Welcome To Hyde Park

South Side Fireflies
2025-03-22 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-03-29 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | Arts + Public Life, 301 East Garfield Blvd, Chicago, IL, 60637, United States
South Side Fireflies
South Side Fireflies is a free early childhood music program that introduces toddlers and preschoolers to sound and play through the Earth, Wind & Fire songbook. Led by teaching artists Shanta Nurullah, Zahra Baker, Angel Bat Dawid and Julian Otis, Fireflies is a place for families to gather on Saturday mornings for music and fun on the Arts Block.
Presented by Arts + Public Life in partnership with Music Moves Chicago, Old Town School of Folk Music’s place-based, youth-focused, intergenerational initiative that aims to inspire, restore, and transform communities by providing access to high-quality arts education, concerts, and workforce readiness through partnerships with community organizations, schools, and other institutions located in South and West side neighborhoods.

*This program is most suitable for children ages 1-5, but all age groups are encouraged to participate.
**Registration is not required, but encouraged so you may receive email updates and reminders about the other dates in this series.

Ja' Grill Sunday Brunch
2025-03-22 11:00 - 16:00, 2025-03-29 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.

Learn Amigurumi
2025-03-22 12:00 - 14:00 | Fairgrounds Coffee & Tea, 5500-A S. University Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60637, United States
Design & Crochet Your Very Own Creeper Amigurumi.
Join us for a unique learning experience in this class designed for intermediate crocheters of all ages. You will explore the world of graph patterns, color changes and amigurumi. Students can get creative by choosing colors for their “pixels” and determining the level of pixelation for their Amigurumi Creeper.
This class is family-friendly and ideal for crocheters seeking a more challenging project. Participants should be proficient in creating chains and single crochets and identifying stitches. Only minimal sewing is required to assemble the plush toy.
The class includes yarn, poly-fil, a darning needle, and a chart. Please bring a 3.5 mm crochet hook.
The class is two parts, two hours each. Saturdays, March 22 & 29 from 12:00 – 2:00

Strugglebeard Bakery - Saturday Soul Pop-Ups
2025-03-22 12:00 - 17:00, 2025-03-29 12:00 - 17:00 | Strugglebeard Bakery, 5221 S. Harper Court, Chicago, IL, 60615, United States
Strugglebeard Bakery – Saturday Soul Pop-Ups

Celebrating Women’s History Month with Saturday Soul Pop-Ups

At Strugglebeard Bakery, we believe in the power of community, collaboration, and uplifting one another—especially the women entrepreneurs who continue to inspire and innovate. In honor of Women’s History Month, we are dedicating our Saturday Soul Pop-Ups to celebrate and support women-owned businesses.
We recognize the incredible talent and hard work of women entrepreneurs, many of whom create the very products we use and love in our bakery. To continue fostering these relationships and amplify their impact, we are opening our doors every Saturday in March to highlight a different woman-owned business—free of charge.
📅 Every Saturday in March
🕛 12 PM – 5 PM
💼 Showcase & Sell Your Products – No Fees
✨ Featured Women-Owned Businesses:
📍 March 1st – Homegirl’s Hummus
📍 March 8th – Meraki Collection Belize
📍 March 15th – S. Rose Chicago
📍 March 22nd – Skin Privilege
📍 March 29th – Queen’s Touch
This is more than a pop-up—it’s a celebration of women, resilience, and entrepreneurship. We invite you to join us, support these incredible women-owned businesses, and be part of a movement that uplifts and empowers.
Let’s honor Women’s History Month together—one small business at a time! 💜

A Raisin in the Sun
2025-03-22 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-03-23 14:00 - 16:00 | Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60637, United States
A Raisin in the Sun – now extended until Sunday, March 23, 2025!
New York Drama Critics Award winner, Tony Award nominee for Best Play, and the first play written by a Black woman to be produced on Broadway, Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun is a stunning portrayal of a family’s fight for dignity and the right to dream.
As the Youngers await their recently deceased patriarch’s life insurance check, they allow themselves to imagine a bigger life – a life with room to breathe – until those plans are thrown into jeopardy. Hansberry’s language rings as wise and prescient as ever in her moving answer to Langston Hughes’s question, What happens to a dream deferred?
Staged sixty years after Lorraine Hansberry’s passing, Associate Artistic Director Gabrielle Randle-Bent (Antigone) brings Hansberry’s masterpiece home to Chicago’s vibrant South Side and Court’s stage for the very first time.
Performance Dates/Times:
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday/Sunday matinees at 2 p.m.
Accessible Performances:

March 1, 2025 at 2:00 pm (Touch Tour/Audio Description/ASL Interpretation)

Touch Tour at 12:30 pm

March 2, 2025 at 2:00 pm (Open Captioning)

Photo of Kierra Bunch and Martasia Jones by Michael Brosilow

Tiny Shelf Concerts: Shawnee Dez
2025-03-22 19:00 - 20:30 | Call & Response Books, 1390 E Hyde Park Blvd., Chicago, 60615
Tiny Shelf Concerts: Shawnee Dez
As part of our Tiny Shelf Concert series, we’ll be welcoming singer, songwriter, and sound healer Shawnee Dez, to Call & Response Books on Saturday March 22 in collaboration with the Concert Conversations series!
Following a conversation with WTTW correspondent Angel Idowu, Shawnee will be bringing great music, a healing sound bath and great vibes to our storefront, so be sure to pull up to unwind after a long week!
Shawnee Dez is a South Side music artist who is concerned with ancestral knowledge and performance as an opportunity to channel and communicate with the past and future. Her music style consists of heavy use of harmonic layering, a fusion of live instrumentation with digital production, topped off with her dynamic multi-ranged alto melodic voice, creating the perfect dreamscape. Off-stage, Shawnee activates spaces for creative youth to express themselves unapologetically, including a mass pre-Juneteenth Black Joy bike ride throughout the Chicagoland area in 2020.
Angel Idowu most recently served as the first Art Correspondent for PBS Chicago, as a TV Anchor and Reporter, working to bridge the gap between art and accessibility. Some of her most notable interviews include Marlon and Tito Jackson, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Theaster Gates. As a full-time media entrepreneur, she currently is the Executive Producer and Host of the food series “Eats from the Streets.” She is also an independent commercial filmmaker and journalism educator. You can follow Angel and her work at @artwithangel on Instagram
Light refreshments will be available during the event. Please note that videographers will be present to record the event.

Splash Hatch on the E Going Down
2025-03-22 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-03-23 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-03-27 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-03-28 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-03-29 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-03-30 19:30 - 21:30 | Definition Theatre, 1160 E. 55th Street, Chicago, IL, 60615, United States
Splash Hatch on the E Going Down
About
In a cramped Harlem apartment, fifteen-year-old A-student Thyme faces the challenges of impending motherhood. Supported by her teenage husband and best friend, Thyme balances her intellectual curiosity with the harsh realities of her surrounding life. As she meticulously studies fetal development and dreams of a water birth, she becomes aware of the environmental injustices in her community. When tragedy strikes Thyme must confront the personal impact of her research, questioning what it truly means to prepare for the future. Explore this raw, poetic exploration of love, resilience, and the impact of environmental injustice on communities of color.
Click HERE for tickets.
Artists
Thyme — Jada Jackson
Erry — Jabari Khaliq
Ollie — Stetson Pierre
Marjorie — Quenna Barrett
Shaneequa — Rita Wicks
Production
Asst. Director — Ashley Keys
Production Manager — Ellen Willett
Stage Manager — Ariel Beller*
Asst. Stage Manager — Octavio Montes De Oca
Asst. Stage Manager — Carissa Greene
Dramaturg — Kenya Hall
Scenic Designer — Brian Bembridge
Technical Director — Jason Scott Clark
Lighting Designer — Conchita Avitia
Asst Lighting Designer — Zuzel Garcia
Head Electrician — Louis Lothan
Sound Designer — Willow James*
Asst. Sound Designer — Sakyrah Morris
Costume Designer — Janelle Lyn Smith
Asst. Costume Designer — Madeline Felauer
Properties Designer — Lonnae Hickma
Asst. Properties Designer — Jamie Auer
Intimacy/Fight — Maya Vinice Prentiss*
Asst. Intimacy/ Fight — Alexandra Jaymes

Craft Meetup
2025-03-23 09:00 - 12:00, 2025-03-30 09:00 - 12:00 | Fairgrounds Coffee & Tea, 5500-A S. University Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60637, United States
Calling all crafters! Whether you’re into knitting, crocheting, or embroidery, join our fun-filled crafter-morning. It’s the perfect place to make new friends and share your creative ideas. Bring your favorite project, grab some coffee, and let’s stitch together! All crafts and levels are welcome.

Chicago Chorale and David Jonies, Organ
2025-03-23 15:00 - 16:30
Our winter concert features transcendent music of the English cathedral tradition. Works will include Ralph Vaughan Williams’ magisterial Mass in G minor, one of the most important major choral works of the twentieth century, and two works accompanied by organ: Herbert Howells‘ haunting Like as the Hart, and the spectacular Rejoice in the Lamb, by Benjamin Britten. Our guest organist will be David Jonies, Director of Music and Organist at Chicago’s Holy Name Cathedral. Audience members will remember David’s virtuosic playing when Chorale presented the Duruflé Requiem at St. Thomas the Apostle several years ago, and won’t want to miss hearing him in this equally brilliant work.

Chicago Chorale and David Jonies on Organ
2025-03-23 15:00 - 17:00
Chicago Chorale and David Jonies on Organ

Our winter concert will return to the more familiar sounds of the English cathedral tradition. Works will include Ralph Vaughan Williams’ magisterial Mass in G minor, one of the most important major choral works of the twentieth century, and two works accompanied by organ: Like as the Hart, by Herbert Howells, and Rejoice in the Lamb, by Benjamin Britten. Our guest organist will be David Jonies, Director of Music and Organist at Chicago’s Holy Name Cathedral. Audience members will remember David’s virtuosic playing when Chorale presented the Duruflé Requiem at St. Thomas the Apostle several years ago, and won’t want to miss hearing him in this equally brilliant work.

Six Dollar Tuesdays at ACX Harper Theater
2025-03-25 | 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.

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SHEro Women Making History Series - March 25
2025-03-25 17:30 - 19:30 | Mesler Kitchen | Bar | Lounge, 1411 E. 53rd Street, Chicago, IL, 60615, United States
SHEro Women Making History Series – March 25
SOPHY Hyde Park and Mesler Kitchen | Bar | Lounge present the SHEro Women Making History Series, each Tuesday in March.
Join us as we kick off our SHEro Series! This inaugural event will feature an inspiring panel of industry leaders, including Christine DeSousa, Myiti Sengstacke-Rice, Amy Srodon, Astin Hayes, Barbara Graham, Micki Stayton, Sanina Ellison-Jones, sharing their journeys and insights.
Raise a glass to these incredible women with a featured spirit from Remy Martin, and be part of an evening dedicated to empowerment, connection, and celebration.

Complimentary FAFSA Workshop - Capital One Café
2025-03-26 14:00 - 17:00 | Capital One Cafe, 1465 E. 53rd Street, Chicago, IL, 60615, United States
Complimentary FAFSA Workshop – Capital One Café

The Hyde Park Capital One Café is partnering with the National College Attainment Workshop to host a complimentary FAFSA Workshop on Wednesday, March 26 from 2-5 p.m.
Students (and parents) will be supported by counselors from local college access organizations to answer questions and help submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Capital One is hosting these sessions to help more students across the nation complete the FAFSA and fund their futures.
Learn more about the FAFSA here.

All That Jazz Dinner Series - Mesler
2025-03-27 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

Arts + Public Life: Community Yoga with Latipha Rivers
2025-03-28 09:30 - 10:30, 2025-03-29 09:30 - 10:30 | UChicago Arts Incubator, 301 E. Garfield Boulevard, Chicago, IL, 60637, United States
Arts + Public Life: Community Yoga with Latipha Rivers
Join Arts + Public Life for free weekly yoga classes on the Arts Block, happening every Friday and Saturday! These 1-hour sessions focus on standing and seated poses, stretching, and cultivating healthy alignment. You’ll also explore yogic breathing, meditation, and relaxation techniques—perfect for relieving stress and finding your calm. Bring your mat and come unwind with us!

L1 Retail Store Grand Re-Opening Reception
2025-03-28 16:00 - 19:00 | L1 Retail Store, 319 E. Garfield Blvd, Chicago, 60637
L1 Retail Store Grand Re-Opening Reception
Arts + Public Life is proud to announce the grand reopening of the L1 Retail Store and to welcome Peter Gaona and his Reformed School back to the Arts Block as the 2025-26 Entrepreneur-in-Residence.
An alum of L1’s Creative Business Accelerator Fellowship, Peter is beginning a 15-month residency at L1 dedicated to growing and expanding his creative business. On March 28, we’re kicking things off with an evening of fashion, artistry, and community.
You will have the first look at a fresh collection of Peter’s handmade wearable art, along with the release of a limited-edition Reformed School pin, available exclusively in-store. The evening will also feature:
• Hat sizing by Dandy Kingzman
• L1 Alumni products Hyde & Park Co., Red Elephant Candle Co. and Hemp Heals Body Shop curated by Peter
• Live patch sewing – bring your denim for a custom touch
• Coloring pages featuring Reformed School’s iconic cultural figures
• Drinks, treats, and more!
More than a celebration, this event signals the beginning of a year of activations designed to highlight the L1 Retail Store as a vital hub for entrepreneurship and collaboration on the South Side.
Join us as we welcome Peter back, toast to his next chapter, and shop a collection that speaks to artisanship and culture.
Register and let us know you are coming!

The Hyde Park Kenwood Food Pantry
2025-03-29 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

Cafe Modern at Recycled Modern
2025-03-29 17:00 - 21:00 | Recycled Modern, 5231 S. Harper Court, Chicago, 60615, United States
Cafe Modern at Recycled Modern
What better way to celebrate Women’s History Month than by transforming Recycled Modern into Café Modern?
Known for our undeniable vibe, we’re bringing our space to life as a cozy, art-filled café highlighting some of our favorite women-owned brands and creatives.
A Women’s History Month Celebration co-hosted with Hey Raychh.
Highlighted Creatives: On The Go Jo Coffee / Tote Bags by Paratote / Glow Bar by Glow Getter / Clothing by MUTHA
Event Date: Saturday, March 29th
5231 S. Harper Court, Hyde Park
Time: 5-9 pm
AROSE is a foundation that bridges the opportunity gap for Black and Brown students through scholarships and community outreach.
Proceeds for Lattes and Espresso Martinis to go to AROSE 5-9 pm.
RSVP HERE
