WICKER PARK — Happy Friday!
Here are some ideas for things to do this weekend.
Indoor Farmers Market. The Wicker Park Farmers Market kicks off its first indoor season this weekend. Peruse homegrown produce and prepared goods from a variety of vendors (Lyons fruit farm, Sitka Salmon, Lashuk, Tamales Express and many more) in the back of the Chop Shop. Free, from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturday, 2033 W. North Ave.
Watch The Ice Rink Get Filled. Head to the park to watch Chicago firefighters spray water into WickerICE, a non-refrigerated outdoor rink that will be ready when the water freezes and turns to ice. Free, begins at 9 a.m. Saturday, 1425 N. Damen Ave. in softball field next to the basketball courts.
Photos with Santa. Snap a photo with Santa (or non-religious seasonal props) and get a free framed print at the Wicker Park Indoor Market, courtesy of The Frame Shop. Online RSVP suggested. Free, from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Saturday, 2033 W. North Ave.
Join The Ukrainian Village People. St. Helen School’s annual Christmas fair and raffle will feature handmade gifts — plus a chance to buy a “Ukrainian Village People” shirt (short or long-sleeved for kids and adults, $15-40). Somewhat of a cult sensation, the shirts could be a unique gift for a neighborhood booster. Hours are 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Sunday, 2347 W. Augusta Blvd.
Make A Menorah. Children of all ages and their families are invited to a menorah building workshop at Home Depot organized by the Bucktown Wicker Park Chabad. Advanced registration (sara@jewishbucktown.com) encouraged and donations appreciated. Free, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Sunday, 1232 W. North Ave.
Holiday Portraits For Dogs. Various pet stores will host professional holiday portrait sittings over the weekend, so check with your favorite shop. At Pet Supplies Plus, packages start at $35 and no appointment is required — it’s first come, first served. From 1- 4 p.m. Sunday, 1289 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Free Pizza, Cheap Books. The Boombox pop-up storefront welcomes a new tenant through December 16: Traveling nonprofit library/store, Carpe Librum, (“seize the book”). Comb though donated CDs, DVDs, and vinyl records, all prices $6 or less. Carpe Librum opens on Saturday. Hours are noon – 8 p.m. Saturday, 1262 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Unique Jewelry. Acclaimed Brooklyn-based jewelry designer Scosha Woolridge will showcase her latest collection at Bucktown’s Eskell during a weekend-long trunk show. Free, with RSVPS to info@eskell encouraged. From 2- 7 p.m. Saturday and 1- 5 p.m. Sunday, 2029 N. Western Ave.
Free Sushi, Lots Of Paper Goods. Topdrawer — a Japan-based chain offering notebooks, pens, writing and drawing accessories, Bento Boxes, pens, and travel goods, among other unique items — will ring in its first year in Wicker Park with a party. Enjoy free sushi, cocktails and music. Free, from 5- 8 p.m. Saturday, 1463 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Designer’s Closing Sale. Anastasia Chatzka will be permanently closing her East Village boutique. All clothing, accessories and fixtures will be from 50-90 percent off. “Hundreds of accessories for him & her priced from $5-25 will help you stuff the stockings of everyone on your gift list,” Chatzka posted on Facebook. Hours are 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Friday-Saturday, noon – 6 p.m. Saturday, 1001 N. Damen Ave.
Say Goodbye. Friday/today is this reporter’s last day on the beat (learn more about the unique job and apply here). As a way to say thanks in person to everyone in the community who made her job so rewarding and fun over the past decade and three publications, all are welcome to a farewell gathering. Pop by Lubinski Furniture for Big Star tacos courtesy of David Dring, complimentary champagne from Garfield’s Beverage Warehouse and Rite Liquors, desserts from Artemio’s, courtesy of Heaven Gallery’s Alma Wieser, and a holiday photo staging area created by Ken and Sylvia Lubinski. Free, From 5- 8 p.m. Friday, 1550 N. Milwaukee Ave., after party at High Noon Saloon, 1560 N. Milwaukee Ave.
