Past Events

Join Commander Jon Hein, 18th District Officers and RNRA leaders for a 1-hour walking tour of River North hospitality districts.  Residents welcome! When: Tuesday April 26 Time: 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Where: Meet at the SW corner of Clark and Hubbard

Live Stream Special Casino Committee Meeting Monday May 9 at 11:00 a.m. The Special Casino Committee is scheduled to meet on Monday, May 9, 2022 at 11:00 AM, to hold a virtual subject matter hearing (no vote will be taken). The published agenda describes that the meeting will be held to “discuss the finalists selected to develop a casino in the City of Chicago”. A link to livestream the meeting will be added to the City Clerk’s website on May 9 at 11:00 AM.

PTS Corp. and Bio-Pharm LLC (the "Applicant") and River North Residents Association (RNRA) will be co-hosting a public meeting to discuss the Bio-Pharm/PTS proposal to operate an Adult Use Cannabis Business at 605 North Clark Street, the former Rainforest Cafe site. This meeting is a required first-step in the Special Use Application process for cannabis businesses. You may attend in-person or via Zoom. WHO: PTS Corp. and Bio-Pharm LLC (the "Applicant") WHEN: Tuesday, May 10, 2022 at 6:00p.m. WHERE: Maggiano's Banquets, 111 W. Grand Avenue, Chicago,…

RNRA encourages residents to REGISTER & ATTEND Townhall Meeting for Bally’s Casino Tribune site. When: Thursday, May 12 – 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Where: UIC Isadore & Sadie Dorin Forum 725 W. Roosevelt Road Registration: Required There will also be a livestream at:  https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/mayor/iframe/live.html Representatives from the city and Bally’s Corporation will be there to share additional information, respond to questions, and hear from community members. Ample public parking is available nearby on Morgan Street, just north of Roosevelt Road. ASL interpreting will…

GRI Holdings, LLC (the “Applicant”) and River North Residents Association (RNRA) will be co-hosting a public meeting to discuss GRI Holding, LLC’s proposal to operate an Adult Use Cannabis Dispensary at 612 North Wells St., Chicago, IL (the former Carson’s restaurant building).  This meeting is a required first-step in the Special Use Application process for a cannabis business.  You may attend the meeting in-person or via Zoom. WHO: GRI Holdings, LLC (the “Applicant”) WHEN: Monday, May 23, 2022 at 6:00…

Saturday - June 04, 2022 - 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. Join RNRA and the Chicago Parks Foundation by volunteering to make Ward Park a cleaner, safer and more beautiful place to relax, play and enjoy nature.

The 2022 Wells Street Art Festival will take place June 11-12 on Wells Street between North Avenue and Division Street! This highly-anticipated Old Town neighborhood tradition showcases an impressive array of art from across the country, delicious food, and exciting local music. For more information, visit wellsstreetartfest.us. To print and post a copy of this flyer, CLICK HERE.        

Gilda’s Club Chicago’s primary fundraiser, the 24th Annual Awards Dinner coming up on Tuesday, June 21st from 5:30 to 9:00 pm at Galleria Marchetti at 825 West Erie Street. All proceeds will go to helping Gilda’s Club Chicago return to in-person programs. Tables and individual seats are available and we also have a silent auction up and running now at, https://event.gives/awardsdinner2022/items.  To learn more and purchase tickets, CLICK HERE.

July 8, 2022 Reilly Reports The City of Chicago in coordination with Bally’s Chicago is hosting a Virtual Community Meeting on Tuesday, July 19th at 6 PM regarding the temporary casino at the Medinah Temple, 600 North Wabash Street. Click here to register for the virtual meeting. At this meeting, Bally’s Chicago will present its plans with respect to historic preservation and answer questions related to historic preservation of the Medinah Temple, since it is a Chicago Landmark. This is in advance of the Landmark Department's Permit Review Committee review…

Save the Date!! Gilda’s Club Chicago will host a block party on July 23rd from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. Food, Drink and Games will be available for all. Vaccinations will be recommended and masks will be required if entering Gilda’s Club. River North Residents can register for the Block Party and or donate to Gilda’s Club at https://www.classy.org/event/gildas-block-party/e411591

Boulevard Veterinary River North is the generous sponsor of our upcoming Power Wash of the Larrabee DFA. The Larrabee DFA will be temporarily closed during the cleaning. Signs are posted on the gates of the park as well. Check out My River North moble app for a special deal from Boulevard Veterinary River North.

On Thursday, August 18, 2022 USO Illinois, through the support of Alderman Brendan Reilly of the 42nd Ward and Boss Bar, gives summer its last “HOO AH!” by rocking the block at USO Clark After Dark. USO Illinois’ annual USO Clark After Dark block party celebrates America’s military service members and their families.  To purchase tickets, CLICK HERE.

The ZBA will consider the Special Use application for the following proposed cannabis dispensary at an upcoming (virtual) public hearing on Friday, August 19 at 9:00 a.m. • PTS/Bio-Pharm – Proposed dispensary location: 605 North Clark Street Click here to learn more Anyone wishing to oppose the proposal should attend the virtual meeting on August 19th to provide public testimony.  • Public testimony is the preferred method of public comment. Members of the public wishing to speak must join the Zoom meeting at…

Alderman Reilly is hosting a Blood Drive on Saturday, September 3rd, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The event will be held at 455 North McClurg Court. All of the donations will go to local hospitals to help Chicagoans in need. Donors will receive a $15 Holiday E-card within 5 business days, with a valid email address. Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are welcomed. Please click here to register. You can also scan the QR Code on the flyer below to register.

Teacher, writer, and ethnographer, Devika Ranjan, leads a workshop to allow Chicagoans to share stories and write poetry as an ode to the Chicago River. REGISTER HERE.  

REI Co-op leads a workshop to allow Chicagoans to learn about the 10 essential items to bring when going hiking!  REGISTER HERE.  

Peter Nagle of the Chicago Botanic Garden & Urban Rivers talks about riverbank plants of Northern Illinois and what has been learned throughout the time working with Urban Rivers and helping build the Wild Mile so far.  REGISTER HERE.  

The City of Chicago will have its official tree lighting ceremony on Thursday, November 18 at Millennium Park (near Michigan Ave and Washington St) at approximately 6:30 pm, immediately followed by fireworks. The 109th City of Chicago Christmas Tree is a 55-foot Colorado Blue Spruce, donated by the Glisovic family of Morton Grove. Visit this website for more details.

The Magnificent Mile® Association will celebrate The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival® this year on Saturday, November 19, 2022. The lighting parade will step-off at 5:30 pm from Oak Street & North Michigan Ave. Its centerpiece is the largest nighttime parade in the U.S. — a spectacular parade down Michigan Avenue. Led by Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse of The Walt Disney World Resort, the parade features fabulous floats, giant helium balloons, marching bands, celebrities, musical performances, Santa Claus, fireworks and more —illuminating one million lights…

The Public is Invited to Attend Two Upcoming Chicago Casino Community Engagement Meetings Temporary Medinah Temple Site Tuesday, November 29th from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at VOCO Hotel, 350 W Wolf Point Plaza Building 1. Register Here. Permanent River West Site Monday, December 5th from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at Tribune Publishing facility, 700 W Chicago Ave. Register Here.

Reservations Required - Scan the QR Code on the flyer.

The Public is Invited to attend this Chicago Casino Community Engagement Meeting: Permanent River West Site Monday, December 5th from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at Tribune Publishing facility, 700 W Chicago Ave. Register Here.

The Chicago Auto Show, the largest car show in North America, is headed back to McCormick Place for 10 days this February to showcase the latest and greatest developments in the world of cars, trucks, sport utility vehicles and concept cars. Manufacturers trot out their newest models for exhibitions, often accompanied by interactive installations that allow you to get behind the wheel. For more information, please visit their website.

Tickets are now on sale. Every year, in the coldest depths of the winter, Chicago Theatre Week gives us a great reason to venture outside. The annual event runs from February 16 to 26, taking over stages throughout the city. From major regional hubs like the Goodman Theatre and Broadway in Chicago to intimate spaces such as Redtwist Theatre and Lifeline Theatre. During Chicago Theatre Week, these companies offer tickets priced at $15 or $30 (or sometimes less!). You can…

For teachers, staff and administrators of color interested in careers at independent schools. Don't miss this opportunity to learn about participating schools and their programs and speak with representatives about open positions.    

Click here for a PDF flyer to print, post, or share.

Sunday, March 26, 2023 Please be advised that streets will be closed to traffic on Sunday, March 26, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. as runners pass through the area.  More information on Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle street closures is available at shamrockshuffle.com/streetclosures.  

CLICK HERE for ZOOM LINK

Click HERE to print a copy of this flyer.

Join us as Relativity Textiles launches its newest collaboration with artist René Romero Schuler. Friday, April 14 | 4 - 7pm at The Luxury Bed Collection 440 N. Wells St, Suite 100N, Chicago, IL Fine artist René Romero Schuler will celebrate the launch of her new textiles collection in collaboration with Founder Erin Minckley of Relativity Textiles (RT). CLICK HERE TO RESERVE A FREE TICKET.

Let's celebrate Earth Day by cleaning up our lovely Ward Park! Gloves and supplies are provided. Join us at 9am and help us nurture nature.  

Join Alderman Brian Hopkins and his office at his very popular and well-attended Drive Thru Shred Event. Shred your documents and recycle your electronics on Sunday, April 23 from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm at the Gold Coast Parking Lot located at (1254 N State Parkway). In an effort to keep things moving efficiently, please remain in your vehicle and one of the attendants will help unload your items. Walk-up's are welcome, but please stay away from the center lane…

Join Friends' Annette Anderson, Volunteer, Events and Canoe Program Manager to learn about the problem litter poses to our community, Friends of the Chicago River's commitment to a Litter Free Chicago-Calumet River system and what you can do contribute towards caring for the rivers that built our city and remain valuable natural resources for the health and well-being of our community. Litter is a persistent problem that diminishes the beauty of our region and is detrimental to water quality and critical habitat. But if…

Visit Lure Fishbar for their spectacular spring sushi and sake pairing. April 27 at 6:30 pm they welcome spring with a six course Sushi and Sake Pairing. Their expert Sushi team will explore their creativity and you will love the result! Lure offers one of the best Sushi programs in the city and they have built a menu to show it off. You will be joined by Dila Lee from Kome Collective, who will be giving  a tour of the Sake she…