Neighbors and visitors of all ages can explore hidden gems that make Bucktown one of Chicago’s most charming neighborhoods during the annual Bucktown Neighborhood & Garden Walk, returning for its 17th year on July 17 & 18. Due to last year's overwhelming success, the format this year will be similar, a self guided tour of everything that makes Bucktown great via a digital and downloadable map which includes points of interests, public art, landmarks, churches, parks, favorite local restaurants/bars/shops, and of course gardens, along with musicians and artists inside the gardens.
The heart of the event revolves around connecting neighbors and giving nature lovers a glimpse into urban gardening. Around 70 gardens will be in bloom and on display, offering attendees a unique way to see urban gardens. Backyards are back this year and thus gardens will be viewable from the front, back, and garage/rooftop accessible via the outdoors. Last year we added musicians such as The Kahil El’Zabar Trio and Alfonso Ponticelli and painters inside the gardens and look to expand on that this year.
In 2020, there was just shy of 1000 downloads of the digital guide, and the event netted just over 8000 dollars. The Bucktown Neighborhood & Garden Walk is a 100% volunteer-run event. All proceeds are directly reinvested back into the Bucktown community such as local parks and schools, neighborhood beautification projects, grant recipients, and movies in the park. Last year, that money went to Illinois Landscape, Sam Marts' mural on the back side of the Bucktown Wicker Park Library adjacent to the Bucktown Green, and to plant trees.
Event planning is currently underway with plenty of opportunities for local gardeners, businesses, and interested volunteers to get involved. The organization is currently accepting residents to volunteer their green spaces for the tour—everything from patios to parkways. Local businesses can donate and sponsor the event. Live in the neighborhood and interested in giving back to the community? Looking to display your garden? Several volunteers will be needed to help spread the word and day-of to coordinate artists and artist garden hosts. Or are you an artist looking to perform? Contact Darien Hallagan at garden@bucktown.org or 404-519-7269 for additional details.
The event will take place on Saturday, July 17 & Sunday, July 18. Visit www.bucktown.org and/or www.facebook.com/bucktowngarden/ and/or www.instagram.com/bucktowngarden/ for more information.
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