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
Wild Mile Walking Tours
SUNDAY TOURS STARTING AT 11AM AND 12PM!
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 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.
This event will repeat on a monthly basis, though the date and time may change according to seasonal needs. 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: Pollinator Gardens with Nick Dorian and Jeremie Fant
Nick Dorian and Jeremie Fant are scientist at the Chicago Botanic Garden who have been studying the use of native plants in Urban Gardens. Jeremie Fant has over 15 years of data on how to grow native species on a Urban Balcony and is happy to share some of the lessons he learnt, while Nick Dorian has been studying the pollinators which are using our pollinator gardens. Together they hope to show you how to grow native plants in your spaces – not matter how small and which pollinators you might be helping out in the process.
Wild Mile Projections: Beneath Breathing
Wild Mile Projections - a collaboration between Urban Rivers and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Beneath Breathing is a site-specific public projection made by Xingyu Huang that focuses on the unstable dynamics of influence between human and non-human life under changing water conditions, with particular attention to how the water quality around the Wild Mile has shifted through ongoing environmental interventions.
By analyzing and editing underwater archive footage collected over the past two years in the Wild Mile, the artist transforms these images into an immersive visual narrative that calls for a renewed reflection on our relationship with aquatic environments.
Dates:
June 26th 9:00-9:30pm
July 3th 9:00-9:30pm
July 10th 9:00-9:30pm
July 17th 9:00-9:30pm
Events will be postponed to the following week 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!
Wild Mile Walking Tours
SUNDAY TOURS STARTING AT 11AM AND 12PM!
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.
4th Annual Wild Mile Block Party!
Ready for a party? Join us on the newly-expanded Wild Mile for a celebration of our urban waterways and thriving park spaces. Enjoy local beer, food trucks, and an outdoorsy prize drawing while learning about local environmental nonprofits and volunteer opportunities! This event is free and fun for all ages!
The block party is rain-or-shine, and we'll only cancel in the case of hazardous weather!
This year’s community partners include Openlands, Current Water, Chicago Environmentalists, Cleanup Club Chicago, Chicago Ornithological Society, Blazing Star School, Citizens Utility Board, Friends of the Bloomingdale Trail, Global Shapers Chicago, Reduce Waste Chicago, Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance, and Honeycomb Project!
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: Culinary Foraging with Dave Odd
Ready to learn more about the plants of Illinois’ waterways? Join forager and mentor Dave Odd for an in-depth tour of the plant species that inhabit your favorite floating eco-park. Dave was a professional forager for high-end restaurants and celebrity chefs for over a decade, throughout Chicagoland and south Florida. He now dedicates his time to teaching the identification and use of edible and medicinal species through neighborhood foraging tours, guided hikes, and survival camps. Dave will lead an interactive walk-through of the Wild Mile and its plants, exploring their numerous applications!
Wild Mile Projections: Beneath Breathing
Wild Mile Projections - a collaboration between Urban Rivers and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Beneath Breathing is a site-specific public projection made by Xingyu Huang that focuses on the unstable dynamics of influence between human and non-human life under changing water conditions, with particular attention to how the water quality around the Wild Mile has shifted through ongoing environmental interventions.
By analyzing and editing underwater archive footage collected over the past two years in the Wild Mile, the artist transforms these images into an immersive visual narrative that calls for a renewed reflection on our relationship with aquatic environments.
Dates:
June 26th 9:00-9:30pm
July 3th 9:00-9:30pm
July 10th 9:00-9:30pm
July 17th 9:00-9:30pm
Events will be postponed to the following week 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!
Pollinator Safari with Nick Dorian
Bees, butterflies, and beetles— oh my! Join scientist Dr. Nick Dorian for an engaging, educational nature walk on the Wild Mile to discover wild bees and pollinators in the heart of the city.
Wild Mile Walking Tours
SUNDAY TOURS STARTING AT 11AM AND 12PM!
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.
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.
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!
July Jams on the Wild Mile!
Join local musicians Thompson Springs, Saint Marlboro, and Tom West for a musical celebration of summer!
Schedule:
6:30pm: Tom West
7:15pm: Saint Marlboro
8:00pm: Thompson Springs
This event is free and open to everyone, though tips for the artists and donations to Urban Rivers are both encouraged! As with our other outdoor programs, we’ll persevere through light rain but cancel the event in the case of heavy rain or lightning. Please contact sage@urbanriv.org with any questions!
Wild Mile Walking Tours
SUNDAY TOURS STARTING AT 11AM AND 12PM!
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.
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.
Wild Mile Projections: Beneath Breathing
Wild Mile Projections - a collaboration between Urban Rivers and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Beneath Breathing is a site-specific public projection made by Xingyu Huang that focuses on the unstable dynamics of influence between human and non-human life under changing water conditions, with particular attention to how the water quality around the Wild Mile has shifted through ongoing environmental interventions.
By analyzing and editing underwater archive footage collected over the past two years in the Wild Mile, the artist transforms these images into an immersive visual narrative that calls for a renewed reflection on our relationship with aquatic environments.
Dates:
June 26th 9:00-9:30pm
July 3th 9:00-9:30pm
July 10th 9:00-9:30pm
July 17th 9:00-9:30pm
Events will be postponed to the following week in the case of rain.
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!
Jim Snyder live on the Wild Mile!
Jim is a singer, songwriter from Chicago who regularly performs at Chicago area bars, farmers markets and events. Jim Snyder will be performing on Sunday evenings throughout the summer from 6-8 pm (weather permitting).
Wild Mile Walking Tours
SUNDAY TOURS STARTING AT 10AM AND 11AM!
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.
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 community science 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.
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 100ºF, under 45ºF, any visible lightning in the area, or rain beyond a light drizzle. Updates will be posted on our Instagram, and this event posting will be also be updated to reflect the cancellation - if in doubt, email team@urbanriv.org!
Wild Mile Projections: Beneath Breathing
Wild Mile Projections - a collaboration between Urban Rivers and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Beneath Breathing is a site-specific public projection made by Xingyu Huang that focuses on the unstable dynamics of influence between human and non-human life under changing water conditions, with particular attention to how the water quality around the Wild Mile has shifted through ongoing environmental interventions.
By analyzing and editing underwater archive footage collected over the past two years in the Wild Mile, the artist transforms these images into an immersive visual narrative that calls for a renewed reflection on our relationship with aquatic environments.
Dates:
June 26th 9:00-9:30pm
July 3th 9:00-9:30pm
July 10th 9:00-9:30pm
July 17th 9:00-9:30pm
Events will be postponed to the following week in the case of rain.
WMWS: Culinary Foraging with Dave Odd
Ready to learn more about the plants of Illinois’ waterways? Join forager and mentor of Dave Odd for an in-depth tour of the plant species that inhabit your favorite floating eco-park. Dave was a professional forager for high-end restaurants and celebrity chefs for over a decade, throughout Chicagoland and south Florida. He now dedicates his time to teaching the identification and use of edible and medicinal species through neighborhood foraging tours, guided hikes, and survival camps. Dave will lead an interactive walk-through of the Wild Mile and its plants, exploring their numerous applications!
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!
Night of the Fern Flower (Wianki)
Join MWRD commissioner Daniel Pogorzelski on the Wild Mile for a Polish tradition centering around Midsummer! We’ll celebrate with music, dance, and traditional crafts and games.
Jim Snyder live on the Wild Mile!
Jim is a singer, songwriter from Chicago who regularly performs at Chicago area bars, farmers markets and events. Jim Snyder will be performing on Sunday evenings throughout the summer from 6-8 pm (weather permitting).
Wild Mile Walking Tours
SUNDAY TOURS STARTING AT 10AM AND 11AM!
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.
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 community science 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. All participants must sign a waiver before kayaking, and/or have a waiver signed on their behalf by a legal guardian.
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 100ºF, under 45ºF, any visible lightning in the area, or rain beyond a light drizzle. Updates will be posted on our Instagram, and this event posting will be also be updated to reflect the cancellation - if in doubt, email team@urbanriv.org!
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!
Attention all LEGiOnnaires!!! This month, MVP River Ranger Joe Cannon will be leading a Wild Mile LEGO activity! We will be modeling potential additions to the Wild Mile using LEGO and TinkerToys. These might be water features, shade strategies, renewable energy, a new entry at Blackhawk Street, or anything you can imagine.
Wild Mile Walking Tours
SUNDAY TOURS STARTING AT 10AM AND 11AM!
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 Native Plant Tour: Early 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!
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!
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 community science 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. All participants must sign a waiver before kayaking, and/or have a waiver signed on their behalf by a legal guardian.
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 100ºF, under 45ºF, any visible lightning in the area, or rain beyond a light drizzle. Updates will be posted on our Instagram, and this event posting will be also be updated to reflect the cancellation - if in doubt, email team@urbanriv.org!
WMWS: Wild Mile Birding with Edward Warden
114 species of bird have been spotted at the Wild Mile. But how can we tell them apart? Chicago Ornithological Society president Edward Warden for a workshop on the river and learn how to find and identify birds Chicago’s many feathered friends. Edward will walk participants through the basics of bird identification, along with what a hopeful birder needs to get started looking for birds, and take participants in search of any currently nesting in or around the Chicago River. Some binoculars will be provided, but bring your own if you have them!
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.
This event will repeat on a monthly basis, though the date and time may change according to seasonal needs. 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.
Jim Snyder live on the Wild Mile!
Jim is a singer, songwriter from Chicago who regularly performs at Chicago area bars, farmers markets and events. Jim Snyder will be performing on Sunday evenings throughout the summer from 6-8 pm (weather permitting).
Wild Mile Walking Tours
TOURS STARTING AT 10AM AND 11AM!
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.
Community Days at Bubbly Creek!
[NOTE] KAYAKS UNAVAILABLE UNTIL 4PM
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 community science 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. All participants must sign a waiver before kayaking, and/or have a waiver signed on their behalf by a legal guardian.
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 100ºF, under 45ºF, any visible lightning in the area, or rain beyond a light drizzle. Updates will be posted on our Instagram, and this event posting will be also be updated to reflect the cancellation - if in doubt, email team@urbanriv.org!
A Night on the Wild Mile: House of Bug
Join us for a free screening of films by Chicago filmmakers!
8:00pm: Meet the Filmmakers - Meet the House of Bug team behind "The Wild Mile: A River Reborn" and John Otterbacher, producer of “Silt”
8:30pm: The Wild Mile: A River Reborn - A documentary by House of Bug Productions exploring the story of Chicago’s floating eco-park.
8:45pm: Silt - a short film about a native botanist traveling to Mexico as she grieves her late aunt
WMWS: Community Science with Sarah Zhou Rosengard
What is citizen science and community science? How can you use both art and science to get more involved in research on the Chicago River? Join SAIC Environmental Science professor Sarah Zhou Rosengard for a community science workshop on the Wild Mile! In this event, you will:
Learn about local community science initiatives
Make and test out your own river plastics collector
Bring home a number of other arts-based DIY community science tools and devices to help you bring river science into your everyday life
Wild Mile Walking Tours!
TOURS STARTING AT 10AM AND 11AM!
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.
This event will repeat on a monthly basis, though the date and time may change according to seasonal needs. 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 Walking Tours!
TOURS STARTING AT 10AM AND 11AM!
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.
This event will repeat on a monthly basis, though the date and time may change according to seasonal needs. 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.
Flow Yoga with Movement Gym
Join Movement + Urban Rivers for a rejuvenating 45-minute yoga flow in one of Chicago’s most unique outdoor spaces—The Wild Mile. Surrounded by floating gardens and the calming rhythm of the river, this all-levels class is designed to ground, energize, and connect you with nature. Enjoy wildlife as you flow with your breath, connecting mind, body, and nature. Free for Movement members and guests! Come move, breathe, and unwind in this urban oasis. Bring your mat, your water, and your wild spirit.