Rogers Park Business Alliance launched the Glenwood Avenue Alfresco last month. Yet, the official ceremony on June 18th marks the start of Rogers Park’s plan to implement a “Chicago Alfresco” citywide outdoor dining and community initiative in the area. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is to be held on that Saturday, at 11 AM. Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Alderwoman Maria Hadden, as well as RPBA Executive Director Sandi Price and representatives from Choose Chicago will be present to kick off the initiative on Glenwood and Morse Avenues.
The outdoor dining and community program includes entertainment and activities all along Glenwood Avenue, following the southbound side of Glenwood Avenue between Lunt and Morse. This area will be closed 7 days a week to traffic and will instead host outdoor dining, family-friendly activities, and more.
Get ready for a summer filled with cozy arts-oriented businesses and outdoor community gatherings. The Glenwood Avenue Alfresco plan was initially set up to support performing arts organizations and local restaurants, and now, will provide space for pop-up performances as well as outdoor seating for customers and nearby restaurants. Expect local live music and entertainment programs all summer, with the much-loved local Sunday Market making its triumphant return to the area after moving locations during COVID 19. The initiative will also spruce the street area up, adding multiple planters, seating areas, light installations, and outdoor tables to the closed-off road area.
This isn’t the first time the Glenwood Avenue area operates with street closures. They have a long history of street closures in the neighborhood, mainly for events and festivals such as Pride North, the Glenwood Avenue Arts Festival, and a regular Sunday Market, a weekly farmers market that runs from June to October.
Rogers Park Business Alliance is one of 15 community organizations that were selected for the first wave of Chicago Alfresco’s programming in 2021. Another being Jarvis Square, which already welcomes outdoor seating and live music. Now, the Alfresco program will continue to support the Jarvis Square area with pop-up vendors, murals, community events, and more. Other programs coming to the square include a monthly artisan market in June to October, live music performances, and other events like a Family Pride Celebration, Oktoberfest, and more.
To learn more, check out the official Glenwood Avenue Alfresco page here and the Jarvis Square page here.
Address: Rogers Park area, on Glenwood Avenue between Lunt and Morse