Events
Join us for our upcoming events! Urban Rivers events are always free and open to everyone.
If you’d like to host an event with us, check out our event guidelines, then get in touch via our “contact” page! We’re happy to host community events year-round.
Featured
CatJam Chicago Jam Session
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!
WMWS: In-Depth Foraging with Axel Peterman
In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn to identify and harvest ~20 wild edible plants of mid summer in Chicago. Participants will also learn about safe and responsible foraging practices, and about the role of foraging in its cultural and ecological context. This workshop happens on-the-move, so come ready to do some walking.
Axel Peterman has been a forager since birth. Growing up in Woodlawn and Hyde Park, he worried many a middle school teacher and camp counselor by eating things that he'd found on the lawn, and by teaching his friends about them. After 11 years of teaching in the northern town of Ashland, WI, during which time he led over a hundred foraging walks as well as workshops on a variety of other subjects, he's back in Chicago, and thrilled to explore the wild edibles of his hometown --- and to teach folks about them.
Wild Mile Projections: Wild Light at Night – Jan Tichy
Wild Mile Projections - a collaboration between Urban Rivers and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Wild Light at Night brings digital illumination into the natural darkness of the Wild Mile, exploring the ecological and cultural impact of artificial light in urban natural environments. Responding to the river’s edge as a unique confluence of built and natural worlds, the projection reflects on the delicate coexistence of city life and ecosystems after dark.
Rather than creating spectacle, the projection offers a subtle, responsive presence—prompting reflection on what light reveals, and what it displaces. Animated by shifting light and shadow, the piece transforms the riverside façade into both screen and stage, extending the Wild Mile experience beyond daylight.
Dates:
August 21
August 28
September 4
September 13 (Saturday)
Events will be postponed in the case of rain.
Community Days at Bubbly Creek!
Join us for a day of kayaking and nature exploration at Bubbly Creek!
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! Various partners will join in over the course of the summer to provide fun activities, including birding with the Chicago Ornithological Society, soil science workshops with Social Ecologies, and many more.
No experience is required for any activities offered! This program is targeted at the communities directly surrounding Bubbly Creek, but all are welcome. 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 6:30!
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, tentatively defined as weather over 95ºF, under 45ºF, any visible lightning in the area, or rain beyond a light drizzle. Updates will be posted on our Instagram (@urbanrivers), and this event posting will be also be updated to reflect the cancellation - if in doubt, email team@urbanriv.org!
Art Night Chicago
Art night is a monthly community-building variety show where 5 people get to go on stage and share their passions!
Friday the 5th, after an opening ice breaker, we will have a folk artist, a DJ, the founder of Freshwater Lab, and more share their talents and their insights!
Wild Mile Yoga!
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. All classes end with a mini sound healing session.
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.
Bring your own mat, water, and any props you like.
CatJam Chicago Jam Session
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!
WMWS: Foraging and Plant Medicine with Jah Brown
Catch us on the Chicago River - at the Wild Mile - for a plant identification walk, guided by Jah of Brown People Foundation! Come join us as we stroll and discover amongst the plants & trees. Learn how to spot native & invasive plants - and about their uses! Following the plant walk, we will use what we learn to create some healing plant medicine. BRING YOUR OWN JAR OR CONTAINER, as you will be able to take home your own plant medicine sample! Yay recycling!
Jah is a Black & Indigenous, queer, non-binary, proud Southside Chicago native. They are a neurodivergent advocate and multi-hyphenate creative and community organizer - with an extensive background in education, food justice, earth stewardship, spiritual hygiene, and community development. As an herbalist and educator, Jah is often hosting Plant Medicine Workshops across the south and west sides of the city through her own non-profit Brown People Foundation.
Community Days at Bubbly Creek!
Join us for a day of kayaking and nature exploration at Bubbly Creek!
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! Various partners will join in over the course of the summer to provide fun activities, including birding with the Chicago Ornithological Society, soil science workshops with Social Ecologies, and many more.
No experience is required for any activities offered! This program is targeted at the communities directly surrounding Bubbly Creek, but all are welcome. 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 6:30!
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, tentatively defined as weather over 95ºF, under 45ºF, any visible lightning in the area, or rain beyond a light drizzle. Updates will be posted on our Instagram (@urbanrivers), and this event posting will be also be updated to reflect the cancellation - if in doubt, email team@urbanriv.org!
Wild Mile Projections: Wild Light at Night – Jan Tichy
Wild Mile Projections - a collaboration between Urban Rivers and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Wild Light at Night brings digital illumination into the natural darkness of the Wild Mile, exploring the ecological and cultural impact of artificial light in urban natural environments. Responding to the river’s edge as a unique confluence of built and natural worlds, the projection reflects on the delicate coexistence of city life and ecosystems after dark.
Rather than creating spectacle, the projection offers a subtle, responsive presence—prompting reflection on what light reveals, and what it displaces. Animated by shifting light and shadow, the piece transforms the riverside façade into both screen and stage, extending the Wild Mile experience beyond daylight.
Dates:
August 21
August 28
September 4
September 13 (Saturday)
Events will be postponed in the case of rain.
Wild Mile Yoga!
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. All classes end with a mini sound healing session.
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.
Bring your own mat, water, and any props you like.
River Ranger Social
River Ranger Socials are monthly appreciation events for our volunteers. If you're a new/prospective volunteer, feel free to join us - this is a great space to meet our staff and connect with fellow River Rangers! Depending on the month, we might play some trivia or some board games, hold a potluck, or enjoy some pizza. Stay tuned to our volunteer newsletter for more information!
CatJam Chicago Jam Session
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!
WMWS: Soil and Critters Workshop with KP Piña
KP Pina be talking about compost and the critters that keep soil healthy. They will be demonstrating how marigold petals can be used as paint for art projects!
Community Days at Bubbly Creek!
Join us for a day of kayaking and nature exploration at Bubbly Creek!
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! Various partners will join in over the course of the summer to provide fun activities, including birding with the Chicago Ornithological Society, soil science workshops with Social Ecologies, and many more.
No experience is required for any activities offered! This program is targeted at the communities directly surrounding Bubbly Creek, but all are welcome. 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 6:30!
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, tentatively defined as weather over 95ºF, under 45ºF, any visible lightning in the area, or rain beyond a light drizzle. Updates will be posted on our Instagram (@urbanrivers), and this event posting will be also be updated to reflect the cancellation - if in doubt, email team@urbanriv.org!
Bubbly Creek Land and Water Cleanup!
Join Shedd Aquarium, Urban Rivers, & Friends of the Chicago River to clean up Park 571! Participants are invited to remove trash from the park with the Shedd team, hop in a canoe alongside expert guides to clean-up the surrounding river. All equipment will be provided. Events are rain or shine and walk-ups are welcome!
To reserve a canoe spot, register here:
To reserve a kayak, register here:
If you just wish to join for the on-land park cleanup, walk-ups are welcome, but we encourage you to register by emailing actiondays@sheddaquarium.org to stay in the know on event updates or weather consideration.
For registrants, more information will be sent out a couple days prior to the event!
Wild Mile Yoga!
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. All classes end with a mini sound healing session.
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.
Bring your own mat, water, and any props you like.
Wild Mile Walking Tour
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.
Wild Mile S'Mores Night
Join us on the Wild Mile to enjoy a sweet snack!
This event is free and open to everyone. Walk-ups are welcome, but if possible, please RSVP using the link below.
CatJam Chicago Jam Session
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!
WMWS: Jewelweed Salves with Joee Cortina!
Join Joee Cortina of Shedd Aquarium to learn about Jewelweed, a native flowering plant that grows abundantly along urban waterways! You’ll learn about the medicinal value of Jewelweed, and make a topical salve that’s great for treating rashes and poison ivy!
Community Days at Bubbly Creek!
Join us for a day of kayaking and nature exploration at Bubbly Creek!
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! Various partners will join in over the course of the summer to provide fun activities, including birding with the Chicago Ornithological Society, soil science workshops with Social Ecologies, and many more.
No experience is required for any activities offered! This program is targeted at the communities directly surrounding Bubbly Creek, but all are welcome. 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 6:30!
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, tentatively defined as weather over 95ºF, under 45ºF, any visible lightning in the area, or rain beyond a light drizzle. Updates will be posted on our Instagram (@urbanrivers), and this event posting will be also be updated to reflect the cancellation - if in doubt, email team@urbanriv.org!
Fishing on the Wild Mile!
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 between April and October of 2025. 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!
Wild Mile Yoga!
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. All classes end with a mini sound healing session.
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.
Bring your own mat, water, and any props you like.
Stop Motion Plant - Salon
Grab your free seat to the August Salon — floating on the river at the Wild Mile!
This is a home for experimental and underrepresented (typically performance) art forms, where you can show new work, receive feedback if desired, meet new friends and collaborators, and be a part of an encouraging & warm community space.
Earlier Show Time: Doors at 5:30pm. Show starts at 6:00pm. Bring your friends.
If you're performing, please arrive by 5:15pm to talk about your tech needs.
Please note: The venue has a max capacity! We are asking for folks to make a reservation in advance to ensure we are not overloading the space. Tickets are, as always, free.
Wild Mile Yoga!
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. All classes end with a mini sound healing session.
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.
Bring your own mat, water, and any props you like.
Puppets in Progress (Rough House Puppet Arts)
Puppets in Progress!
A FREE puppet community meeting for you! Join us to see cool puppets-in-process of creation; all stages of development are invited to share a community space for experimentation. Everyone is welcome! Bring a project, prototype, sketch, or idea, no matter how rough, or just come for the conversation! No RSVP required; ADA accessible space!
What is PIPs?
PIPs is an informal gathering for testing out new puppet and object-based performances. Bring whatever you’re working on and get encouragement and feedback from other disciplines & puppet-folks!
Special Guests: Stop Motion Plant!
Since 2019, SMP is a Chicago-based DIY arts collective consisting of a core ensemble and an ever-evolving community of performance artists; their primary goal is to foster solidarity in the performance arts community by cultivating an inclusive space to create original, often radical, devised work.
No RSVP necessary - contact Kevinmichaelwesson@gmail.com with questions!
Chicago Textile Center Meet and Greet on the Wild Mile
The Chicago River and the Wild Mile Park is the perfect venue to meet new textile friends, explore techniques and materials, and stitch on the dock to unwind after a long day! This is a casual, informal gathering, so just come ready to chat!
Chicago Textile Center staff will be on hand with a community art project to hang in our future space, so come to learn more about our programs. See you there!
RSVP Link coming soon!
Community Days at Bubbly Creek!
Join us for a day of kayaking and nature exploration at Bubbly Creek!
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! Various partners will join in over the course of the summer to provide fun activities, including birding with the Chicago Ornithological Society, soil science workshops with Social Ecologies, and many more.
No experience is required for any activities offered! This program is targeted at the communities directly surrounding Bubbly Creek, but all are welcome. 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 6:30!
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, tentatively defined as weather over 95ºF, under 45ºF, any visible lightning in the area, or rain beyond a light drizzle. Updates will be posted on our Instagram (@urbanrivers), and this event posting will be also be updated to reflect the cancellation - if in doubt, email team@urbanriv.org!
Wild Mile Projections: Wild Light at Night – Jan Tichy
Wild Mile Projections - a collaboration between Urban Rivers and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Wild Light at Night brings digital illumination into the natural darkness of the Wild Mile, exploring the ecological and cultural impact of artificial light in urban natural environments. Responding to the river’s edge as a unique confluence of built and natural worlds, the projection reflects on the delicate coexistence of city life and ecosystems after dark.
Rather than creating spectacle, the projection offers a subtle, responsive presence—prompting reflection on what light reveals, and what it displaces. Animated by shifting light and shadow, the piece transforms the riverside façade into both screen and stage, extending the Wild Mile experience beyond daylight.
Dates:
August 21
August 28
September 4
September 13 (Saturday)
Events will be postponed in the case of rain.
WMWS: Macroinvertebrates with Ellie Wasilewski!
Join macroinvertebrate researcher Ellie Wasilewski to dig into the creepy-crawlies that play a vital role in our aquatic environment. These critters might not look like much, but they’re crucial to our aquatic ecosystems! They’re also the subject of Urban Rivers’ community science research, which YOU can get involved with! Come ready for some bug-lookin!
CatJam Chicago Jam Session
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!
Wild Mile Yoga!
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. All classes end with a mini sound healing session.
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.
Bring your own mat, water, and any props you like.
Fishing on the Wild Mile!
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 between April and October of 2025. 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!
[CANCELLED DUE TO SEWER OVERFLOW IMPACTS] Community Days at Bubbly Creek!
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED FOR AUGUST 22 DUE TO A COMBINED SEWER OVERFLOW EVENT EARLIER THIS WEEK! CHECK BACK NEXT WEEK!
————-
Join us for a day of kayaking and nature exploration at Bubbly Creek!
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! Various partners will join in over the course of the summer to provide fun activities, including birding with the Chicago Ornithological Society, soil science workshops with Social Ecologies, and many more.
No experience is required for any activities offered! This program is targeted at the communities directly surrounding Bubbly Creek, but all are welcome. 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 6:30!
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, tentatively defined as weather over 95ºF, under 45ºF, any visible lightning in the area, or rain beyond a light drizzle. Updates will be posted on our Instagram (@urbanrivers), and this event posting will be also be updated to reflect the cancellation - if in doubt, email team@urbanriv.org!
WMWS: BAT NIGHT with Liza Lehrer and Maggie Jones!
GET READY FOR BAT NIGHT! Join local researchers Maggie and Liza to learn more about these misunderstood mammals and the vital role they play in the ecosystem. Local bat research aims to understand which bats live in our area through community science, and to destigmatize their coexistence with humans.
Maggie Jones has been helping to understand bat populations in Chicago since 2018. As a monitor for the Urban Wildlife Institute, she observes bats acoustically by recording their echolocations so we can better understand which species are living in our area.
Liza Lehrer is the assistant director of the Lincoln Park Zoo’s Urban Wildlife Institute, and manages data collection for the Institute’s bat monitoring program. Liza’s research interests include landscape, behavioral, and acoustical ecology; managing human-wildlife conflict; and the design of wildlife-friendly cities. She is endlessly fascinated by the resiliency and behavioral flexibility of animals, especially those that live in cities.
[THURSDAY THE 21ST IS THE CORRECT DATE FOR BAT NIGHT! The 22nd, as stated on our newsletter and Instagram post, was a typo. Sorry!]
CatJam Chicago Jam Session
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!
Wild Mile S'Mores Night
Join us on the Wild Mile to enjoy a sweet snack!
This event is free and open to everyone. Walk-ups are welcome, but if possible, please RSVP using the link below.
Wild Mile Walking Tour
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.
Outdoor Reading Gathering: Wild Mile in Lincoln Park
Join Read & Run Chicago and Urban Rivers for a delightful outdoor reading gathering on Wild Mile, the world's first ever floating eco-park. All you need to do is bring a book and something comfy to sit on. You can read silently, you can chat, you can enjoy the city view--whatever you want. This is just a chance to gather outside (while we still can!) around something we love--BOOKS!
Wild Mile Yoga!
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. All classes end with a mini sound healing session.
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.
Bring your own mat, water, and any props you like.
Wild Mile Walking Tour
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.
Wild Mile Projections: Seasons of Care - Yousif Alzayed
Wild Mile Projections - a collaboration between Urban Rivers and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Seasons of Care blends camera footage with digital animation to highlight the diverse forms of care Urban Rivers volunteers provide to the Chicago River and its ecosystem. Honoring the seasonal rhythms of planting, monitoring, and restoration, the work celebrates the collective effort that sustains the Wild Mile.
Performed and manipulated live by Yousif Alzayed in collaboration with musicians from the Secret River Show, the piece transforms the riverside into a space of layered performance. The interplay of image and sound emphasizes the living, evolving relationship between people and place—deepening the public’s emotional and sensory connection to the Wild Mile’s ecological site.
Dates:
July 26th 9:00-9:30pm
August 2nd 9:00-9:30pm
August 9th 9:00-9:30pm
August 16th 9:00-9:30pm
Events will be postponed in the case of rain.
Bubbly Creek Land and Water Cleanup!
Join Shedd Aquarium, Urban Rivers, & Friends of the Chicago River to clean up Park 571! Participants are invited to remove trash from the park with the Shedd team, hop in a canoe alongside expert guides to clean-up the surrounding river. All equipment will be provided. Events are rain or shine and walk-ups are welcome!
To reserve a canoe spot, register here:
To reserve a kayak, register here:
If you just wish to join for the on-land park cleanup, walk-ups are welcome, but we encourage you to register by emailing actiondays@sheddaquarium.org to stay in the know on event updates or weather consideration.
For registrants, more information will be sent out a couple days prior to the event!
Community Days at Bubbly Creek!
Join us for a day of kayaking and nature exploration at Bubbly Creek!
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! Various partners will join in over the course of the summer to provide fun activities, including birding with the Chicago Ornithological Society, soil science workshops with Social Ecologies, and many more.
No experience is required for any activities offered! This program is targeted at the communities directly surrounding Bubbly Creek, but all are welcome. 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 6:30!
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, tentatively defined as weather over 95ºF, under 45ºF, any visible lightning in the area, or rain beyond a light drizzle. Updates will be posted on our Instagram (@urbanrivers), and this event posting will be also be updated to reflect the cancellation - if in doubt, email team@urbanriv.org!
WMWS: Photo Walk with Jah Brown
Join multi disciplinary artist and herbalist Jah on a guided nature and photography walk along the Wild Mile! Participants will take photos, engage in a collective creative discussion, learn about digital vs film, and navigating lighting when shooting outdoors.
CatJam Chicago Jam Session
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!
River Ranger Social
River Ranger Socials are monthly appreciation events for our volunteers. If you're a new/prospective volunteer, feel free to join us - this is a great space to meet our staff and connect with fellow River Rangers! Depending on the month, we might play some trivia or some board games, hold a potluck, or enjoy some pizza. Stay tuned to our volunteer newsletter for more information!
Wild Mile Yoga!
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. All classes end with a mini sound healing session.
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.
Bring your own mat, water, and any props you like.
Wild Mile Projections: Seasons of Care - Yousif Alzayed
Wild Mile Projections - a collaboration between Urban Rivers and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Seasons of Care blends camera footage with digital animation to highlight the diverse forms of care Urban Rivers volunteers provide to the Chicago River and its ecosystem. Honoring the seasonal rhythms of planting, monitoring, and restoration, the work celebrates the collective effort that sustains the Wild Mile.
Performed and manipulated live by Yousif Alzayed in collaboration with musicians from the Secret River Show, the piece transforms the riverside into a space of layered performance. The interplay of image and sound emphasizes the living, evolving relationship between people and place—deepening the public’s emotional and sensory connection to the Wild Mile’s ecological site.
Dates:
July 26th 9:00-9:30pm
August 2nd 9:00-9:30pm
August 9th 9:00-9:30pm
August 16th 9:00-9:30pm
Events will be postponed in the case of rain.
Wild Mile Native Plant Tour: Late Summer
Come learn about the Wild Mile's native Illinois wetland species! Dozens of species comprise a biodiverse ecosystem, serving pollinators and river creatures, altering water chemistry, and forming beautiful public greenspace. But each of these species has their own lore - richly comprised of animal interactions, scientific eccentricities, and traditional human uses.
This year, we'll be leading a series of garden tours across the course of the season, intended to familiarize you with the Wild Mile's plant life at different stages of growth. Join us in April for new growth and early blossoms, June for tall and lush greenery, August for a full bloom and diverse pollinators, and October for fall colors and seed pods!
Though the content of each tour will be similar over the season, we highly recommend attending multiple events in the series, especially if you're interested in plant identification. Plants can look very different at various stages of growth, and also have different uses to both humans and animals as they grow!
For our August plant tour, we’ll be joined by Nick Dorian of the Chicago Botanic Gardens, who will be telling us all about local pollinators and the plants that support them!
Community Days at Bubbly Creek!
Join us for a day of kayaking and nature exploration at Bubbly Creek!
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! Various partners will join in over the course of the summer to provide fun activities, including birding with the Chicago Ornithological Society, soil science workshops with Social Ecologies, and many more.
No experience is required for any activities offered! This program is targeted at the communities directly surrounding Bubbly Creek, but all are welcome. 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 6:30!
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, tentatively defined as weather over 95ºF, under 45ºF, any visible lightning in the area, or rain beyond a light drizzle. Updates will be posted on our Instagram (@urbanrivers), and this event posting will be also be updated to reflect the cancellation - if in doubt, email team@urbanriv.org!
WMWS: Soil Safari with Nance Klehm
In this hands-on soil science walk, we will walk to several areas of the Wild Mile and surrounding neighborhood to collect, examine, assess and learn about the different soils on site from the shoreline, gardens, and into the water. Other examples of soils and substrates gathered along the canal will be on-hand for comparison and discussion.
Nance Klehm of social ecologies (www.socialecologies.net, IG social.ecologies) has over three decades of experience in the restoration and remediation of impacted soils and ecosystems. She has lived in little village for 28 years.
CatJam Chicago Jam Session
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!