The 3rd Annual Taste of Nigeria: African Art Music Fundraiser Night will take place on Saturday, June 6th, 2026, at Connect Gallery in Hyde Park. Presented in partnership with Umu Igbo Unite (UIU), this year’s program celebrates Igbo music and culture while raising support for Àkójọpọ̀’s year-round initiatives in Pan-African art, music, education, concerts, and professional development opportunities.

Guests will be welcomed with a traditional kola nut experience, setting the tone for an evening rooted in cultural celebration, community, and connection. The event will bring together students, artists, professionals, and community members from across Chicago for an immersive cultural dining and artistic experience. The evening will also feature cultural performances highlighting works by Igbo composers, alongside access to the art exhibition on display at Connect Gallery.

Thank you to all of our community supporters, including Connect Gallery, Barry’s, Unan Imports, Dozzy’s Grill, Umu Igbo Unite (UIU), the Chicago White Sox, and more partners to be announced as the event approaches.

Tier 1: Enjoy native rice with chicken/beef/fish, served with a soft drink or bottled water. This tier offers a warm introduction to the evening and is perfect for guests looking to experience the culture, community, and atmosphere of the event.

Tier 2: Experience a deeper taste of Igbo cuisine with your choice of native yam porridge or oha/egusi soup served with yellow garri, along with a complimentary Champagne/mocktail and one raffle ticket entry.

Ja’ Grill kicks off its Hyde Park Sunset Patio Party series this Friday, May 29, from 4-9 p.m. in Harper Court.

DJs Mark Flava and Papa G will be playing R&B, Afrobeat, Reggae, and Classic Hip-Hop tunes.

Great Music / Delicious Food / Cold Drinks / Good Vibes

The Hyde Park Community Players are delighted to present the premiere of MonteCristo2020, an original musical based on Alexander Dumas’s novel The Count of Monte Cristo with book and lyrics by Susan Harris and score by Bill Hohnke. Reserve your seats here: https://events.humanitix.com/montecristo2020

Performances will be at the Experimental Station (6100 South Blackstone Avenue)

May 29, 30 at 7:00 pm

May 31 at 2:00 pm

June 5, 6 at 7:00 pm

June 7 at 2:00 pm

About the show:

Isolating in her apartment during the early months of the coronavirus pandemic, a lonely bookworm discovers Alexandre Dumas’s novel The Count of Monte Cristo. The classic novel of adventure, intrigue, and revenge comes to life around her, immersing her in an exciting new world and a story which hits surprisingly close to home. MonteCristo2020 expresses the pain of loss and isolation while celebrating the resilience of hope and the sustaining power of stories.

The food pantry, located at Hyde Park Union Church, provides nonperishable groceries and limited refrigerated and frozen foods to 500 to 800 people every month on Saturdays from 10 am to 1 pm.

We serve the area of 39th – 63rd St., Cottage Grove east to Lake Michigan, and patrons can come twice a month. All will be served on their first visit, regardless of residency. If you are looking for food outside of our service area or hours, you can visit the website of the Greater Chicago Food depository to find additional services.
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Volunteers order food, unload deliveries, pre-pack bags and distribute food. ​If you would like to volunteer, please contact the Church Office or Margy Mitchell, the Food Pantry coordinator.

Time and Location 
Every Saturday (including Christmas, New Year’s Day, and July 4th) from 10 am to 1 pm;

Hyde Park Union Church
5600 S. Woodlawn — enter by the side door at 1169 E. 56th St.
Chicago, IL 60637

COME CELEBRATE OUR VILLAGE!

CHICAGO HYDE PARK VILLAGE 12th ANNIVERSARY BENEFIT

SATURDAY, MAY 30, 2026
11:30 AM until 2:30 PM

At the new Ascione by the Point
5500 South Shore Drive
(Parking in lot across the street)

Reserve your tickets or make a donation by May 15

chpv.org/benefit

TICKETS
• $160 per ticket up to 5 tickets
• Table of 6 for $900 ($150/seat)
• Table of 8 for $1200 ($150/seat)

Please contact us to purchase your table for 6 or 8. Call 773-363-1933 or 773-234-6428 or email info@chpv.org.
($50 of the cost per ticket qualifies as a tax-deductible donation to Chicago Hyde Park Village NFP, an IRS-designated 501(c)3 organization, FEIN 90-0798416. Any additional contribution during registration and checkout is 100% tax deductible.)

WHAT TO EXPECT
• Elegant Lunch by Ascione Bistro and A & S Beverages
• Sing-Along with Composer and Pianist Adam D. O’Dell, DMA
• In-Person Silent Auction
• Online Auction May 25-June 1 at www.chpv.org

Turn a flaw into a feature with visible mending. Bring one or two items (shirts, jeans, bags, whatever!) and repair them in class. Students will receive a demonstration of basic mending techniques such as patching, darning, sewing a button, and basic embroidery stitches.

Level:  Beginner. All skill levels

Pre-requisites: None, but basic sewing and embroidery skills will come in handy. Ages 15+.

Included in class: A simple starter kit – one card of sashiko thread (to be chosen in class), one variety pack of sewing needles, sewing thread, pins, and instructions.

What to bring: One or two items to repair, scrap fabric for patches, pins, a thimble, and any thread/floss you already have and like to use. Materials can be purchased during class, and some will be available for free.

Mental Health Awareness Month isn’t over yet. 🤎

Strugglebeard Bakery founder Quinton McNair and author & advocate Anjanette L. Young are sitting down together for an open, honest conversation about mental health, struggle, and what resilience actually looks like in real life.

Two different journeys. One powerful message. And it’s free.

📅 May 30 | 2–4PM

📍 Strugglebeard Bakery, Hyde Park

🎟️ Free Entry

No ticket. Just show up.

Click HERE to RSVP.

The Hyde Park Community Players are delighted to present the premiere of MonteCristo2020, an original musical based on Alexander Dumas’s novel The Count of Monte Cristo with book and lyrics by Susan Harris and score by Bill Hohnke. Reserve your seats here: https://events.humanitix.com/montecristo2020

Performances will be at the Experimental Station (6100 South Blackstone Avenue)

May 29, 30 at 7:00 pm

May 31 at 2:00 pm

June 5, 6 at 7:00 pm

June 7 at 2:00 pm

About the show:

Isolating in her apartment during the early months of the coronavirus pandemic, a lonely bookworm discovers Alexandre Dumas’s novel The Count of Monte Cristo. The classic novel of adventure, intrigue, and revenge comes to life around her, immersing her in an exciting new world and a story which hits surprisingly close to home. MonteCristo2020 expresses the pain of loss and isolation while celebrating the resilience of hope and the sustaining power of stories.

The Keith Cooper Fund honors Keith’s memory by awarding grants that open doors for young people – empowering them to pursue education, vocation, and a life filled with intention.

Live jazz with Rodney Gipsen and his ensemble, silent auction, award-winning beers from CHAOS Homebrew Club, food, and good company!

Click HERE for tickets.

Sign-Up Link: https://www.wearehighsociety.com/#events

Date: Sunday, May 31st, 2026

Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Event Overview:

Experience a morning of movement, artistry, and connection. Begin with a live instrumental Yoga class led by Bare Feet Wellness, designed to restore and inspire through music and mindful movement. Following class, local artist Erika Vazzana will offer personalized hand-painted designs directly on your yoga mat, creating a one-of-a-kind keepsake to take home.

Enjoy a beautifully curated grazing board as you unwind, connect, and celebrate creativity in community.

We kindly ask that you please bring your own yoga mat for the experience.

Schedule:

• 10:00 AM – 10:15 AM: Check-in
• 10:15 AM – 11:00 AM: Yoga Session
• 11:00 AM – 11:45 AM: Fellowship, guest grazing, and Erika activation