2026 marks the 41st anniversary of citywide Earth Day park cleanups! For four decades, we have gathered Chicagoans all over the city each spring to clean and green our beloved parks. We’re excited to do it again this April in partnership with Friends of the Parks.

Help make a difference this Earth Day by pitching in at a cleanup event taking place at more than 140 parks across the city on April 18. Activities will vary by park, but typically include things like litter pick up and mulching trees. Materials will be provided, and all ages are welcome. All you have to do is register, show up, and dress for the weather. Spread the word to friends and neighbors.

Saturday, April 18, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Meet at the 54th Street / Blackstone.

Click HERE for more information.

Click HERE to register.

2026 marks the 41st anniversary of citywide Earth Day park cleanups! For four decades, we have gathered Chicagoans all over the city each spring to clean and green our beloved parks. We’re excited to do it again this April in partnership with Friends of the Parks.

Help make a difference this Earth Day by pitching in at a cleanup event taking place at more than 140 parks across the city on April 18. Activities will vary by park, but typically include things like litter pick up and mulching trees. Materials will be provided, and all ages are welcome. All you have to do is register, show up, and dress for the weather. Spread the word to friends and neighbors.

Saturday, April 18, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Meet at the 54th Street Playground

Click HERE for more information.

Click HERE to register.

Join us for storytime in the Barnes & Noble kids’ department!

Join us for storytime in the Barnes & Noble kids’ department!

Join us at our new Hyde Park location opening this Wednesday, March 4th! We’ll be doing a ribbon cutting with @lindsayncurrie and Corduroy 🐻 at 10:00 am!

Don’t forget to ask any bookseller about our story times and special events throughout opening week or stay tuned into our Instagram at @bnhydeparkil for more information ahead!

We are super excited to see your beautiful faces and welcome you to our amazing store in this amazing Hyde Park neighborhood!

Don’t hesitate to DM us at @bnhydeparkil us with any questions and we look forward to seeing you all soon 🖤

Join your Chicago Sews community for a special Insider Perk outing to see Crafting Character: The Costumes of Paul Tazewell at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry on Saturday, March 7th at 11 am.

This immersive exhibition celebrates the creative journey and craftsmanship of award-winning costume designer Paul Tazewell — the brilliant mind behind iconic looks from Wicked, Hamilton, West Side Story, and more. Through stunning original costumes, sketches, narration, photos, and behind-the-scenes videos, you’ll get a rare look at how imagination becomes wearable art.

Highlights of the exhibit include pieces like Glinda’s pink bubble dress and Elphaba’s Emerald City gown from Wicked, period tailoring from Hamilton, and vibrant designs from West Side Story — along with multimedia insights into Tazewell’s design process.

Where: Griffin Museum of Science and Industry (5700 S. Lake Shore Dr., Chicago, IL)

When: Saturday, March 7th

Time: Meet at 11:00 am

Tickets: Everyone is welcome to join us for this museum visit, but only Chicago Sews Insiders will have their exhibit tickets covered as part of this Insider Perk.

Whether you love sewing, costume design, theater, or just want to be inspired, this exhibit is a fantastic way to spend a morning with fellow makers and creatives.

Can’t wait to see you there!

-Your Chicago Sews Team

It’s been a WHOLE year since I’ve popped up in the city and baby… we are not sliding back in quietly. Strugglebeard is celebrating Women’s History Month the only way he knows how — with women-owned businesses, good vibes, sweet treats, karaoke, and a lil razzle dazzle.

Location: Strugglebeard Bakery

Time: Noon – 5PM

Karaoke + Drinks flowing

When I say we’re doing it BIG… I’m bringing the entire Kissed By A Bee Organics line. Yes. The whole farm-to-skin apothecary is pulling up. Body oils, butters, washes, deodorant, the works. If you’ve been waiting to smell it, try it, stock up on it — this is your moment. Quantities will be limited!

But wait… it gets better.

• Scent of Serenity By Iesha will be in the building with her candles, room sprays, and incense to set the mood properly.
• Big & Purty Customs is bringing those jaw-dropping Ankara kimonos that make you feel like royalty when you walk into a room.

Strugglebeard Bakery? Oh he didn’t come to play. He’ll be serving baked goods made with my home-grown botanicals and honey. Farm-to-skin meets farm-to-oven. Don’t play with it.

This is community and sister hood and brother hood, and grown.

Pull up. Bring your friends. Wear something cute. Sing karaoke. Shop Black women. Eat good. Smell divine. Leave moisturized.

Chicago… let’s make it a movie.