Saturday September 13
3-8 PM
4100 North Greenview between Belle Plaine & Warner
Get ready to connect with your neighbors and celebrate our community this Saturday at the Graceland West Neighborhood Fest! This is our largest fundraiser of the year, and it’s a great opportunity to have a blast while supporting our special corner of Chicago. Everyone is invited, so bring your family, friends, and anyone who wants to join in the fun.
We’ve got a fantastic lineup of activities this year, including some exciting new additions we can’t wait to share with you.
Can’t-Miss Main Attractions
This year’s fest features an incredible new group of performers and artists to keep you entertained all afternoon and into the evening.
- Andy Head Comedic Juggler • 5:30-6:15 PM: Prepare to be amazed! Andy Head brings a trunk full of tricks and a ton of laughs to his show. With hilarious audience participation and incredible circus stunts, this performance is perfect for all ages. As one fan said, it’s “the perfect blend of juggling, comedy, and audience participation.”
- Caricatures by Kenny Durkin • 3:30-5:30 PM: Take home a fun and personalized souvenir from the fest! Kenny Durkin is a professional cartoonist with over 20 years of experience, including work with Disney, AMC, and The Jim Henson Company. You may have seen his work on TV or in his online comic strips—now’s your chance to have him draw you!
- Access Contemporary Music • 4:30-5:00 PM: Join us for a special piano performance by Seth Boustead, the Executive Director of Access Contemporary Music (ACM). Seth is an award-winning composer and visionary who will be kicking off the completion and grand opening of The CheckOut, ACM’s new venue at 4116 N. Clark. Stop by their booth to learn more about their mission and the new space.
Food, Drinks, and More!
We’ve got something for everyone to eat and drink.
- Five Squared Pizza • 4:00-8:00 PM: The legendary Five Squared Pizza is back! Known for their “non-standard Detroit style pizza using organic ingredients & scratch-made everything,” they were called one of the “Best 25 pizzas in Chicago” by the Chicago Tribune. Don’t miss this tasty local favorite.
- Off Color Brewing Beer, Wine & Craft Cocktails: Our friends at Off Color Brewing will be on hand with a selection of delicious beer, wine, and cocktails.
- $1 Bake Sale: Bring a handheld, wrapped treat to share and grab one for just a dollar. We’ll also have cotton candy, popcorn, and other snacks available.
All-Day Activities and Entertainment
The fun doesn’t stop there! Get ready for a day packed with activities:
- Live Music: DJ Dan Larson will be spinning tunes all day.
- Games & Fun: We’ll have a bounce house, carnival games, basketball hoop, and cornhole.
- Creative Stations: Kids can get creative at the sensory play station and collaborative art mural, and everyone can participate in the piñata, egg toss, and musical chairs. You can also create your own custom tie-dye t-shirts from 3:30-5:30 PM.
- Friendly Competition: Test your wits at the Youth (5-5:30 PM) and Adult (6:30-7:00 PM) Trivia Contests with Stewpendous Trivia.
- Euchre Tournament: Ready to play? Join the Euchre Tournament Fundraiser from 3:30-5:30 PM. It’s a $30 buy-in per player with cash prizes. Contact Paul at pmonzella@gmail.com to sign up.
- Silent Auction & Raffle: Bid on amazing items in our silent auction and try your luck with the 50/50 raffle.
- S’mores & Glowsticks • 7:00-8:00 PM: End the night with a special treat and some glowing fun!
Don’t forget to stop by the booths from Friends of Lake View High School, Lakeshore Sport & Fitness, Quantum Leep Academy, and Access Contemporary Music. And while you’re there, you can purchase your GWCA membership and grab some new GWCA tumblers, cozies, and magnets!
We can’t wait to see you there!
