Arts + Public Life: Community Yoga with Latipha Rivers
2025-03-28 09:30 - 10:30, 2025-03-29 09:30 - 10:30 (America/Chicago) | 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!

Splash Hatch on the E Going Down
2025-03-28 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-03-29 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-03-30 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-04-03 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-04-04 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-04-05 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-04-06 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-04-10 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

The Hyde Park Kenwood Food Pantry
2025-03-29 10:00 - 13:00, 2025-04-05 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

South Side Fireflies
2025-03-29 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-04-05 11:00 - 12:00 | 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
2025-03-29 11:00 - 16:00, 2025-04-05 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.

Strugglebeard Bakery - Saturday Soul Pop-Ups
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! 💜

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

Craft Meetup
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.

Six Dollar Tuesdays at ACX Harper Theater
2025-04-01, 2025-04-08 | 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.

Committed Knitters
2025-04-02 11:00 - 15:00 | UChicago Arts Incubator, 301 E. Garfield Boulevard, Chicago, IL, 60637, United States
Committed Knitters
Arts Incubator: flex space (second floor)
Wednesdays 12:00-3:00 pm
Committed Knitters welcomes you to our bi-weekly gatherings at the Arts Incubator Flex Space! Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just picking up needles for the first time, there’s a spot for you. Share ideas, make progress on your projects, and enjoy a cozy, creative time with us!
We’ve got supplies ready for you.
Just drop in—no registration needed!

Tour of Chicago Puppets Up Close
2025-04-05 14:00 - 16:00 | Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E Washington Street, Chicago, 60602
Tour of Chicago Puppets Up Close
Join us for this guided tour, part of the public programming celebrating the world premiere of Berlin at Court Theatre.
Chicago is home to a rich and ever-expanding community of puppet makers. For this tour, join curators Grace Needlman (Co-Director of the Chicago Puppet Lab) and Will Bishop for an interactive and up close exploration of the exhibit, Potential Energy: Chicago Puppets Up Close. Learn how, through materiality and accessible art making, we can expand our ability to understand and empathize with ourselves and others.
Following the tour, join us for a guided introduction to the Buddy Store. A collaboration between Public Media Institute and the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), Buddy showcases local artists, makers, and small businesses. The Buddy Store is a place that introduces the world to the people making it happen in Chicago, a place that helps them create a sustainable world we all want to work, play, and live in.
April 5, 2025 | Chicago Cultural Center (78 E Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602) | 2:00pm – 4:00pm | Reserve
Image from “The Concord Hour,” directed by Damon Locks and Rob Shaw.

Scholastic Book Fair
2025-04-06 10:00 - 13:00 | St. Thomas the Apostle School, 5467 S. Woodlawn Avenue, Chicago, 60615, United States
Scholastic Book Fair
Don’t miss the Scholastic Book Fair! It’s the perfect time to grab exciting new books for your little readers. Plus, with Easter right around the corner, books make the perfect egg-stra special gift for the kids in your life!

St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic School Open House
2025-04-06 11:00 - 13:00 | IL
St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic School Open House
Thinking about the best school for your child? Come see what St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic School has to offer at our Open House! Here’s why you don’t want to miss it:
📚 Exceptional Academics & Innovation – Explore our Project-Based Learning, Innovation Lab, and STEM-focused curriculum designed to develop critical thinking and creativity.
🎨 Dynamic Afterschool & Enrichment Programs – From arts and athletics to leadership and STEM, our programs inspire students beyond the classroom.
💙 Faith, Community & Personalized Learning – Experience the warm, supportive environment where students grow in faith, academics, and leadership.

Learn to Knit
2025-04-06 12:00 - 15:00 | Fairgrounds Coffee & Tea, 5500-A S. University Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60637, United States
Learn to Knit
Hop into spring with our fun learn to knit class! Join us to create your very own tiny and adorable bunny, perfect for beginners. In just three hours, you’ll master the basic knit stitch, learn how to cast on and off and discover the secrets of sewing up your project. You’ll leave with a super cute bunny to take home and cherish!
The class includes everything you need: one skein of Yarnalia Wooly, knitting needles, and darning needles.

CSO Chamber Music at the University of Chicago
2025-04-06 15:00 - 17:00 | Leon Mandel Hall, 1131 E. 57th Street, Chicago, IL, United States
CSO Chamber Music at the University of Chicago

Esteban Batallán, trumpet
John Hagstrom, trumpet
David Griffin, horn
Michael Mulcahy, trombone
Gene Pokorny, tuba

Artists from the legendary CSO Brass section, known for their distinctive rich sonorities and spectacular power that define the “Chicago Sound,” perform an afternoon of chamber music. Their program features exuberant favorites, such as Leonard Bernstein’s effervescent Overture to Candide and Malcolm Arnold’s virtuosic Quintet for Brass, Op. 73, as well as intricate arrangements of Early Music by Bach and Telemann.
Supported by the Office of the Provost

We Were Here: The Untold History of Black Africans in Renaissance Europe Screening and Discussion
2025-04-08 18:00 - 20:30 | Greenline Performing Arts Center, 329 E. Garfield Boulevard, Chicago, 60637, United States
We Were Here: The Untold History of Black Africans in Renaissance Europe Screening and Discussion
We Were Here: The Untold History of Black Africans in Renaissance Europe: Film screening and conversation with director Fred Kudjo Kuwornu
“We Were Here” unveils the untold history of Black Africans in Renaissance Europe through iconic artworks. This multilingual film, shot across Europe, challenges the notion that all Blacks were slaves or servants. It reveals a diverse presence, including princes, ambassadors, merchants, and religious figures. Narrated from an Afro-European perspective, it explores stories absent from traditional history books.
This event is co-sponsored by the Black Baroque Project, Arts + Public Life, the Departments of Art History and of Romance Languages and Literature at the University of Chicago, and the Italian Cultural Institute of Chicago.

inDANCE
2025-04-11 19:30 - 21:30 | Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts, 915 East 60th Street, Chicago, IL, 60637, United States
inDANCE
inDANCE is a progressive dance company known for its diverse choreographic inspiration, blending Bharatanatyam, contemporary, and queer elements. ROWDIES IN LOVE delves into technical rigor and queer intimacy, using inDANCE’s unique movement style to challenge societal norms, performed by eight brilliant dancers. ROWDIES IN LOVE serves as a transformative political statement, advocating for the acceptance of diverse gender and sexual identities.
