Welcome To Hyde Park

CASINO CHAOS : Immersive Art Exhibition
2025-12-13 12:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | 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!

Ja' Grill Sunday Brunch
2025-12-13 11:00 - 16:00, 2025-12-06 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.

The Hyde Park Kenwood Food Pantry
2025-12-13 10:00 - 13:00, 2025-12-06 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

Game Day at Ja' Grill
2025-12-13, 2025-12-06 | 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 Taming of the Shrew
2025-12-12 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-12-11 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-12-10 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-12-07 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-12-07 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-12-06 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-12-05 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-12-04 19:30 - 21:30 and 2 more dates | 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

Committed Knitters
2025-12-10 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.

Learn to Crochet - Granny Square
2025-12-09 18:00 - 21:00 | 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.

Jeopardy Bar League at Truth Be Told
2025-12-07 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-11-30 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!

Winter Solstice at the ISAC Museum
2025-12-07 15:00 - 16:00 | ISAC Museum, 1155 E 58th St, Chicago, 60637
Wear your pajamas to the ISAC museum and celebrate the Winter Solstice in the dark!

Hyde Park Farmers Market
2025-12-07 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 7 and the season continues through Sunday, September 27, 2025. You are invited to experience the new energy, entertainment, community engagement and a fantastically-curated collection of vendors.

Hyde Park Holly-Day Celebration 2025
2025-12-06 10:00 - 14:00 | Downtown Hyde Park, Chicago, IL, 60615, United States
Hyde Park Holly-Day Celebration 2025
Sponsored by the University of Chicago, Hyde Park Holly-Day is back for 2025 with lots of FREE family holiday activities throughout Hyde Park on Saturday, December 6 at select times between 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Don’t miss the ice carving demo & self-guided sculpture stroll, pictures with your favorite Santas, live reindeer & sleigh, free screening of “Zootopia 2″, Buddy the Elf, costumed characters, dance performances, and holiday crafts. See you in Hyde Park!
See full schedule/locations below:
53rd STREET ACTIVITIES
Self-Guided Ice Sculpture Stroll – 53rd Street
All Day
Be on the lookout for 12 ice sculptures on both sides of 53rd St. between S. Lake Park Ave. and Woodlawn Ave. Take pix and tag us at @53rdst_hp and #hphollyday to share in the fun!
HARPER COURT ACTIVITIES – 5235 S. Harper Court
Ice Carving Demo
10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Watch two ice artists from Nadeau Ice carve holiday-themed sculptures from blocks of ice using chainsaws! Be sure to dress warmly.
HYDE PARK ACTIVITIES – VARIOUS LOCATIONS
Free Movie Screening of “Zootopia 2” at the Harper Theater – 5238 S. Harper Avenue
10 a.m. – 11:40 a.m.
Free admission to “Zootopia 2” at the Harper Theater! Total theater capacity is 222 people – first come/first served. No tickets necessary. Running time one hour and 45 minutes. Doors open at 9:15 a.m.
Buddy The Elf
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Look for Buddy in Hyde Park (locations TBD).
Costumed Characters – Around Hyde Park
12-2 p.m.
Meet costumed characters at local businesses.
Character 1 – Anna
12-12:45 p.m. – Bob’s Pizza – 1518 E. Harper Court
1-2 p.m. – Kilwins – 5226 S. Harper Avenue
Character 2 – Elsa
12-12:45 p.m. – Stan’s Donuts – 5225 S. Harper Court
1-2 p.m. – Deep Purpl – 5229 S. Harper Court
Character 3 – Olaf
12-12:45 p.m. – Strugglebeard Bakery – 5221 S. Harper Court
1-2 p.m. – Harper Theater – 5238 S. Harper Avenue
Character 4 – Bluey
12-12:45 p.m. – Hyatt Place Hotel – 5225 S. Harper Avenue
1-2 p.m. – The Silver Room – 1506 E. 53rd Street
THE PROMONTORY ACTIVITIES – 5311 S. Lake Park Ave. W.
Mama Fresh – The Promontory
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
We’re so excited to have Mama Fresh (Jenny LeFlore), Chicago’s coolest mama/community builder/influencer as our fabulous event emcee!
Soul Santa & Mrs. Claus – The Promontory
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Free family photos with Soul Santa and Mrs. Claus at The Promontory. Note: This is a very popular event. We will do our best to accommodate as many people as possible, but we may have to stop the line prior to 1 p.m. to ensure that we finish on time. Thanks for your understanding.
Holiday Crafts – The Promontory
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Kids can create several holiday crafts with Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, and winter themes. Note: Some of the crafts have small pieces which could be a choking hazard for young children. Adults must stay with their children while they are making crafts.
Brown Books & Paintbrushes – The Promontory
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Hyde Park nonprofit Brown Books & Paintbrushes will be giving away 300 quality, holiday books for ages 0-teen while supplies last. One book per family while supplies last.
Dance Performances – The Promontory
1:30 p.m. – Hyde Park School of Dance
1:45 p.m. – Kenwood School of Ballet
HYDE PARK SHOPPING CENTER ACTIVITIES
Santa Maui, Live Reindeer & Sleigh – Hyde Park Shopping Center Courtyard
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Free family photos with Santa Maui, two live reindeer, and a sleigh in the Courtyard at Hyde Park Shopping Center! Be sure to dress warmly. Note: This is a very popular event. We will do our best to accommodate as many people as possible, but we may have to stop the line prior to 1 p.m. to ensure that we finish on time. Thanks for your understanding.

Santa Breakfast at Mesler
2025-12-06 08:00 - 14:00 | Mesler Kitchen | Bar | Lounge, 1411 E. 53rd Street, Chicago, IL, 60615, United States
Santa Breakfast at Mesler
Enjoy a festive morning filled with sweet smiles, hot cocoa creations, Santa hat decorating, digital photo-booth fun, and a joyful visit from St. Nick himself.
Click HERE for reservations.

December Staged Reading: An Evening of Holiday Music & Magic
2025-12-05 19:30 - 21:00 | Augustana Lutheran Church, 5500 S. Woodlawn Avenue, Chicago, 60637, United States
Join us in celebrating the holiday season with a family-friendly, interactive performance that celebrates the whimsy of winter. There will be music, memories and laughter, and lots of good cheer!
Created and performed by Corinna Christman, Leslie Halverson and Amelia Snoblin. The show will be followed by homemade holiday treats and a time to talk together and with the cast. $5 at the door.

Grossman Ensemble – Form & Figure
2025-12-05 19:30 - 21:00 | Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts, 915 East 60th Street, Chicago, IL, 60637, United States
Grossman Ensemble – Form & Figure
The Grossman Ensemble, in residence at the Chicago Center for Contemporary Composition, begins the 2025-26 concert season by adding four new works to its already impressive roster of 75 world premieres. Conductor Micah Gleason leads premieres by composers Kay Rhie, Ryan Chase, Mikel Kuehn, and Inés Thiebaut in a dynamic performance showcasing diverse and complex sonic worlds.
All audience members are invited to celebrate the creativity and artistry of the evening at an after-party with the musicians, composers, and conductor.
Presented by the Chicago Center for Contemporary Composition in partnership with UChicago Presents.

Learn to Knit: Cowl
2025-12-03 17:00 - 20:00 | Fiber Friends Studios, Inc., 1744 E 55th Street, Chicago, 60615
Learn to Knit: Cowl
Learn the basics of knitting – how to do the knit stitch, cast on, and cast off – while knitting a cozy, simple cowl for fall and winter.
Level: Beginner. No prior experience needed.
Pre-requisites: Ages 18+.
Included in class: One skein of West Yorkshire Spinners (WYS) Retreat Twist Chunky, size 10 knitting needle, and darning needle.

TSR Workshops: Light Work A Community Guide to Solar Power & Resistance
2025-12-03 17:00 - 18:00 | The Silver Room
Join us at The Silver Room to learn about solar power and resistance in our Light Work: A Community Guide to Solar Power and Resilience

Solar technology doesn’t have to be complicated or corporate! Together, we’ll learn how to design and assemble a portable solar generator – an off-grid power system that can keep phones charged, lights on, and even fridges running for outdoor use or during emergency power outages.
Session 1: Focuses on identifying all of the necessary components of an energy system and how they are assembled.
Session 2: Expands upon the first session by focusing on performing the necessary calculations to design your own system from scratch
Born and raised on the Southside of Chicago, Keyante is a solar energy system installer by trade. He got his start in the industry as a participant of the Chicago Urban League’s Solar Installation Program. As a Trades instructor, Keyante’s goal is to provide participants with enough knowledge and skills to be competitive candidates in the industry. When not instructing, Keyante runs a startup called Daze of Autonomy, installing Microgrid energy systems for landowners. With rising energy costs, ever present climate changes and increasing cyber attacks on critical infrastructure, Keyante believes decentralized energy infrastructure provides security and resilience our communities.
