Big White Fog
2025-09-26 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-09-27 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-09-28 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-09-28 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-10-01 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-10-02 19:30 - 21:30 (America/Chicago) | Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60637, United States
Big White Fog
Theodore Ward’s Big White Fog is the big shoulders on which A Raisin in the Sun stands. First completed in 1938, funded by the Federal Theatre Project, and influenced by the South Side Writers Group that cultivated such iconic talents as Richard Wright and Margaret Walker, Big White Fog drove American realism forward by contending with discontent.
The United States is on the cusp of the Great Depression and, like many, the Mason family is struggling. Between the precarious economy and racial violence on Chicago’s segregated South Side, something’s got to give. As different generations strive to secure the Mason family’s future, catastrophic decisions are made, leading to a heartbreaking twist and a blistering condemnation of America’s Big White Fog.
Court Theatre Resident Artist and the nation’s preeminent director of August Wilson, Ron OJ Parson, opens the 2025/26 season with this rich portrayal of Black life on Chicago’s South Side.
Accessible Performances:

Touch Tour: Saturday, October 4 at 12:30pm
Audio Description and ASL Interpretation: Saturday, October 4 at 2:00pm
Open Captioning: Sunday, October 5 at at 2:00pm

Artwork by Ed Watkins.

Pure Barre Hyde Park's 1st Birthday Event
2025-09-27 07:00 - 12:30, 2025-09-28 07:30 - 12:30 | Pure Barre, 1539 E. 53rd Street, 2nd Floor, Chicago, IL, 60615, United States
Pure Barre Hyde Park’s 1st Birthday Event
The Hyde Park location of Pure Barre has a lot to celebrate – its 1st birthday and a new, larger studio location at 1539 E. 53rd Street, second floor.
Join Pure Barre in celebrating on Saturday, September 27, and Sunday, September 28.
The studio will be open from 7:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, and will have vendors starting at 8 a.m. on both days.
Class times over the weekend include:
Saturday 9/27
7 a.m., 8 a.m., 9 a.m., 10 a.m. – for local & first time guests, and 11 a.m.

Sunday, 9/28
8 a.m., 9 a.m. – for local & first time guests, 10 a.m., and 11 a.m.

The Hyde Park Kenwood Food Pantry
2025-09-27 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
2025-09-27 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.

Auditions: Evening of Horror and Suspense
2025-09-27 13:00 - 16:00, 2025-09-30 18:00 - 21:00 | Augustana Lutheran Church, 5500 S. Woodlawn Avenue, Chicago, 60637, United States
Come try out for our 16th annual Halloween show, Evening of Horror and Suspense!
Auditions will be held on September 27, 1 to 4 p.m., and September 30, 6 to 9 p.m., at Augustana Lutheran Church (5500 S. Woodlawn Ave.).
This show is done in the style of old-time radio, with live Foley sound effects and no need to memorize!
No preparation necessary. Readings will be provided. You do not need to stay the whole time.
Show dates are October 24 and October 25.
We are committed to nontraditional casting. Actors of all genders, races, communities, ages, and backgrounds are encouraged to audition.
More details: https://hydeparkcommunityplayers.org/…/auditions-for…/

Hyde Park Jazz Festival
2025-09-27 13:00 - 23:00, 2025-09-28 14:00 - 18:00
Join us for the 19th annual Hyde Park Jazz Festival on September 27- 28, 2025!
The Hyde Park Jazz Festival is a collaborative platform dedicated to supporting the presentation and ongoing development of jazz, particularly on the South Side of Chicago. We do this by creating opportunities for a broad community of listeners to engage with the music and its creators, and by working with artists, organizational partners, and networks to celebrate the rich tradition of jazz and to support the development of new work and ideas.
The full schedule and list of venues can be found at our website: https://www.hydeparkjazzfestival.org/about-1
The Hyde Park Jazz Festival is a FREE event. Please consider a $10 donation per person to keep it free for everyone for years to come.

Chicago Bears Game Day Specials at Mesler
2025-09-28 | Mesler Kitchen | Bar | Lounge, 1411 E. 53rd Street, Chicago, IL, 60615, United States
Chicago Bears Game Day Specials at Mesler
Mesler Kitchen | Bar | Lounge is the place to be every Chicago Bears game day through September.

Pre- and post-game Sanctuary Hours
Weekly Wing Specials
Complimentary “Bear Down” Cocktail (while supplies last)
Watch the game on our 85″ television

View the complete Chicago Bears schedule HERE.

Hyde Park Farmers Market
2025-09-28 09:00 - 14:00 | Hyde Park Bank Parking Lot, Chicago, IL, 60615, United States
Hyde Park Farmers Market
The South East Chicago Commission and Special Service Area #61 proudly present the Hyde Park Farmers Market, thanks to the partnership of Hyde Park Bank. The new market reveals an entirely fresh look with all new logistics, giving residents and visitors a chance to shop on the weekends and experience an infusion of healthy food, lifestyles, arts and culture.
Shoppers will find fresh produce from local Illinois farms, freshly baked breads and desserts, beautiful plants, packaged foods, personal beauty supplies, and traditional farmers market fare. Several market vendors accept Mastercard and Visa, LinkUp and SNAP payments in addition to cash.

The Hyde Park Farmers Market:

Each Sunday from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm
1516 E 54th St – 54th Street and Old Lake Park Ave West
(Hyde Park Bank parking lot)
Facebook Page
Instagram Page

The Market begins with the grand opening on Sunday, June 1 and the season continues through Sunday, September 28, 2025. You are invited to experience the new energy, entertainment, community engagement and a fantastically-curated collection of vendors.

Children's Bookfair of Hyde Park
2025-09-28 11:00 - 16:00 | 57th Street, Chicago, IL, 60615, United States
Children’s Bookfair of Hyde Park
The Children’s Bookfair of Hyde Park: Celebrate literacy with the Children’s Bookfair of Hyde Park on Sunday, September 28, from 11:00am to 4:00pm! Browse children’s books, view live performances, and participate in children’s activities. Sunday, September 28, 2025, 11:00am-4:00pm 57th Street between Woodlawn and Kenwood. Free. For more information, visit https://www.thechildrensbookfairofhydepark.org/.

Nando's Weekday Lunchtime Specials
2025-09-29 10:30 - 14:00, 2025-09-30 10:30 - 14:00, 2025-10-01 10:30 - 14:00, 2025-10-02 10:30 - 14:00 | Nando’s PERi-PERi, 1447 E. 53rd Street, Chicago, 60615, United States
Nando’s Weekday Lunchtime Specials
The Hyde Park Nando’s (1447 E. 53rd Street) is offering weekday lunchtime specials through Friday, October 31:
• Valid Monday-Friday until 2 p.m.
• Valid for dine-in or take-out with the Nando’s app
• Specials range from $9.99 to $13.99 with beverage

Click HERE for more information.

Six Dollar Tuesdays at ACX Harper Theater
2025-09-30 | 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
2025-10-01 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!

Fashion Geek Ribbon-Cutting Event
2025-10-01 12:00 - 13:00 | Fashion Geek, 5241 S. Harper Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60615, United States
Fashion Geek Ribbon-Cutting Event
Wednesday, October 1, 12 p.m.
5241 S. Harper Avenue
Join the Hyde Park Chamber of Commerce at the ribbon cutting for Fashion Geek on Wednesday, October 1, at 12 p.m. at 5241 S. Harper Avenue.
Since its founding in 2000 by Alonzo Jackson, Fashion Geek has grown from a homegrown streetwear brand into a cultural mainstay, known for its bold graphics, vibrant colors, and authentic Chicago origins — while rooted in creativity, individuality, and authenticity. Jackson’s designs have been embraced by celebrities, athletes, and tastemakers nationwide — while always remaining true to the brand’s South Side origins.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1047020257345907

Tour the Arts Block
2025-10-01 17:00 - 17:45 | Arts + Public Life, 301 East Garfield Blvd, Chicago, IL, 60637, United States
You’re invited to take a walking tour of all four venues managed by Arts + Public Life: Arts Incubator, Green Line Performing Arts Center, L1 Retail Store, and the Arts Lawn. We will discuss the rich cultural history and current context of the Arts Block as it relates to the Washington Park neighborhood and offer details about the purpose and function of the venues along the historic block of East Garfield Boulevard. You’ll also have the opportunity to learn more about the APL programs and community engagement initiatives.
We are excited to add a stop at the forthcoming Chicago Torture Justice Memorial. Towards the end of the Arts Block tour, at the corner of 55th Place and King Drive, a member of the Chicago Torture Justice Memorial Foundation will lead a brief tour segment. You will learn about the forthcoming public memorial mandated by the historic 2015 reparations legislation for survivors of police torture, and how it is designed as a hub for community organizing, job training and employment, arts and culture programming, and field trips for CPS students learning the Reparations Won! curriculum.
The tour will begin at the Green Line Performing Arts Center | 329 E. Garfield Blvd and is 45 minutes.

Learn Embroidery
2025-10-01 18:00 - 21:00 | Fiber Friends Studios, Inc., 1744 E 55th Street, Chicago, 60615
Learn the basics of embroidery while making a cute and useful needle case. Students will learn how to thread a needle, tie knots, and do chain stitch, star stitch, stem stitch, and French knots.
Level: Beginner. No prior experience needed.
Pre-requisites: Ages 12+.
Included in class: A kit that contains soft wool-mix felt, a needle, DMC embroidery thread, instructions, templates, and a stitch guide.

Sunset Yoga
2025-10-01 19:00 - 20:00 | The Arts Lawn, 335 E. Garfield Blvd, Chicago, 60637
Sunset Yoga
Unwind with a gentle Hatha yoga flow as the sun dips below the horizon. This slower-paced take on the classic sun salutation is designed to ease you into the summer night and is open to all experience levels. The experience includes offerings to engage all your senses: herbal iced teas and fruit waters to support hydration and the immune system, essential oil blends informed by herbalism and Ayurveda to calm the nervous system, and Tibetan singing bowls to transition you out of śavāsana and back into a peaceful evening. Led by yoga instructor Rhya Moffitt, with special guest offerings in alignment with the themes of each month.
Sunset Yoga will be offered for three months, each with a specific focus:

July: “Root” will focus on grounding and creating home and stability within the body and mind

August: “Express” meditates on the power of the voice and its necessary connection to the heart to communicate truth authentically and courageously

September: “Imagine” explores the importance of the imagination within a world that strives toward oppressive conformity, emphasizing the freeing power of seeing the world anew as a necessary first step to worldbuilding and collective transformation

Drawing on connections between yoga and Black liberation struggles (ex. Rose Parks’ and Angela Davis’ yoga practices in prison), artistic practice (Alice Coltrane), and personal sustenance (Harriet Jacobs’ movement and meditative practices during her seven years in the garret while enslaved), this unique program supports self care by invoking Black radical ancestors and contemporaries (ex. Cole Arthur Riley of Black Liturgies).
Sunset Yoga will take place rain or shine! In the case of inclement weather, we’ll move the session indoors so you can still enjoy your practice in a calm and welcoming environment. Keep an eye on your email or our social media for any location updates.

Book Launch: Oxford Soju Club with Jinwoo Park
2025-10-01 19:00 - 20:30 | Call & Response Books, 1390 E Hyde Park Blvd., Chicago, 60615
Join us on Wednesday, October 1 at 7 PM as we celebrate the release of author Jinwoo Park’s debut novel, Oxford Soju Club! Jinwoo will be joined in conversation by Simone Siew, and a signing will follow discussion.
The natural enemy of a Korean is another Korean.When North Korean spymaster Doha Kim is mysteriously killed in Oxford, his protégé, Yohan Kim, chases the only breadcrumb given to him in Doha’s last breath: “Soju Club, Dr. Ryu.” In the meantime, a Korean American CIA agent, Yunah Choi, races to salvage her investigation of the North Korean spy cell in the aftermath of the assassination. At the centre of it all is the Soju Club, the only Korean restaurant in Oxford, owned by Jihoon Lim, an immigrant from Seoul in search of a new life after suffering a tragedy. As different factions move in with their own agendas, their fates become entangled, resulting in a bitter struggle that will determine whose truth will triumph.Oxford Soju Club weaves a tale of how immigrants in the Korean diaspora are forced to create identities to survive, and how in the end, they must shed those masks and seek their true selves.
Jinwoo Park is a Korean Canadian writer and literary translator based in Montreal. Born in Seoul, he has lived in various parts of North America and the UK since the age of 11. He obtained his bachelor’s degree from McGill in 2013, followed by a master’s in political economics from LSE in 2014, and a master’s in creative writing at the University of Oxford in 2015. In 2021 he won the Jim Wong-Chu Emerging Writers’ Award for his first fiction manuscript, Oxford Soju Club, which will be published by Dundurn Press in September 2025.
Simone Siew is a Chicago-based writer and literary influencer, and she also serves as the official social media partner for Penguin Random House. She recently graduated from the University of Chicago with a master’s degree in English literature and creative writing. Prior to that, she obtained her bachelor’s degree from Indiana University in 2019. She loves blending her Chinese Malaysian roots with her midwestern upbringing, binging tv shows, and learning new hobbies. She is currently working on her first novel.

Sip + Shop
2025-10-02 17:00 - 20:00 | L1 Retail Store, 319 E. Garfield Blvd, Chicago, 60637
Sip + Shop
Join us for Sip + Shop, a series of gatherings at the L1 Retail Store that showcase local creative entrepreneurs with a curated shopping experience, drinks and bites, and good vibes.
Each month, our Entrepreneur-in-Residence, Peter Gaona of Reformed School, invites guest entrepreneurs to share their wares and connect with you. It’s an easy and joyful way to #SupportSouthSideArtists—come sip, shop, and show love to local makers!!
October’s featured guests are Morocco B. Assouline, Founder and Managing Partner of Coalesce, and visual and textile artist IICKOMIQUE
COALESCE is a boutique consultancy dedicated to elevating personal brands, lifestyles, and experiences with artistry and intention. We guide individuals, families, and organizations in curating meaningful expressions of identity—whether through refined personal style, thoughtfully assembled art collections, or interior design that leave lasting impressions. Blending creativity with strategy, we bring clarity, elegance, and resonance to every detail, ensuring our clients’ stories unfold with sophistication and purpose.
Born in Trinidad & raised in the Virgin Islands. iickomique has built a practice bringing together the teachings of his father and being multi-cultural. The artist creates his works from a variety of used and non-traditional materials, motivated by his father encouraging him to “use what you have” and “there are no mistakes”.
Working with tea, watercolor, charcoal, pencil, inks + other materials on new and used paper. Seeking ways to create his work with materials and practices that make the smallest carbon footprint possible & embraces inspiration in the aging process of materials used.
All APL programs are free and open to the public. To help us continue to provide these programs and build a hub for arts & culture on the South Side, we appreciate donations of all sizes. Your support sustains the rich ecosystem of artists that make the Arts Block so vibrant. To make a donation, please visit our giving page.

Midnight Sun with Special Guest DJ - Make-up Concert Date
2025-10-02 18:00 - 21:00 | 5235 S. Harper Court, 5235 S Harper Ct, Chicago, IL, 60615, United States
Midnight Sun with Special Guest DJ – Make-up Concert Date
Make-up concert date for our rained-out July concert with Midnight Sun!
FREE OUTDOOR CONCERT SPONSORED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE SILVER ROOM
Thursday, October 2
MIDNIGHT SUN from 7-8 p.m.
SPECIAL GUEST DJ from 6-7 and 8-9 p.m.
Harper Court, 5235 S. Harper Court, Hyde Park (53rd Street and S. Lake Park Avenue).
www.harpercourtmusic.com.
Parking
Paid parking is available in the Harper Court garage (entrance on S. Lake Park Avenue just south of McDonald’s) or in the surface lot on S. Harper Avenue. Paid street parking is also available. We encourage you to take public transportation or carpool.
Seating
Seating is not provided – please bring folding chairs, but remember to leave lots of room from dancing!
Dining
Enjoy Bob’s Pizza, Chipotle, Daisy’s Po-Boy & Tavern, Deep Purpl, Ja’ Grill, Roti Modern Mediterranean, Stan’s Donuts & Coffee, and Strugglebeard Bakery – all in Harper Court. Bob’s, Daisy’s, and Ja’ Grill are now serving wine/beer/cocktails outside in Harper Court. Outside alcohol not permitted. You may not take alcohol outside of Harper Court. For a complete list of restaurants go to welcometohydepark.com.
Shop Local
Support our neighborhood businesses by shopping local. Recycled Modern and Suuri Design are in Harper Court, and The Silver Room and other shops are right around the corner. For a complete list of stores go to welcometohydepark.com.
