Hello, leap year! February is already here (how are we already into the second month of 2020?) and as always, the neighborhood is spinning with exciting events of all kinds to keep us going, despite the lack of vitamin D we have been experiencing. From art openings, restaurant and cultural meetups to community meetings, check out our top picks for neighborhood events.
Feb. 1-7:
Saturday, Feb. 1: Smashed Plastic + CHIRP Radio Anniversary Bash @ Sleeping Village (Avondale), 9:30 p.m. – 12 a.m.
If you are at all plugged into the local music scene, you have likely heard of CHIRP radio on 107.1 FM. The volunteer-run radio, which broadcasts out of the North Center neighborhood but often has events in Logan Square, is celebrating 10 years of local, independent radio! To commemorate, the station is hosting a series of birthday bashes around the city, starting with this one at Sleeping Village. Local bands SuperKnova, The Dyes and Space Gators, who recently released their debut album Intergalactic Swamp Songs. The birthday bash is also celebrating Smashed Plastic’s first year in business. The vinyl pressing business has been busy pressing over 40,000 local records for Chicago artists and labels, and DJs will spin their fave pressings of last year at the event.
Wednesday, Feb. 5: Free Coworking Day @ Ampersand Cowork, 9 a.m – 5 p.m.
Ampersand Cowork features a free workday each first Wednesday of the month. Start off February with a free hop and a skip into a productive work setting. Bonus: you might meet some cool neighborhood folks! Register here.
Feb. 8-15
Saturday, Feb. 8: Felines Valentine’s Day Party & open house fundraiser for Harmony House for Cats, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Dress cute (or not) and head over to support our feline nonprofit’s open house fundraiser that will have a kissing booth staffed by kitties at Harmony House For Cats (2914 N. Elston Ave.). There will also be chocolate and lots of cats to mingle with. Shop for Harmony House t-shirts and sweatshirts, handcrafted jewelry, Valentine decorations and gifts, fleece pet blankets, Chicago’s finest catnip pillows and mats for your furry balls and homemade baked goods.
Saturday, Feb. 8: Public Happy Hour, Portugal Style @ Pinot’s Palette, 7:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Join Pinot’s for a special occasion brought to you by one of our own! Dive into Portugal’s beautiful scenery and enjoy the country’s wine at this public happy hour curated by LoganSquarist photographer Paulina Fadrowska, who is an expert on the country and created the Chicago Portugal Meetup Group.
This event, if you tune into your European side correctly, will make you feel the light of a sunset drizzling over the Azulejo adorned terracotta houses of the old town as beautiful Fado music echoes through the streets. Paint the magic of Lisbon—and learn more about the country at the same time—while sipping Portuguese wine and listening to traditional Fado music. One ticket is $38 and includes Portuguese wine and all paint supplies. More info and to purchase your ticket can be found here.
Sunday, Feb. 9: LoganSquarist’s Giving Factory Event @ Cradles to Crayons, 7 p.m. – 11 p.m.
For our first quarterly event, we are volunteering to support nonprofit Cradles to Crayons (4141 W. George St.). Cradles to Crayons provides children zero to age 12 living in homeless or low-income situations with the essential items they need to thrive at home, at school and at play through donations.
Volunteers will work in stations to inspect, sort and package donations alongside other individuals and groups. Volunteer shifts will begin with an orientation led by a Cradles to Crayons staff member and end with a wrap-up and an opportunity to learn the number of children you impacted during your shift and to take group pictures. The event is free but registration is required.
Monday, Feb. 10: Community Meeting About New Apartments/Condo Project at Logan Square/Wicker Park border @ Haas Park, 6:30 p.m
Block Club Chicago recently reported that a new apartment complex or condo project could rise up at an abandoned bank parking lot at the Logan Square/Wicker Park border. Alderman La Spata and the Greater Goethe Neighborhood Association will host a community meeting with the developers at Haas Park (2402 N. Washtenaw Ave.) to discuss the project, which does not require a zoning change. Do you think we need more apartments? Make your voice heard at the meeting!
Thursday, Feb. 13: Neighbor meeting on anti-gentrification demolition plan @ 1958 N. Milwaukee Ave., 6 p.m.
Make your voice heard about the recent 606 anti-gentrification demolition plan that passed city council by attending these community meetings hosted by Alderman La Spata. The first one is Feb. 13. The second is March 12 and the third is April 9. All will be held at La Spata’s office (1958 N. Milwaukee Ave.)
Saturday, Feb. 15: Big Dark Love / an anti-Valentine’s Day Art Show @ Blnk Haus, 8 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Check out local artists at this one-day art show at Blnk Haus (3206 W. Armitage Ave.) and tune into your darker side (we all have them) or get away from the commercialized Valentine’s Day energy by diving into 15 diverse works of art. The event is free and beer will be sponsored by Collective Arts Brewing.
Saturday, Feb. 15: Logan Arcade’s Sixth Anniversary @ Logan Arcade, 1 p.m.
One of our favorite arcade bars celebrates six years this month! Starting Feb. 15, the arcade will have a big birthday bash with Paulie Gee’s vegan pizza. There will also be a live DJ and prizes for people to win all day.
Check out the bar’s Facebook and stay on its Twitter to catch other month events such as a Stranger Things pinball launch party on Feb. 21, an intro to Dungeons and Dragons on Feb. 23 and movie Mondays.
LoganSquarist Monthly Meetup @ L’Patron, 7 – 9 p.m.
Our monthly meetup is at L’Patron, one of the best taquerias in the area! Just for this week, Taco Wednesday is the new Taco Tuesday. Join us at this cozy, family-owned Mexican joint that has been serving up fresh tacos, tortas and burritos since 2012.
Chat with neighbors and indulge in $2 tacos (including asada, al pastor, milanesa and veggie) from 7 pm – 9 pm. And don’t forget to bring a cerveza or two, L’Patron is BYOB and cash-only.
Feb. 22-29
Friday, Feb. 28: Touch Your Mirror art show @ EXTRA Projects, 7 – 10 p.m.
EXTRA Projects at basic studios (3551 W. Diversey Ave.) presents recent paintings, drawings, and prints by Jessica Frances Martin and Taylor Morgan, curated by Jesse Pace. Touch Your Mirror features two painters whose practices reflect on the boundaries of reality and fantasy, female friendship, the anxieties of growing up, and the transition from girl to woman. Hang with other artsy folks, soak in some new art and drink beers from Revolution Brewing.
Saturday, Feb. 29: Leap Year dance party @ The Whistler, 10 p.m. – 3 a.m.
We get an extra day this month, so what better way to celebrate than… dancing and drinking most of the night, right? DJ justindemus will spin tunes at The Whistler (2421 N. Milwaukee Ave.) for so many hours into the night that you might lose track of time—but that’s the point, so go out and enjoy Leap Year 2020.
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