EDGEWATER — Looking for something to do this weekend in Edgewater?
Whether you're feeling philanthropic or looking to pamper yourself a bit, there's plenty going on in the lakeside neighborhood to keep you busy.
With weather reports wavering between a chance of storms and bright, clear skies — here's a mixed bag of indoor and outdoor activities to make the most out of your weekend.
Friday
• Build a Playground: Start your weekend bright and early by heading to Hayt Elementary School, 1518 W. Granville Ave., at 8 a.m. to put together a brand new playground for the whole community courtesy of a KaBOOM! grant awarded to the school.
• Go Wine Tasting: First of all, did you help build the playground? If so, you've earned the wine. You weren't able to, you say? You've survived the work week so you deserve it anyway. Regulars in the neighborhood know the gratis weekly wine tastings at Independent Spirits, Inc., 5947 N. Broadway, are a rite of passage. Stop in between 5-7 p.m. Friday to treat your palate, wallet and soul.
• See a Play in the Park: The Chicago Fringe Opera will be showcasing its show, "The Turn Of The Screw" at Berger Park, 6205 N. Sheridan Rd., this Friday starting at 7:30 p.m. courtesy of the Chicago Park District's Night Out In The Parks series. It's a fast-selling show, so make sure to register for tickets beforehand.
Saturday
• Shop Local Farmers Market Goods: There's less than a month left of the Edgewater Farmers Market, so make sure to get in while you can. Showcasing handmade local wares from the heart, the community staple, now in its 25th year, hangs out at its new Broadway Armory parking lot digs at the corner of Thorndale Ave. and North Broadway and is open from 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Shred Your Junk: By taking your old paper items to A.C.T Group Ltd., 6228 N. Broadway, on Saturday, you can also help your fellow neighbor by bringing food items or a cash donation to share with Care For Real, a local nonprofit servicing the community.
• Help Clean a Beach: You know that Choco Taco wrapper you lost at the beach? Well, it's time to go find it. From 9-11 a.m., The Alliance for the Great Lakes is hosting an Adopt-a-Beach event at Kathy Osterman Beach, 5800 N. Hollywood Ave., as part of the Ocean Conservancy's International Coastal Cleanup effort. Bring a bag or bucket and help clean up one of our many beautiful local beaches. For your work, a snack and water will be available. Register here.
Sunday
• Tour Historic Edgewater And Andersonville Homes: Rain or shine, the Edgewater Historical Society is holding its annual home tour, this year focusing on "East Andersonville" — perhaps better known in the neighborhood as that fancy space between the Edgewater and Andersonville filled with jaw-dropping architecture. Stop by Philadelphia Church, 5437 N. Clark St., between noon and 4 p.m. to pay the $25 fee and for a brochure containing descriptions of the homes and maps. Volunteers will be waiting at each of the stops to show you the homes in all their glory. No pre-registration needed.
• Join the Girl Jam: From 4-7 p.m. on Sunday, Firehouse Chicago, 1545 W. Rosemont Ave., is hosting a fundraising event for GirlForward, a local organization that supports girls who are refugees. Click here to buy tickets to the program, which will include drinks, snacks, music and all around feel-goodery.
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