Welcome To Hyde Park

Six Dollar Tuesdays at ACX Harper Theater
2025-12-09, 2025-12-16, 2025-12-23 | Harper Theater, 5238 S. Harper Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60615, United States
Six Dollar Tuesdays at ACX Harper Theater
Don’t miss $6 Tuesdays at the ACX Harper Theater in Hyde Park!
Movie tickets are just $6/person and a small soft drink, small popcorn, or hotdog are just $3 each.
Visit the ACX Harper Theater at 5238 S. Harper Avenue. Check showtimes HERE.

Learn to Crochet - Granny Square
2025-12-09 18:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago) | Fiber Friends Studios, Inc., 1744 E 55th Street, Chicago, 60615
Learn to Crochet – Granny Square
Discover the art of crocheting the classic granny square! No prior experience is necessary—just bring your enthusiasm for this traditional craft.
In this three-hour class, you’ll learn how to hold the yarn and hook and create a simple granny square using the chain 4 method and double crochet. You’ll also understand how to change colors and finish the square. This class is designed to be engaging and enjoyable, making it a family-friendly experience for children (7+) and adults alike!
Level: Beginner. No prior experience needed.
Pre-requisites: None
Included in class: 3 balls of Happy Yarn (47 yds / 20g), a 5mm crochet hook, and a darning needle.

Committed Knitters
2025-12-10 11:00 - 15:00, 2025-12-24 11:00 - 15:00 | UChicago Arts Incubator, 301 E. Garfield Boulevard, Chicago, IL, 60637, United States
Committed Knitters
Committed Knitters meets bi-weekly at the Arts Incubator Flex Space for a cozy, creative gathering open to all skill levels.
Committed Knitters invites you to our bi-weekly gatherings at the Arts Incubator Flex Space. Whether you’re a longtime knitter or picking up needles for the very first time, you’re welcome here. Come spend time in community, exchange ideas, and make steady progress on your projects in a relaxed, creative setting.
Supplies are provided—just bring yourself.
Drop in anytime.
Registration is not required, but encouraged to receive email updates and reminders about the other dates in this series.

The Taming of the Shrew
2025-12-10 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-12-11 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-12-12 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-12-13 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-12-14 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-12-14 19:30 - 21:30 | Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60637, United States
The Taming of the Shrew
Welcome to a tale of deception, disguise, and desire.

The richest man in town has two daughters and one big problem: he refuses to marry the youngest, Bianca, until the eldest, Katherina, is married first. Much to her family’s dismay, Katherina repeatedly – and violently – rejects the men interested in her and her wealth, and refuses to sacrifice her independence. When a mysterious gentleman enters the mix, suddenly Kate sees that surrender is no sacrifice. Perhaps there is strength in submission.

Artistic Director of Remy Bumppo Theatre Company Marti Lyons (Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner) turns William Shakespeare’s classic inside out, with a fresh interpretation focused on feminine desire. This is not your standard Shrew.

Please Note: This adaptation of The Taming of the Shrew engages with mature themes—including desire, sexuality, and power dynamics.

Accessible Performances:

ASL Interpretation: Saturday, December 6 at 2:00pm
Touch Tour: Sunday, December 7 at 12:30pm
Audio Description and Open Captioning: Sunday, December 7 at 2:00pm

Learn to Knit Intarsia
2025-12-11 18:00 - 21:00 | Fiber Friends Studios, Inc., 1744 E 55th Street, Chicago, 60615
Learn to Knit Intarsia
Learn to knit intarsia with a simple and festive Christmas ornament project. Students will learn the intarsia colorwork technique in two colors, reading from a chart, managing yarn while working, and weaving in ends, as well as review the mattress stitch for seaming.
Level: Intermediate
Pre-requisites: Students should feel confident knitting, purling, casting on, and binding off.
Included in class:
Two skeins of The Fibre Co. Lore Mini (25g), poly-fil, and the pattern. Students can select from two colorways: A) Serene, Ambitious, & Sensitive, or B) Heaven, Happiness, & Wise.
Needles and notions required:

4mm (US 6) circular needle or single-pointed needles
Darning needle

About the instructor: Avery Erb (she/her) is a knitwear designer and knitting instructor based in Chicago, IL. Originally from Wisconsin, she draws inspiration from distinctive colors, invigorating textures, and a lifetime of frigid winters. Follow her on IG: @avery.knits

Game Day at Ja' Grill
2025-12-13 | Ja’ Grill, 1510 E. Harper Court, Chicago, IL, 60615, United States
Game Day at Ja’ Grill
There’s a ton of NCAA football games this Saturday, and Ja’ Grill in Harper Court is the place to be for all-day wing and beer specials.
Visit Ja’ Grill at 1510 E. Harper Court in Hyde Park.
Check out the game schedule HERE.

The Hyde Park Kenwood Food Pantry
2025-12-13 10:00 - 13:00, 2025-12-20 10:00 - 13:00, 2025-12-27 10:00 - 13:00 | Hyde Park Union Church, 5600 S. Woodlawn Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60637
The Hyde Park Kenwood Food Pantry
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

Ja' Grill Sunday Brunch
2025-12-13 11:00 - 16:00, 2025-12-20 11:00 - 16:00, 2025-12-27 11:00 - 16:00 | Ja’ Grill, 1510 E. Harper Court, Chicago, IL, 60615, United States
Ja’ Grill Sunday Brunch
Hyde Park’s Ja’ Grill, located at 1510 E. Harper Court, began a new Sunday brunch service on Sunday, January 26.
The weekly Sunday brunch hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with all-you-can-eat options served family-style for $30 per person. Cocktail options include carafes of everyone’s favorite Ja’ Rum Punch, a Ja’ Mimosa, and Ja’ Bloody Mary.
Brunch menu items will rotate periodically, but diners can look forward to Jerk Chicken & Waffles, Ackee & Saltfish, Scrambled Eggs & Jerk Chicken Sausage, and more.
Ja’ Grill owner Tony Coates celebrated the restaurant’s 10th anniversary in August 2024, reflecting to the Hyde Park Herald, “We were well received well beyond what I would imagine. We opened the doors and, I say this without any hesitation, the Hyde Park community really embraced us and that’s why we’re open today.”
Coates commented, “Our regular customers have asked about adding a brunch menu many times, and we’re very excited to try out this new offering. Ja’ Grill is the perfect place to enjoy your Sunday morning and afternoon with our authentic Jamaican cuisine and extensive drink menu.”
Ja’ Grill is open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. There’s a Tropical Happy Hour Monday through Thursday from 4-6 p.m. During NFL season fans can enjoy an Extended Happy Hour from 4 p.m. until closing time on Sunday, Monday, and Thursday. Don’t miss Wine Down Wednesday with 1/2 price bottles of white, red, and sparkling wines.
Visit the Ja’ Grill website and follow on Instagram for more information about specials and events.

CASINO CHAOS : Immersive Art Exhibition
2025-12-13 12:00 - 15:00, 2025-12-13 18:00 - 21:00 | Connect Gallery, 1451 E. 53rd Street, Chicago, Chicago, 60615, United States
CASINO CHAOS: Immersive Art Exhibition
ESCAPADE | Exhibitions presents Casino Chaos — a fully immersive art experience set inside the chaotic beauty of a vintage-inspired casino.
INSTAGRAM: @ESCAPADE_EXHIBITIONS or @FINE_ART_BY_RAVEN
Session 1: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Session 2: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Immerse yourself in a captivating experience of Art & Play at Casino Chaos by ESCAPADE | Exhibitions
Ticket Pricing:

Early Bird (GA) : $39.99 (includes 1 drink ticket, 1 raffle ticket, and admission to the experience)-Limited quantity available.
Early Bird (VIP): $49.99 (includes 2 drink tickets, 2 raffle tickets, and a goodie bag treat)-Limited quantity available.

General Admission: $45 (includes 1 drink ticket, 1 raffle ticket, and admission to the experience)
VIP Admission: $55 (includes 2 drink tickets, 2 raffle tickets, and a goodie bag treat)

Step Into the Chaos
ESCAPADE | Exhibitions presents Casino Chaos — a fully immersive art experience set inside the chaotic beauty of a vintage-inspired casino. This exhibition blends fine art, live performance, interactive casino tables, cabaret-style acts, curated food and drink, and whimsical design into a cinematic escape from reality.
Central to the experience are 20+ new oil paintings by Raven Smith, extending the ongoing Distractions series into a lush, retro-casino world. A room-sized installation transforms the gallery into a casino floor, complete with interactive games, raffles, and atmospheric design.
Guests can expect:

Fine Artwork and immersive installations
Interactive casino inspired games + raffles + prizes
Curated Cocktails
Creative bites

EVENT DETAILS
Date: Saturday, December 13th, 2025
Mid Day Session: 12pm-3pm
Evening Session: 6pm-9pm
Location: Connect Gallery, 1451 E 53rd St, Chicago, IL
Attire: Creative Casual
Why Attend?More than just an exhibition, Casino Chaos is an invitation to escape. Whether sipping a custom cocktail, playing a faux casino game, or exploring the art and installations, guests will leave with an unforgettable story and a sense of playful wonder.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT CASINO CHAOS?
FINE ART
Enjoy around 30 pieces of original artwork by artist Raven Smith inspired by the allure of vintage casinos!
Original work, Limited Edition Prints, + Casino Chaos merchandise will be available for purchase during the event!
INTERACTIVE GAMING + INSTALLATIONS
The Rush Without The Risk
Play in Casino inspired games on iconic casino gaming tables, and slots! Test your luck and win raffle tickets at each station to grant you the chance to win grand prizes toward the end of the night!
Capture the moment in style in our lavish red velvet photo installation, dripping in old Vegas glamour and casino flair. Attire is creative casual—feel free to play up the theme and make a statement!
FOOD + DRINK
Savor imaginative small bites that capture the playful delirium of endless casino nights. Your ticket includes 1–2 drink tickets to sample our signature themed cocktails, with additional drinks available for purchase during the event.
Food + Drink elements included in ticket access.
SENSORY ELEMENTS
Experience the dings and cranks of a real casino, layered with cinematic soundscapes that capture the thrill of the game—from the cheers of a big win to the sighs of a loss. The atmosphere is completed with a signature casino aroma, transporting you straight into the heart of Vegas.
We Hope To See You There!

AGENDA
1st Hour: ( 12-1pm/ 6-7pm) – EXHIBITION PREVIEW+ COCKTAIL RECEPTION
Guests are encouraged to grab a specialty cocktail and enjoy the 30 new oil paintings on display inspired by casino allure by artist Raven Smith. Light bites will be passed around during this time. enjoy curated sounds and sensory elements that immerse you in the world of Casino Chaos
Next Hour + 30 Mins: (1-2:30pm/ 7-8:30pm) – INTERACTIVE GAMING
The Rush Without The Risk – Play your luck at multiple gaming stations and win raffle tickets to up your chance on claiming the grand prizes at the end of the evening. Lose at a main game? Don’t worry! There are other ways to up your odds to win throughout the event! Rules: Once you play a station you must move to another one. If you win at a station you have the option to bet your winning ticket to play again, if you lose winning tickets go back to the dealer.
Last 30 Mins: ( 2:30-3pm/ 8:30-9pm) – RAFFLES/ PRIZES/COSTUME CONTEST
Gather and sign your raffle tickets for a chance at the big draw! 3 grand prizes will be raffled at the end of the event! This is your chance to win big!

Jeopardy Bar League at Truth Be Told
2025-12-14 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-12-21 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-12-28 18:00 - 20:00 | Truth Be Told, 1227 E. 60th Street, Chicago, IL, United States
Jeopardy Bar League at Truth Be Told
Get ready for Jeopardy Bar League, a live version of the iconic TV show, at Truth be Told, Sundays from 6 – 8 pm starting November 16.
See you there!

All That Jazz Dinner Series - Mesler
2025-12-18 18:00 - 21:00 | Mesler Kitchen | Bar | Lounge, 1411 E. 53rd Street, Chicago, IL, 60615, United States
All That Jazz Dinner Series – Mesler
Join Mesler for a monthly jazz series, All That Jazz, on Thursday evenings from 6-9 p.m. The events are scheduled for the 4th Thursday of each month with the exception of Friday, Feb 14th, and the November and December events are both on the 3rd Thursday due to the holidays. Reservations are required. Cover charge $20 per person (dinner not included). Enjoy the full Mesler menu available for purchase.

Need to Know
Parking is not available on-site, and tickets are non-refundable. Please note that seating durations are limited to 90 minutes.
Set times: 6:45 p.m. – 7:30 & 8 p.m. – 8:45 p.m.
There is a $100 food and beverage minimum.

About
Join us for our monthly “All That Jazz” series. Ticket includes seating and access to the event.
Mesler dinner and cocktail menu will be available. Click HERE for tickets.

Thursday, January 23 – Joyce Hurley
Friday, February 14 – Honeywater
Thursday, March 27 – Joyce Hurley
Thursday, April 24 – Tim Gant Project
Thursday, May 22 – Tim Gant Project
Thursday, June 26 – Marqueal Jordan & Amr Fahmy
Thursday, July 24 – Marqueal Jordan & Amr Fahmy
Thursday, August 28 – The Chris Miskel Trio
Thursday, September 25 – The Chris Miskel Trio
Thursday, October 23 – Kiki & Trio
Thursday, November 20 – The Alec Trio
Thursday, December 18 – The Alec Trio

Hyde Park Farmers Market Holiday Makers Market
2025-12-20 09:00 - 14:00 | The Promontory
Hyde Park Farmers Market Holiday Makers Market
On Saturday, December 20, 2025, Chicago’s Hyde Park Farmers Market (HPFM) will host a day of shopping at The Promontory (5311 S. Lake Park Avenue West), offering a festive indoor experience from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Shop locally this season and explore a range of unique holiday gifts, including packaged goods, original art, jewelry, wellness products, holiday stationery, and custom gift baskets—perfect for seasonal shopping.
The HPFM Holiday Makers Market will also feature raffles and special performances, adding an extra layer of excitement to the holiday shopping experience. Raffles are scheduled for 11:00 a.m. and again at 1:00 p.m. Must be present to win.
Two Raffles • Live Performances • Seasonal Shopping
Packaged goods, unique art, jewelry, wellness products, holiday stationery, custom gift baskets, and more.

Hyde Park Handmade Artisan Bazaar
2025-12-21 11:00 - 15:00 | The Promontory
Hyde Park Handmade Artisan Bazaar
* * Crafts! Fashion! Food! Cocktails! DJ! * *
Hyde Park Handmade focuses on makers from the city’s south side. Every month we host a unique shopping experience with returning and new craft and food vendors, workshops, lounge areas, cocktails, and soulful tunes by DJ Sean Alvarez of We Love Soul.
The Promontory is an elevator-accessible venue.
More questions? Email us at HydeParkHandmade@gmail.com

All Ages
Free w/ RSVP
Doors at 11 AM
Ends at 3 pm

Ascione Bistro - Holiday Dining
2025-12-24 11:30 - 19:30, 2025-12-25 11:30 - 19:30 | Ascione Bistro, 1500 E. 55th Street, Chicago, IL, 60615, United States
Ascione Bistro – Holiday Dining
Leave the cooking to Hyde Park’s Ascione Bistro this holiday season!
The restaurant is open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day from 11:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. with a special holiday menu featuring Colorado Lamb Shank, Halibut, Lobster Squid Ink Linguine Fra Diavolo, Cioppino, and New York Strip Steak Vesuvio Style. The restaurant’s regular menu is also available.
Dine in or pick up – 1500 E. 55th Street. Free parking in the Hyde Park Shopping Center parking lot.
Gift cards also available – click HERE.
