Politics, Arts and Outreach Heats Up Neighborhood This Week in McKinley Park

The Chicago municipal elections are coming up on February 26, and political events and early voting have activated the McKinley Park neighborhood. On Saturday, February 23, the Green New Deal March and Rally begins adjacent to the Orange Line El stop at Archer Avenue and Leavitt Street. Marchers and City Council candidates for the 12th Ward are expected to attend the rally, speak and march to the route's conclusion at Pershing Road and Damen Avenue.

The field house in McKinley Park is one of the citywide locations for Early Voting, and Chicagoans can vote early — as well as register to vote — every day leading up to the election. Monday through Friday, February 18 to 22, early voting hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. On Saturday, February 23, early voting is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Sunday, February 24, the hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. All are encouraged to participate in this extremely consequential election for Chicago city offices.

Sunday, February 24, promises some great opportunities to connect with local artisans. The semi-weekly Arts & Crafts Indoor Market returns to Kristoffer's Cakes 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., pairing unique shopping with Kristoffer's treats and special savory menu items. The Hoofprint Workshop Open House from noon to 5 p.m. opens up one of the warehouse spaces in the Central Manufacturing District to showcase artwork, demonstrate printing techniques and host standup comedy from the Apartment Comedy Tour.

The McKinley Park Development Council Meeting on Wednesday, February 20, brings neighbors and community stakeholders to Razzmatazz Family Fun Center for information and collaboration on development concerns. Slated for this month's meeting is more information about prospective development on Pershing Road and initial discussion and ideas toward developing structured, collaborative community benefit planning.

The McKinley Park public library is again the place to be for kids and families, including LEGO at the Library on Tuesday, February 19, and performance and play at Family Night: Puppet Show with Ms. Mary on Wednesday, February 20. Drop-In Games on Saturday, February 23, offers new and classic board games for play by youth and adults.

Marz Community Brewing Company continues its ongoing music performance and DJs, including the weekly Jazz on Marz with the Jazzeros on Wednesday, February 20, and DJ Alicia Serrano on Friday, February 22. Fanita Banana returns to the Marz tap room on Saturday, February 23.

One City Tap hosts its monthly Loteria Night on Tuesday, February 19, again bringing "the most competitive game" to the neighborhood's sole tavern. The Tap's weekly Karaoke Night returns on Friday, February 22.

The Namaste Charter School Open House on Saturday, February 23, opens the doors of the school to prospective Kindergartners through eighth graders and their families. On Tuesday, February 19, the Evergreen Local School Council Meeting provides an opportunity to connect with oversight and funding for Evergreen Academy Middle School.

These are just some of the great neighborhood events happening in McKinley Park this week. Check the full calendar, featured events, showcase events and events dashboard for more.