Roscoe Village is a village within Chicago that feels like an oasis with charming homes, independent shops, neighborhood pubs, and inviting restaurants. The best things to do in Roscoe Village involve seeking out live music or a comedy show, shopping on Roscoe Street, and kayaking in Clark Park.
Roscoe Village is a neighborhood with an unexpected history. It all started with the Riverview Park which claimed to the the largest amusement park in the world at the time. The park was open from 1904 until 1967 and accumulated 120 rides. The Roscoe Village neighborhood sprung to life around Riverview Park as workers moved to the area and new businesses opened. Today, some of the land that was once occupied by the park has become Clark Park.
Roscoe Village is referred to as a “village within the city”. It has a mix of residences and locally owned restaurants and boutiques. The neighborhood has a very active events schedule.
In 2021, the Lakeview and Roscoe Village Chambers of Commerce merged, so many events span these two neighborhoods.
Last updated: April 2022
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The Best Restaurants in Roscoe Village
Where is Roscoe Village ?
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Roscoe Village in the in the north center of Chicago. It is directly west of Lakeview and north of Lincoln Park. The neighborhood’s borders are Belmont Avenue to the south, the Chicago River to the west, Ravenswood Avenue to the east, and Addition Street to the north.
How to Get to Roscoe Village :
Both the Paulina and Addison Brown Line L stops are located just a couple of blocks from Roscoe Village.
Parks and Outdoor Activities:
Clark Park
A park providing over 22 acres of green space along the bank of the Chicago River. The park has a soccer field, a baseball diamond with seating for 1,250 spectators, and a boathouse that offers canoe and kayak rentals. The boathouse is Chicago’s premier rowing center and has year round training facilities.
The park is also home to The Garden, a set of dirt jumps for bikers at all skill levels.
Fellger Park
A small 0.77 acre park with a playground at the corner of Belmont and Damen. The playground has a shaded grassy area for picnics.
Things to Do in Roscoe Village:
Open Studios at the Cornelia Arts Building
The Cornelia Arts Building on the corner of Cornelia and Ravenswood is one of the largest all-artists buildings on Chicago’s North Side. Periodic weekend open studios are hosted featuring one-of-a-kind artwork, crafts, and gifts.
Roscoe Village Farmers Market
This seasonal outdoor farmers market takes place on Sundays from 8 am to 12 pm from June 12 – October 9, 2022.
Shop on Roscoe Street
There are several independent locally owned boutiques located on Roscoe Street between Leavitt Street and Wolcott including Moondance, Shangri-La Vintage, Winnie Cooper Boutique, The Denim Lounge, A Pied, Kickin’, and Victory’s Banner Books & Gifts.
View Public Art
The Roscoe Village and Lakeview neighborhoods have worked to support artists and to display public artwork in highly visible locations. The Lakeview Roscoe Village Chamber of Commerce has created a guide to some of the murals and installations.
Music Venues:
Constellation
A “performing arts nightclub” presenting jazz, improvised, experimental, and contemporary classical music. There is live music nearly every night and most shows are $10-$20.
Beat Kitchen
A bar, restaurant, and live music venue with an absolutely packed calendar covering a wide range of musical genres. Tickets to shows can be purchased online. Some shows are 17+ while others are 21+. On Saturdays, Beat Kitchen hosts a free all ages Bluegrass Brunch.
The Four Treys Tavern
A cash-only family-owned bar that often hosts bands on Friday night.
Comedy Clubs:
Chicago Underground Comedy
Chicago Underground Comedy performs a mix of stand-up and sketch comedy on Tuesday nights at Beat Kitchen. Tickets are $10 and the show starts at 9 pm (doors open at 8:30 pm). Must be 21+.
The Reveler
The bar and restaurant hosts comedy shows each Thursday night at 8 pm.
Annual Events in Roscoe Village:
Lakeview Roscoe Village Restaurant Week
An event that takes place in late February/early March when area restaurants serve special prix fixe menus. The event raises money for the Lakeview Pantry and Common Pantry.
Spring Wine Walk
An April event where businesses on Roscoe Street and Southport Avenue host wine tasting and offer special discounts.
Lincoln Roscoe Art & Craft Fair
A new festival taking place on Lincoln Avenue from Roscoe Street to School Street highlighting over 60 local artists, makers, and independent shops. The spring event will be on May 21-22, 2022 and the fall event will take place October 1-2, 2022.
Retro on Roscoe
A three day street fair taking place August 12-14, 2022 at Roscoe and Damen. The event has three stages of music and entertainment plus art and antique vendors, and local restaurants. This is considered to be one of Chicago’s best street fests.
Roscoe Village Burger Fest
Over a dozen restaurants participate in this burger-centric event taking place July 15-17, 2022. In addition to burgers, the event has two stages of music and entertainment plus a kids zone. Attendees get to vote for Chicago’s Best Burger.
PorchFest Roscoe Village
Taking place on August 21, 2022, this event turns front porches into stages for local musicians.
Lincoln Roscoe Beer Stroll
This event celebrates local breweries and businesses. Shop at locally owned businesses along Roscoe Street and Lincoln Avenue while tasting Chicago craft beer on Saturday October 22, 2022.
Winterfest
A holiday shopping event taking place December 3-4 2022. During the event, shops stay open late and there is entertainment.