Volunteers Needed For 17th Annual Bucktown Garden Walk, Which Will Combine In-Person, Virtual Programs

BUCKTOWN — The Bucktown Garden Walk is returning for its 17th season this summer.

The walk returns July 17-18 with a pandemic-friendly self-guided tour of Bucktown’s public art, historical sites, landmarks, churches, beloved restaurants and bars — and, of course, the neighborhood’s gardens.

Like last year, this summer’s Garden Walk will include live music within the gardens.

Due to the pandemic, Garden Walk organizers are taking precautions to keep neighbors safe. For example, there will be no block party, Garden Walk organizer Darien Hallagan said in an email.

But that doesn’t mean the event is any less neighborly, he said.

“The heart of the event revolves around connecting neighbors and giving nature lovers a glimpse into urban gardening,” he said.

The 2020 Bucktown Garden Walk Credit: Facebook / Provided

Despite the cancellation of the usually packed block party, last year’s Garden Walk’s virtual guides saw just shy of 1,000 downloads.

The volunteer-run event also netted just over $8,000, which went toward planting trees and funding “Illinois Landscape,” a mural on the back side of the Bucktown-Wicker Park Library adjacent to the Bucktown Green.

About 70 gardens are already slated to be on display this summer, including those in front and back yards as well as on garages and rooftops.

Volunteers are needed day-of to coordinate artists and garden hosts. The Bucktown Community Organization is also seeking neighbors who are willing to volunteer their green spaces, patios and parkways, as well as artists who are willing to perform during the event.

The Bucktown Community Organization is looking for local businesses to donate to or sponsor the walk.

Those interested in helping out should contact Hallagan by emailing garden@bucktown.org or calling 404-519-7269.

Learn more about the Garden Walk online, on Facebook or on Instagram.

A musician performs during the 2020 Bucktown Garden Walk. Credit: Facebook / Provided

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Volunteers Needed For 17th Annual Bucktown Garden Walk, Which Will Combine In-Person, Virtual Programs

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Hannah Alani