Zines and Foias with the FOIA Bakery Project - More information forthcoming!

THE EVENT ON 8/13 HAS BEEN POSTPONED DUE TO RAIN! Come back next week!

Wild Mile Projections - a collaboration between Urban Rivers and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago

Skunk Run - Gųųšgoonąk

Artists Casey Brown (Ho-Chunk) and Selena Kearney (Chehalis), recognizing the ancestral presence of water in what is now known as Chicago, build this work around the intentional observation of water. Spending time gathering light on water, reflections, and movement within these waterways, they aim to deepen attention and create quiet meditations on this life force. Both artists bring deep cultural relationships to canoeing, approaching the river not as documented subject but as a place experienced through slow, human-powered travel. The canoe creates the conditions for careful looking, listening, and collaboration.

Thursdays, 9:00–9:30 PM

August 6, August 13, August 20, August 27

Artists: Selena Kearney & Casey Brown

https://www.selenakearney.com/

https://linktr.ee/caseybrownbear

Join us for a day of kayaking and nature exploration at Bubbly Creek! This program is intended for residents of the communities directly surrounding Bubbly Creek, especially BIPOC residents, who have historically had less access to our local waterways.

Urban Rivers will be hosting walk-up kayaking for the duration of the event. This means our boats are first-come first-served! We’ll be joined by Shedd Aquarium, who will be running all-ages fishing workshops!

No experience is required for any activities offered! Children under 10 years old must share a kayak with a parent or guardian, as we are unable to offer tandem kayaks. If your child is under 30 pounds, you will need to provide a lifejacket for them! All participants must sign a waiver before kayaking, and/or have a waiver signed on their behalf by a legal guardian. Since we wrap up at 7, our last boats will go out no later than 6:00! Boats will launch in groups, at 3, 4, 5, and 6pm - if you arrive between those times, you may need to wait a bit!

Most activities, including kayaking, will have Spanish-Speaking staff available // La mayoría de las actividades, incluido el kayak, contarán con personal que habla español disponible.

These events will be cancelled in the case of dangerous or highly unpleasant weather. Updates will be posted on our Instagram story (@urbanrivers), and this event posting will be also be updated to reflect the cancellation - if in doubt, email team@urbanriv.org!

If you've ever had burning questions about the Wild Mile or Urban Rivers, look no further. One of our knowledgable Wild Mile Docents will take you on a tour of the Wild Mile, explaining the project's history, architecture, ecology, and more. The tour will take 30-45 minutes, with plenty of time for questions. We'll meet at the entrance to the Wild Mile, behind REI. This tour is entirely outdoors, so please dress warmly during winter months.

If you'd like a tour but can't make it to any available tour dates, email team@urbanriv.org, and we'd be happy to set up a time to show you around! 

This event is free and open to everyone. Walk-ups are welcome, but if possible, please RSVP using the link below.

Join us for yoga on Chicago’s beautiful floating docks along the North Branch of the Chicago River, surrounded by native gardens and urban wildlife. This class is open to all levels and offers a grounding start to your week in a truly unique outdoor space. Classes end with a short crystal bowl sound bath.

The Wild Mile is a public eco-park created by Urban Rivers, whose mission is to restore wild habitat along the river. 20% of all proceeds go directly to support their ongoing efforts.

We’ll practice on the beautiful floating docks of The Wild Mile, an urban nature sanctuary in the heart of Chicago. Surrounded by native plants, pollinators, and the calming flow of the river, this class is an energizing and grounding way to start your week.

• When: Sundays, 5-6pm

• Where: The Wild Mile

• Bring: A yoga mat, water, and any props you love

• Pricing:

  • $22 to pre-register online

  • $25 at the door (cash or Venmo)

🌿 All levels welcome.
💚 20% of proceeds support Urban Rivers, the nonprofit stewarding this unique ecological space.

Join us on the Wild Mile to enjoy a sweet snack! We’ll have all the supplies you need, but feel free to bring your own fixing!

This event is free and open to everyone. Walk-ups are welcome, but if possible, please RSVP using the link below.

Please note that during the winter months, it’s not uncommon for us to cancel due to very cold weather. If you RSVP, we’ll email you in the event of a cancellation - this is usually anytime it’s under 30ºF and windy, and/or raining.

Join CatJam Chicago for an acoustic jam session on the Wild Mile! This dynamic group of local musicians welcomes any passerby to join the jam. Come relax on the Wild Mile while enjoying the music, or bring your instrument and play with some of Chicago’s coolest cats! This event is alcohol-free.

No RSVP required! You can learn more about CatJam on Instagram, @catjamchicago.

Bird Collisions in the Anthropocene is a large-scale civic engagement art project comprising over 10,000 bird replicas made by the citizens of Chicago and beyond. Join us at this free public workshop where you will create a replica of a specific bird that died in 2023 from a window collision in Chicago. The finished artwork will be a “red carpet” of birds measuring the length of a football field and exhibited throughout the city to raise awareness about bird safe windows and celebrate the over 300 species of birds that fly through our city.

Website 

Instagram 

Wild Mile Projections - a collaboration between Urban Rivers and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago

Skunk Run - Gųųšgoonąk

Artists Casey Brown (Ho-Chunk) and Selena Kearney (Chehalis), recognizing the ancestral presence of water in what is now known as Chicago, build this work around the intentional observation of water. Spending time gathering light on water, reflections, and movement within these waterways, they aim to deepen attention and create quiet meditations on this life force. Both artists bring deep cultural relationships to canoeing, approaching the river not as documented subject but as a place experienced through slow, human-powered travel. The canoe creates the conditions for careful looking, listening, and collaboration.

Thursdays, 9:00–9:30 PM

August 6, August 13, August 20, August 27

Artists: Selena Kearney & Casey Brown

https://www.selenakearney.com/

https://linktr.ee/caseybrownbear

Join us for a day of kayaking and nature exploration at Bubbly Creek! This program is intended for residents of the communities directly surrounding Bubbly Creek, especially BIPOC residents, who have historically had less access to our local waterways.

Urban Rivers will be hosting walk-up kayaking for the duration of the event. This means our boats are first-come first-served! We’ll be joined by Shedd Aquarium, who will be running all-ages fishing workshops!

No experience is required for any activities offered! Children under 10 years old must share a kayak with a parent or guardian, as we are unable to offer tandem kayaks. If your child is under 30 pounds, you will need to provide a lifejacket for them! All participants must sign a waiver before kayaking, and/or have a waiver signed on their behalf by a legal guardian. Since we wrap up at 7, our last boats will go out no later than 6:00! Boats will launch in groups, at 3, 4, 5, and 6pm - if you arrive between those times, you may need to wait a bit!

Most activities, including kayaking, will have Spanish-Speaking staff available // La mayoría de las actividades, incluido el kayak, contarán con personal que habla español disponible.

These events will be cancelled in the case of dangerous or highly unpleasant weather. Updates will be posted on our Instagram story (@urbanrivers), and this event posting will be also be updated to reflect the cancellation - if in doubt, email team@urbanriv.org!

If you've ever had burning questions about the Wild Mile or Urban Rivers, look no further. One of our knowledgable Wild Mile Docents will take you on a tour of the Wild Mile, explaining the project's history, architecture, ecology, and more. The tour will take 30-45 minutes, with plenty of time for questions. We'll meet at the entrance to the Wild Mile, behind REI. This tour is entirely outdoors, so please dress warmly during winter months.

If you'd like a tour but can't make it to any available tour dates, email team@urbanriv.org, and we'd be happy to set up a time to show you around! 

This event is free and open to everyone. Walk-ups are welcome, but if possible, please RSVP using the link below.

Join us for yoga on Chicago’s beautiful floating docks along the North Branch of the Chicago River, surrounded by native gardens and urban wildlife. This class is open to all levels and offers a grounding start to your week in a truly unique outdoor space. Classes end with a short crystal bowl sound bath.

The Wild Mile is a public eco-park created by Urban Rivers, whose mission is to restore wild habitat along the river. 20% of all proceeds go directly to support their ongoing efforts.

We’ll practice on the beautiful floating docks of The Wild Mile, an urban nature sanctuary in the heart of Chicago. Surrounded by native plants, pollinators, and the calming flow of the river, this class is an energizing and grounding way to start your week.

• When: Sundays, 5-6pm

• Where: The Wild Mile

• Bring: A yoga mat, water, and any props you love

• Pricing:

  • $22 to pre-register online

  • $25 at the door (cash or Venmo)

🌿 All levels welcome.
💚 20% of proceeds support Urban Rivers, the nonprofit stewarding this unique ecological space.

If you've ever had burning questions about the Wild Mile or Urban Rivers, look no further. One of our knowledgable Wild Mile Docents will take you on a tour of the Wild Mile, explaining the project's history, architecture, ecology, and more. The tour will take 30-45 minutes, with plenty of time for questions. We'll meet at the entrance to the Wild Mile, behind REI. This tour is entirely outdoors, so please dress warmly during winter months.

If you'd like a tour but can't make it to any available tour dates, email team@urbanriv.org, and we'd be happy to set up a time to show you around! 

This event is free and open to everyone. Walk-ups are welcome, but if possible, please RSVP using the link below.

Join CatJam Chicago for an acoustic jam session on the Wild Mile! This dynamic group of local musicians welcomes any passerby to join the jam. Come relax on the Wild Mile while enjoying the music, or bring your instrument and play with some of Chicago’s coolest cats! This event is alcohol-free.

No RSVP required! You can learn more about CatJam on Instagram, @catjamchicago.

Dave Odd is a full time professional forager in Chicagoland. Through his Eat the Neighborhood Foraging Tours and Events he has taught thousands of people about the edible and medicinal wild plants and mushrooms that grow right in their own backyards. On any given tour he guarantees he will show you at least 50 edible or medicinal plants and mushrooms. He has been featured on The Discovery Channel, TED Talks, PBS, WTTW, WBEZ, WGN, Fox 32, The Chicago Sun Times, The Chicago Tribune, Chicago Magazine, The Washington Post and more.

Find him at: 

Eattheneighborhood.com

Eattheneighborhood on IG and TikTok.

FB https://www.facebook.com/groups/OddProduceForaging

Wild Mile Projections - a collaboration between Urban Rivers and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago

Skunk Run - Gųųšgoonąk

Artists Casey Brown (Ho-Chunk) and Selena Kearney (Chehalis), recognizing the ancestral presence of water in what is now known as Chicago, build this work around the intentional observation of water. Spending time gathering light on water, reflections, and movement within these waterways, they aim to deepen attention and create quiet meditations on this life force. Both artists bring deep cultural relationships to canoeing, approaching the river not as documented subject but as a place experienced through slow, human-powered travel. The canoe creates the conditions for careful looking, listening, and collaboration.

Thursdays, 9:00–9:30 PM

August 6, August 13, August 20, August 27

Artists: Selena Kearney & Casey Brown

https://www.selenakearney.com/

https://linktr.ee/caseybrownbear

Join us for a day of kayaking and nature exploration at Bubbly Creek! This program is intended for residents of the communities directly surrounding Bubbly Creek, especially BIPOC residents, who have historically had less access to our local waterways.

Urban Rivers will be hosting walk-up kayaking for the duration of the event. This means our boats are first-come first-served! We’ll be joined by Shedd Aquarium, who will be running all-ages fishing workshops!

No experience is required for any activities offered! Children under 10 years old must share a kayak with a parent or guardian, as we are unable to offer tandem kayaks. If your child is under 30 pounds, you will need to provide a lifejacket for them! All participants must sign a waiver before kayaking, and/or have a waiver signed on their behalf by a legal guardian. Since we wrap up at 7, our last boats will go out no later than 6:00! Boats will launch in groups, at 3, 4, 5, and 6pm - if you arrive between those times, you may need to wait a bit!

Most activities, including kayaking, will have Spanish-Speaking staff available // La mayoría de las actividades, incluido el kayak, contarán con personal que habla español disponible.

These events will be cancelled in the case of dangerous or highly unpleasant weather. Updates will be posted on our Instagram story (@urbanrivers), and this event posting will be also be updated to reflect the cancellation - if in doubt, email team@urbanriv.org!

Join us for yoga on Chicago’s beautiful floating docks along the North Branch of the Chicago River, surrounded by native gardens and urban wildlife. This class is open to all levels and offers a grounding start to your week in a truly unique outdoor space. Classes end with a short crystal bowl sound bath.

The Wild Mile is a public eco-park created by Urban Rivers, whose mission is to restore wild habitat along the river. 20% of all proceeds go directly to support their ongoing efforts.

We’ll practice on the beautiful floating docks of The Wild Mile, an urban nature sanctuary in the heart of Chicago. Surrounded by native plants, pollinators, and the calming flow of the river, this class is an energizing and grounding way to start your week.

• When: Sundays, 5-6pm

• Where: The Wild Mile

• Bring: A yoga mat, water, and any props you love

• Pricing:

  • $22 to pre-register online

  • $25 at the door (cash or Venmo)

🌿 All levels welcome.
💚 20% of proceeds support Urban Rivers, the nonprofit stewarding this unique ecological space.

Join CatJam Chicago for an acoustic jam session on the Wild Mile! This dynamic group of local musicians welcomes any passerby to join the jam. Come relax on the Wild Mile while enjoying the music, or bring your instrument and play with some of Chicago’s coolest cats! This event is alcohol-free.

No RSVP required! You can learn more about CatJam on Instagram, @catjamchicago.

Join us for a day of kayaking and nature exploration at Bubbly Creek! This program is intended for residents of the communities directly surrounding Bubbly Creek, especially BIPOC residents, who have historically had less access to our local waterways.

Urban Rivers will be hosting walk-up kayaking for the duration of the event. This means our boats are first-come first-served! We’ll be joined by Shedd Aquarium, who will be running all-ages fishing workshops!

No experience is required for any activities offered! Children under 10 years old must share a kayak with a parent or guardian, as we are unable to offer tandem kayaks. If your child is under 30 pounds, you will need to provide a lifejacket for them! All participants must sign a waiver before kayaking, and/or have a waiver signed on their behalf by a legal guardian. Since we wrap up at 7, our last boats will go out no later than 6:00! Boats will launch in groups, at 3, 4, 5, and 6pm - if you arrive between those times, you may need to wait a bit!

Most activities, including kayaking, will have Spanish-Speaking staff available // La mayoría de las actividades, incluido el kayak, contarán con personal que habla español disponible.

These events will be cancelled in the case of dangerous or highly unpleasant weather. Updates will be posted on our Instagram story (@urbanrivers), and this event posting will be also be updated to reflect the cancellation - if in doubt, email team@urbanriv.org!

Join us for yoga on Chicago’s beautiful floating docks along the North Branch of the Chicago River, surrounded by native gardens and urban wildlife. This class is open to all levels and offers a grounding start to your week in a truly unique outdoor space. Classes end with a short crystal bowl sound bath.

The Wild Mile is a public eco-park created by Urban Rivers, whose mission is to restore wild habitat along the river. 20% of all proceeds go directly to support their ongoing efforts.

We’ll practice on the beautiful floating docks of The Wild Mile, an urban nature sanctuary in the heart of Chicago. Surrounded by native plants, pollinators, and the calming flow of the river, this class is an energizing and grounding way to start your week.

• When: Sundays, 5-6pm

• Where: The Wild Mile

• Bring: A yoga mat, water, and any props you love

• Pricing:

  • $22 to pre-register online

  • $25 at the door (cash or Venmo)

🌿 All levels welcome.
💚 20% of proceeds support Urban Rivers, the nonprofit stewarding this unique ecological space.

Join CatJam Chicago for an acoustic jam session on the Wild Mile! This dynamic group of local musicians welcomes any passerby to join the jam. Come relax on the Wild Mile while enjoying the music, or bring your instrument and play with some of Chicago’s coolest cats! This event is alcohol-free.

No RSVP required! You can learn more about CatJam on Instagram, @catjamchicago.

Join us for a day of kayaking and nature exploration at Bubbly Creek! This program is intended for residents of the communities directly surrounding Bubbly Creek, especially BIPOC residents, who have historically had less access to our local waterways.

Urban Rivers will be hosting walk-up kayaking for the duration of the event. This means our boats are first-come first-served! We’ll be joined by Shedd Aquarium, who will be running all-ages fishing workshops!

No experience is required for any activities offered! Children under 10 years old must share a kayak with a parent or guardian, as we are unable to offer tandem kayaks. If your child is under 30 pounds, you will need to provide a lifejacket for them! All participants must sign a waiver before kayaking, and/or have a waiver signed on their behalf by a legal guardian. Since we wrap up at 7, our last boats will go out no later than 6:00! Boats will launch in groups, at 3, 4, 5, and 6pm - if you arrive between those times, you may need to wait a bit!

Most activities, including kayaking, will have Spanish-Speaking staff available // La mayoría de las actividades, incluido el kayak, contarán con personal que habla español disponible.

These events will be cancelled in the case of dangerous or highly unpleasant weather. Updates will be posted on our Instagram story (@urbanrivers), and this event posting will be also be updated to reflect the cancellation - if in doubt, email team@urbanriv.org!

Come fish the Wild Mile!

During the worst of our waterway's polluted history, only 5 species of fish could be found in the Chicago River. Now, there are a whopping 77 - and many of them nest, mate, shelter, and feed around the Wild Mile! Pumpkinseed, bluegill, bass, carp, and bullhead are among the most common, but who knows what you might find! Join us monthly to learn how to safely catch them!

These events will be run by our River Ranger volunteers during the peak fishing months of 2026 (spring and fall). We'll have bait and fishing gear for you - though please bring your own pole if you happen to have one! We also have blanket fishing permits from the IDNR for these events, so anyone can participate.

To ensure a good experience for all participants and volunteer facilitators, we've divided the day into time slots with capacity limits - please try to arrive close to the beginning of your reserved time, since we'll need your rod back at the end of your time! Youth participation is highly encouraged, though parent/guardian supervision is required with a ratio of at least 1:3! 

Join CatJam Chicago for an acoustic jam session on the Wild Mile! This dynamic group of local musicians welcomes any passerby to join the jam. Come relax on the Wild Mile while enjoying the music, or bring your instrument and play with some of Chicago’s coolest cats! This event is alcohol-free.

No RSVP required! You can learn more about CatJam on Instagram, @catjamchicago.

Join us for a day of kayaking and nature exploration at Bubbly Creek! This program is intended for residents of the communities directly surrounding Bubbly Creek, especially BIPOC residents, who have historically had less access to our local waterways.

Urban Rivers will be hosting walk-up kayaking for the duration of the event. This means our boats are first-come first-served! We’ll be joined by Shedd Aquarium, who will be running all-ages fishing workshops!

No experience is required for any activities offered! Children under 10 years old must share a kayak with a parent or guardian, as we are unable to offer tandem kayaks. If your child is under 30 pounds, you will need to provide a lifejacket for them! All participants must sign a waiver before kayaking, and/or have a waiver signed on their behalf by a legal guardian. Since we wrap up at 7, our last boats will go out no later than 6:00! Boats will launch in groups, at 3, 4, 5, and 6pm - if you arrive between those times, you may need to wait a bit!

Most activities, including kayaking, will have Spanish-Speaking staff available // La mayoría de las actividades, incluido el kayak, contarán con personal que habla español disponible.

These events will be cancelled in the case of dangerous or highly unpleasant weather. Updates will be posted on our Instagram story (@urbanrivers), and this event posting will be also be updated to reflect the cancellation - if in doubt, email team@urbanriv.org!

Join CatJam Chicago for an acoustic jam session on the Wild Mile! This dynamic group of local musicians welcomes any passerby to join the jam. Come relax on the Wild Mile while enjoying the music, or bring your instrument and play with some of Chicago’s coolest cats! This event is alcohol-free.

No RSVP required! You can learn more about CatJam on Instagram, @catjamchicago.

Join us for a day of kayaking and nature exploration at Bubbly Creek! This program is intended for residents of the communities directly surrounding Bubbly Creek, especially BIPOC residents, who have historically had less access to our local waterways.

Urban Rivers will be hosting walk-up kayaking for the duration of the event. This means our boats are first-come first-served! We’ll be joined by Shedd Aquarium, who will be running all-ages fishing workshops!

No experience is required for any activities offered! Children under 10 years old must share a kayak with a parent or guardian, as we are unable to offer tandem kayaks. If your child is under 30 pounds, you will need to provide a lifejacket for them! All participants must sign a waiver before kayaking, and/or have a waiver signed on their behalf by a legal guardian. Since we wrap up at 7, our last boats will go out no later than 6:00! Boats will launch in groups, at 3, 4, 5, and 6pm - if you arrive between those times, you may need to wait a bit!

Most activities, including kayaking, will have Spanish-Speaking staff available // La mayoría de las actividades, incluido el kayak, contarán con personal que habla español disponible.

These events will be cancelled in the case of dangerous or highly unpleasant weather. Updates will be posted on our Instagram story (@urbanrivers), and this event posting will be also be updated to reflect the cancellation - if in doubt, email team@urbanriv.org!

Join CatJam Chicago for an acoustic jam session on the Wild Mile! This dynamic group of local musicians welcomes any passerby to join the jam. Come relax on the Wild Mile while enjoying the music, or bring your instrument and play with some of Chicago’s coolest cats! This event is alcohol-free.

No RSVP required! You can learn more about CatJam on Instagram, @catjamchicago.

Come fish the Wild Mile!

During the worst of our waterway's polluted history, only 5 species of fish could be found in the Chicago River. Now, there are a whopping 77 - and many of them nest, mate, shelter, and feed around the Wild Mile! Pumpkinseed, bluegill, bass, carp, and bullhead are among the most common, but who knows what you might find! Join us monthly to learn how to safely catch them!

These events will be run by our River Ranger volunteers during the peak fishing months of 2026 (spring and fall). We'll have bait and fishing gear for you - though please bring your own pole if you happen to have one! We also have blanket fishing permits from the IDNR for these events, so anyone can participate.

To ensure a good experience for all participants and volunteer facilitators, we've divided the day into time slots with capacity limits - please try to arrive close to the beginning of your reserved time, since we'll need your rod back at the end of your time! Youth participation is highly encouraged, though parent/guardian supervision is required with a ratio of at least 1:3! 

Come fish the Wild Mile!

During the worst of our waterway's polluted history, only 5 species of fish could be found in the Chicago River. Now, there are a whopping 77 - and many of them nest, mate, shelter, and feed around the Wild Mile! Pumpkinseed, bluegill, bass, carp, and bullhead are among the most common, but who knows what you might find! Join us monthly to learn how to safely catch them!

These events will be run by our River Ranger volunteers during the peak fishing months of 2026 (spring and fall). We'll have bait and fishing gear for you - though please bring your own pole if you happen to have one! We also have blanket fishing permits from the IDNR for these events, so anyone can participate.

To ensure a good experience for all participants and volunteer facilitators, we've divided the day into time slots with capacity limits - please try to arrive close to the beginning of your reserved time, since we'll need your rod back at the end of your time! Youth participation is highly encouraged, though parent/guardian supervision is required with a ratio of at least 1:3! 

Come fish the Wild Mile!

During the worst of our waterway's polluted history, only 5 species of fish could be found in the Chicago River. Now, there are a whopping 77 - and many of them nest, mate, shelter, and feed around the Wild Mile! Pumpkinseed, bluegill, bass, carp, and bullhead are among the most common, but who knows what you might find! Join us monthly to learn how to safely catch them!

These events will be run by our River Ranger volunteers during the peak fishing months of 2026 (spring and fall). We'll have bait and fishing gear for you - though please bring your own pole if you happen to have one! We also have blanket fishing permits from the IDNR for these events, so anyone can participate.

To ensure a good experience for all participants and volunteer facilitators, we've divided the day into time slots with capacity limits - please try to arrive close to the beginning of your reserved time, since we'll need your rod back at the end of your time! Youth participation is highly encouraged, though parent/guardian supervision is required with a ratio of at least 1:3!