.
But Wait Its' Back by Popular Demand 2017
The Parade Went Virtual in 2020
Like many gatherings in 2020 events like this one were either cancelled or went virtual due to the Covid-19 pandemic
a video below
OUT at Wrigley
a video below
September since 2001The nation's largest annual LGBTQ+ sporting event
September since 2001
The nation's largest annual LGBTQ+ sporting event
2009 - TimeOut Chicago
2010 - Metromix
2010 - ChicagoPride.com
2013 - 3 photos Garry Albrecht
along with other photos when I volunteered
at the registration tent at end of this post
2013 - DNA info
The Year the Cubs Won
2013 - 3 photos Garry Albrecht
along with other photos when I volunteered
at the registration tent at end of this post
The Year the Cubs Won
the World Series 2016
The WIN symbol drapes from the Roscoe Tavern building
a sign in Sidetrack on Halsted
in Sidetrack on Halsted
presenting the awards for the most best custom
above images - Garry Albrecht
This parade on Halsted
Avenue was established in 1996. It has grown from a gay-bar street event to a
all inclusive Lake View and Chicago event for all adults, children, and their
decorated pets. One year a small black dog was dressed in a spider suite. It
looked totally real in the dark and from distance. Winners of the costume contest for kids and pets are
announced immediately after the parade, followed by adult, group, and pet
owners contestant winners. The event is sponsored by Northalsted Business
Alliance, in conjunction with Triangle Neighbors Association, a
member of the Lake View
Citizens Council.
The bar staff along Halsted Street get into the act as well
Here is James at Sidetracks 2014
Some Scary Characters in 2019
photography by MB Mace
video with snips - Chicago's Special Events Management
Running down Southport Avenue from Belmont Avenue to Irving Park Road, the annual trick-or-treat event is scheduled this year for Sunday, Oct. 28 from 1-4 p.m. Between the buckets of candy, bounce houses, pumpkin patches, face painting, and more, the event draws a outrageously massive crowd. “It’s really fun, and we’ve been doing it for a long time,” said Executive Director at the Lakeview Chamber of Commerce, Heather Way. “It’s wildly popular. There are thousands of children. Last year it was a pretty nasty day out, something like 50 degrees and raining. I still had some merchants who went through almost 2,000 pieces of candy in 90 minutes.” The pumpkin party features, games, activities and pumpkin decorating. Smarty Pants and the Lovely Miss Dena will be on hand creating amazing balloon creations and spooky face painting designs.
Lakeview East will be hosting their Little Monsters Crawl
on October 31st from 11:30am to 1:30 PM! Stop by over 70 Lakeview Businesses to
trick or treat and support local! Many places have treats for adults as well,
including coupons, food samples, and much more! Click on any of the ghost icons
below to see what kind of goodies are hiding at each location!
October since 2001
Begins in the community of East Ravenswood within the neighborhood of Lake View north to Uptown
Begins in the community of East Ravenswood within the neighborhood of Lake View north to Uptown
When Judith Roth (President of Chicago Women’s Caucus for Art) sought to involve her community in the celebration of Chicago Artists Month. Judith went door-to-door speaking with artists and asking them if they would open their studios for a day to the public and called the Ravenswood Art Walk. Over the years it has grown into what it is today, an exciting community event featuring over 150 artists and highlighting the wonderful talents and diversity of the Ravenswood Corridor. They, of course, have a Facebook page.
2017 photos below
In November:
since 1978
a city event through Lake View's DeSable Lake Shore Drive
In December
December since 2011
anything goes for charity!
December since 2014
Twelve Bars of Christmas
December since 1996Popularly known as TBOX, which stands for Twelve Bars of
Xmas, is an annual pub crawl 
Police estimated 30,000 participants descended upon this
North Side neighborhood for the annual Twelve Bars of Christmas, or TBOX, pub
crawl, involving more than 50 establishments. Organizer Festa Parties said
18,500 people registered, but "thousands" stayed away due to the
weather. The event was highly anticipated by bar-goers, judging by social media
posts, and greeted apprehensively by business owners, who took the brunt of
mayhem brought on by the 40,000 partiers who attended last year's event. Saturday's
below-freezing temperatures didn't dissuade TBOX bar hoppers, whose costumes
ranged from the traditional Santa to sexy snowmen to Macaulay Culkin's
character from "Home Alone." - DNA info 2013
Other Outdoor Events:such as Live Lakeview
an all summer event*apparently discontinued*
a monthly affair
photo - Lake View East Chamber of Commerce
This neighborhood bike ride happens on mostly every Sunday - even in the winter months at 10am for about an hours worth. This event starts at Seminary and Waveland Avenues next to Wrigley Field with a post-ride gathering at a new or popular destination.
A November ride in 2012This a free hour-long neighborhood social ride is organized by the Lake View Citizens Council. Helmets are required and be sure to bring a lock so you can join us for social time afterward. This social ride is traditional on the second Sunday of every month. The rides are geared toward all of our neighbors so bring your kids and your grandparents for that matter! Local elected officials and neighborhood police are also invited to join every month.Lake View Chamber of Commerce photo Feb. 2011 below
No City-Wide Planning
established in 2020photos - Ben Sussman
this photo - Yelp
once just only held in Butler Field in Grant Park the popularity spread into the neighborhoods
Dates and show times at Belmont Harbor
06/14/11 8:45 PM Movies in the Parks Movies in the Parks - North By Northwest
2013
2014
2015
2016
June 13 at Belmont Harbor
3600 Recreation Drive
July 27 Kelly Playlotat 3800 N Seminary
August 1 Belmont Harbor at 3550 Recreation Drive
August 4 Gill Park at 825 W Sheridan Roadand August 26 Margaret Donahue Park at 1230 W School
2017Belmont Harbor
at 3200 N Lake Shore Drive
2019
That year there were four movies shown; three at Belmont Harbor and one at Gill Park
June 10th at Belmont Harbor
June 29 at Belmont Harbor
*two movies that day*
July 12 at Gill Park
August 12 at Belmont Harbor
2020 Social Distance Please!
My Personal Experience:
The Halloween Parade 2013
I volunteered to participate in the 2013 parade afterexperiencing the event either along the sidelines along the route or seating at
Side Track watching it from video monitors with a 'tall one' on hand. That year
I wanted to experience it first-hand. That year prizes were given after the
parade for different categorizes. Below are pictures of the event from a
volunteer perspective.
the poster for that year All photos were taken my me, Garry Albrecht
all is still quiet
early arrivals for registration
The registration tent with categories
The crowds await!
the band arrives
registration begins with earnest
the tent crew
The Parade Begins
The Winners per Category
Twelve Bars of Christmas
December since 1996
Popularly known as TBOX, which stands for Twelve Bars of
Xmas, is an annual pub crawl Police estimated 30,000 participants descended upon this
North Side neighborhood for the annual Twelve Bars of Christmas, or TBOX, pub
crawl, involving more than 50 establishments. Organizer Festa Parties said
18,500 people registered, but "thousands" stayed away due to the
weather. The event was highly anticipated by bar-goers, judging by social media
posts, and greeted apprehensively by business owners, who took the brunt of
mayhem brought on by the 40,000 partiers who attended last year's event. Saturday's
below-freezing temperatures didn't dissuade TBOX bar hoppers, whose costumes
ranged from the traditional Santa to sexy snowmen to Macaulay Culkin's
character from "Home Alone." - DNA info 2013
Police estimated 30,000 participants descended upon this
North Side neighborhood for the annual Twelve Bars of Christmas, or TBOX, pub
crawl, involving more than 50 establishments. Organizer Festa Parties said
18,500 people registered, but "thousands" stayed away due to the
weather. The event was highly anticipated by bar-goers, judging by social media
posts, and greeted apprehensively by business owners, who took the brunt of
mayhem brought on by the 40,000 partiers who attended last year's event. Saturday's
below-freezing temperatures didn't dissuade TBOX bar hoppers, whose costumes
ranged from the traditional Santa to sexy snowmen to Macaulay Culkin's
character from "Home Alone." - DNA info 2013Other
Outdoor Events:
such as
Live Lakeview
an all summer event*apparently discontinued*
a monthly affair
photo - Lake View East Chamber of Commerce
This neighborhood bike ride happens on mostly every Sunday - even in the winter months at 10am for about an hours worth. This event starts at Seminary and Waveland Avenues next to Wrigley Field with a post-ride gathering at a new or popular destination.
A November ride in 2012
This a free hour-long neighborhood social ride is organized by the Lake View Citizens Council. Helmets are required and be sure to bring a lock so you can join us for social time afterward. This social ride is traditional on the second Sunday of every month. The rides are geared toward all of our neighbors so bring your kids and your grandparents for that matter! Local elected officials and neighborhood police are also invited to join every month.
Lake View Chamber of Commerce photo Feb. 2011 below
No City-Wide Planning
established in 2020
photos - Ben Sussman
this photo - Yelp
once just only held in Butler Field
in Grant Park
the popularity spread into the neighborhoods
Dates and show times at Belmont Harbor
06/14/11 8:45 PM Movies in the Parks Movies in the Parks - North By Northwest
06/21/11 9:00 PM Movies in the Parks Movies in the Parks - Dirty Dancing
06/28/11 9:00 PM Movies in the Parks Movies in the Parks - The Greatest Show on Earth
2012
2013
2013
2015
June 13 at Belmont Harbor
3600 Recreation Drive
July 27 Kelly Playlot
at 3800 N Seminary
at 3550 Recreation Drive
That year there were four movies shown;
August 4 Gill Park
at 825 W Sheridan Road
and
August 26 Margaret Donahue Park
at 1230 W School
2017
Belmont Harbor
at 3200 N Lake Shore Drive
at 3200 N Lake Shore Drive
That year there were four movies shown;
three at Belmont Harbor and one at Gill Park
June 10th at Belmont Harbor
June 29 at
June 10th at Belmont Harbor
Belmont Harbor
*two movies that day*
July 12
at Gill Park
August 12
at Belmont Harbor
2020
Social Distance Please!
My Personal Experience:
The Halloween Parade 2013
I volunteered to participate in the 2013 parade after
experiencing the event either along the sidelines along the route or seating at
Side Track watching it from video monitors with a 'tall one' on hand. That year
I wanted to experience it first-hand. That year prizes were given after the
parade for different categorizes. Below are pictures of the event from a
volunteer perspective.
the poster for that year
All photos were taken my me, Garry Albrecht
early arrivals for registration
The crowds await!
registration begins with earnest
the tent crew
The Winners
early arrivals for registration
The registration tent with categories
the band arrives
The Parade Begins
The Winners
per Category
*All these Events mentioned in this post were cancelled
in 2020 & 2021
due to the Covid-19 Pandemic*
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These posts are exclusively used for educational purposes. I do not wish to gain monetary profit from this blog nor should anyone else without permission for the original source - thanks!
