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
Partner Events
No partner events scheduled - check back later!
Interested in hosting an event at the Wild Mile? check out our event guidelines, then head to our “Contact” page to get in touch with us!
Bubbly Creek
No Bubbly Creek events currently scheduled - Check back in Spring/Summer of 2025!
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 Native Plant Tour: Spring
UPDATE: This event is currently sold out! Our general Wild Mile walking tours still have space available. Our next plant tour will be on June 14th.
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 reccomend 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!
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 20-30 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.
April 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. This event is subject to cancellation for poor weather (we’ll generally cancel under ~25ºF)
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, 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!
This event is drop-in, and 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 drop in and participate. Youth participation is highly encouraged, though parental supervision is required!
May Music on the Wild Mile!
Come celebrate spring on the Wild Mile with live music, yoga, and more! We’ll be joined by local musicians Young Swans, Alex Rembold, Thompson Springs, and Jovian Moon for a full day of festivities. Between sets, stick around to do some yoga or learn about the river’s native plants. Don’t forget to bring a friend!
Schedule:
1:00 pm: Performance - Young Swans
2:00 pm: Yoga with Grace Pisula (bring your own mat!)
3:00 pm: Performance - Alex Rembold
4:30 pm: Performance - Thompson Springs
5:30 pm: Plant ID Walk with Urban Rivers
6:00 pm: Performance - Jovian Moon
7:30 pm: Jam Session with Jovian Moon
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
Artist Bios:
Young Swans / Zach Porlier
Young Swan is a Chicago-based rock band featuring Edmund Sinnott on vocals, guitar, and keys; Daniel Laumbacher on drums and vocals; and Zach Porlier on bass and vocals. The band blends the best elements of '80s UK synth pop and '90s West Coast rock to create a sound that's both original and nostalgically familiar. The trio met while attending college, where they formed their first band, The Corduroy, in 2009. Their debut EP, Madeleine, earned them a spot as one of the top 10 finalists out of 729 entries nationwide in the VH1 Raw and Unprocessed Battle of the Bands. In 2014, Young Swan released their self-titled EP. Their music has been featured on WXRT and Spotify editor playlists. They’ve also shared the stage with acts like Nathaniel Rateliff and Fruit Bats. Young Swan continues to release new music and perform live, with more releases expected in 2025.
Thompson Springs
Thompson Springs is a country rock-n-roll group from Chicago. Their hazy songwriting, which PBS called "western rock,” and love of adventure, has led the band on tours across Europe, New Zealand, and the expanse of America. Detroit Public Radio (WDET) noted that they pull influences from classic songwriters, like Tom Petty, to more recent indie artists, like Kurt Vile. Thompson Springs worked with Pat Sansone (Wilco, The Autumn Defense) on their debut album, Undertones, which they released on Dropped Beauty Recordings in 2020. 2025 brings a new album, Thompson Springs Vol. 1, recorded live in Chicago at Bim Bom Studios and featuring the full 6 piece ensemble (Matt Smith on guitar, Jacob Bicknase on drums, David Thrift on bass, Anthony Cook on guitar, Pat Leary on piano, and Ryan Suzuka on electric harmonica).
Alex Rembold
Alex Rembold is a Seattle born musician who incorporates his experience in jazz, folk, and improv comedy to deliver a performance beyond the music. His song "Slow Dancing in The Kitchen with You" was his debut recording, and his new release "Songs about Songs" is available on all platforms. He also is the founder of CatJam Chicago and producer of The Cozy Sweater.
Grace Pisula
Grace Pisula is a certified 200-hour yoga teacher, Level 3 attuned Reiki practitioner, and astrologer who guides students toward rest, rejuvenation, and deeper connection with nature. Trained in the highlands of Guatemala through a shamanic, elemental lens, she weaves earth-based wisdom into her practice, reminding students that they are nature. By attuning to the elements and the rhythms of the earth and within us all, we open ourselves to greater balance, healing, and harmony in mind, body, and spirit.
Jovian Moon
Jovian Moon is an up and coming local Jazz/funk band based in Chicago! They bring a huge amount of energy to the stage playing covers of jazz greats including, Herbie Hancock, George Benson, and others. Jovian Moon is a highly improvisational group. Their on stage communication allows them to explore musical ideas vastly, which gives every live performance a different musical taste and vibe.
Wild Mile Walking Tour - Current Water Week
Come visit Chicago's very own floating eco-park! One of Urban Rivers' knowledgable team members will take you on a tour of the Wild Mile, our flagship progect. We'll explain the project's history, architecture, ecology, and more. The tour will take ~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 accordingly.
This event is affiliated with Chicago Water Week, presented by Current.
This event is free and open to everyone. Walk-ups are welcome, but if possible, please RSVP using the link below.
March 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. This event is subject to cancellation for poor weather (we’ll generally cancel under ~25ºF)
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 team members will take you on a tour of the Wild Mile, explaining the project's history, architecture, ecology, and more. The tour will take 20-30 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.
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!
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!
Piggies on the River: The Royal Chicago River Pigs-in-a-Blanket Winter Festival!
Historically, January 17th is the coldest day of the year in Chicago. So that seems like the best time to stand outside, on the water, and eat pigs-in-a-blanket. Or pigs-in-a-snuggie. Or something like that. Sausages in crescent rolls. Anyway, that’s what we’ll be doing the morning of Friday, January 17, at the Wild Mile, Urban Rivers’ floating garden on the Chicago River. The pigs, which are being donated by Gunthorp Farms, will be swaddled by Chef Javauneeka Jacobs of Frontera Grill. They’ll be wrapped in pastry dough contributed by Francisco’s Produce and heated on grills and griddles from Weber Grills. They’ll be covered in syrup courtesy of our friends at BLiS, the source for handcrafted, sustainable, natural gourmet food ingredients. And we’ll be drinking the finest brews from Dark Matter Coffee, delicious natural juices from Greenwood Associates, and Chicago’s own Jeppson’s Malort, the only liqueur you’d want to drink while on the water in Chicago on the coldest day of the year.
The event is being organized to bring attention to the Wild Mile, a three-year-old project that Urban Rivers developed to restore habitat for native wildlife and improve the river's environmental condition. It also provides access to the river for Chicago residents who want to kayak, fish, or connect with nature. It serves as home to all manner of wildlife, including the viral snapping turtle, Chonkosaurus.
All Chicagoans are invited to join us from 6 to 10am on Friday, January 17, for some pre-work piggy festivities. It’s entirely free, though donations for Urban Rivers are welcomed!
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!
December Wild Mile S'Mores Night
Our newest addition to the Wild Mile is a cozy fire pit! 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 team members will take you on a tour of the Wild Mile, explaining the project's history, architecture, ecology, and more. The tour will take 20-30 minutes, with plenty of time for questions. We'll meet at the entrance to the Wild Mile, behind REI.
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.
November Wild Mile S'Mores Night
Our newest addition to the Wild Mile is a cozy fire pit! 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 team members will take you on a tour of the Wild Mile, explaining the project's history, architecture, ecology, and more. The tour will take 20-30 minutes, with plenty of time for questions. We'll meet at the entrance to the Wild Mile, behind REI.
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.
River Ranger Social - Potluck!
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!
November’s social will be a potluck - bring your favorite holiday dish!
Feminist Bird Club Social Hangout at the Wild Mile
Join us Friday November 1st at the Wild Mile for an evening along the Chicago River. Walk the riverfront, enjoy a bonfire, and catch that a sunset before the end of Daylight Savings Time.
Seating is available but limited, please feel free to bring your own chair!
B IPOC, LGBTQIA2S+ and Disabled birders are welcome. Families and children welcomed, please rsvp for anyone using binoculars.
Getting there: Head to the end of W Eastman Street behind REI to access the Wile Mile boardwalk. The address is 905 W Eastman St., Chicago, IL 60642. Street parking is extremely limited. Use the CTA with bus routes on Division (#70), North Ave (#72), Halsted (#8), and the North/Clyborn Red line stop.
Questions? Please email feministbirdclub.chicago@gmail.com.
Accessibility & Terrain: The Wild Mile is a floating, ADA accessible boardwalk. We'll mostly be sitting around the bonfire pits near the entrance, but all are welcome to walk along the river path. There are no restrooms on-site.
Dress: Please dress in weather appropriate clothing and lots of layers including gloves. November evening weather can be very cold and shift quickly so please bear this in mind.
PLEASE READ AND REVIEW: Feminist Bird Club's Birding Code of Conduct prior to attending this event.
Code of Conduct can be accessed on our website FeministBirdClub.org/Resources or by following this link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vL4xY5uf6oNkoKbmMkwD5Uiavdb505_hESciQ0_S_ow/edit
Art of Being: Move with Waterway @ Wild Mile — Windflow Dance with Ayako
Dance is the art of being. Ayako wants to offer this workshop as a daily practice of being,—as a human, mover, performer, artist, dancer, and choreographer. Participants will gather at a designated location, this time Wild Mile Chicago, for the day, and begin guided somatic improvisational exercises based on imagery. Ayako will share some reading or some topics related to water/nature/body (this could happen during the exercises). Then, we will stroll to find the site-specific locations for solo, duo, trio, and ensemble dance to happen. We create site-specific dance, practice (could be improvisational), share, and watch each other and wrap up with dialogue. Through this practice, Ayako will share the way to find our centered, grounded, and balanced selves. No experience of dance is necessary. Just bring your own love and joy of dance!!
Please bring your own water bottle, snack, and layers of clothes as you need. Bringing your small notebook and something to write will be handy.
Ayako will reach participants via email one day before the workshop to say hello and inform the exact gathering spot at Wild Mile. If the weather forecast for the day is heavy rain and the event needs to be canceled, Ayako will contact participants by 11:15 am that day, and a refund (or credit for the next workshop) will be available.
Sliding Scale: Single drop-in: $20* (via Zelle/Venmo/PayPal) or
Eventbrite: $20* + $3.18 ($23.81 total with fees)
*20% of the final amount gathered will go to Urban Rivers https://www.urbanriv.org
For Direct Payment: Zelle (Ayako Tsuchiya, furyuayajp@gmail.com), Venmo (@Ayako-Tsuchiya) or PayPal: paypal.me/AyakoTsuchiya Thank you!
Registration is recommended.
To register directly, please contact Ayako at furyuayajp(at)gmail.com and registration is complete when your payment is received.
Please contact for any questions: furyuayajp@gmail.com
Who is Ayako?: https://www.ayakokatodance.com/about
Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/user9343466
Howl-oween: The Seasonal Canine Extravaganza!
Join us on the Wild Mile for a canine-themed extravaganza, and bring your furry friends! Our second annual Howl-oween will feature a dog costume contest, so put together your most outlandish costumes and prepare for some festive competition! Last year we were visited by a spotted lantern fly, escaped convict, a sushi roll, and many more contenders. Cats are welcome as well, but unbiased judging can not be guaranteed. All non-human animals must be on leash!
No pet? No problem! Come sip some apple cider and learn about seasonal ecology, including urban coyotes, from our knowledgable staff and volunteers. We’ll also have candy available for Trick-or-Treaters, so bring the whole family!
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 and sip some hard kombucha (courtesy of Luna Bay Booch) while enjoying the music, or bring your instrument and play with some of Chicago’s coolest cats!
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!
October Wild Mile S'Mores Night - Spooky Edition!
Our newest addition to the Wild Mile is a cozy fire pit! 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 team members will take you on a tour of the Wild Mile, explaining the project's history, architecture, ecology, and more. The tour will take 20-30 minutes, with plenty of time for questions. We'll meet at the entrance to the Wild Mile, behind REI.
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.
I Guess So - Live at the Wild Mile
Sounds and static meets The Wild Mile! The 2-man Chicago rock duo, "I Guess So", will be performing live at The Wild Mile on Saturday, October 12th from 4PM-6PM. Come on out for a scenic view, sweet tunes, and solid company.
Techno Tanz
Techno Tanz is a dance party for lovers of house and techno music on the Wild Mile, located along the North Branch Canal of the Chicago River. The DePaul German Club is inviting you to come to the river and dance from 4pm to 7pm on October 11th, 2024!
No RSVP required!
Building Decarbonization 101 Discussion
Join Citizen’s Utility Board on the Wild Mile to discuss how to be more energy efficient and electrify your home!
Community Kayaking at Bubbly Creek!
WALK-UP SPOTS AVAILABLE FOR MOST SHIFTS!
Come enjoy a lovely sunset on the water, and explore the floating islands, bridges, and riverside wildlife of Bubbly Creek! Urban Rivers and our partners have been hard at work reintroducing native habitat to this historic Chicago waterway. Our free kayak days connect the local community with this pocket of nature in the heart of the city.
No experience required! This program is targeted at the communities directly surrounding Bubbly Creek (Pilsen, Bridgeport, Chinatown, and Mckinley Park), 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.
Our shifts each run for an hour - if you are not present by the start time of your shift, we will yield your spot to walk-up participants, so please plan to be a few minutes early!
If kayaking isn't your thing, don't worry! Our partners at Shedd Aquarium will be running land-based activities centered around nature, science, and stewardship.
Gentle Yoga and Breath Science - Ericka Johnson
Join Ericka Johnson for a gentle yoga and breathwork class, "Change Your Diet, Change Your Life," designed to inspire wellness from the inside out.
WMWS: Community Science with Sarah Zhou Rosengard
Join SAIC Environmental Science professor Sarah Zhou Rosengard for a community science workshop on the Wild Mile! Learn about local community science initiatives, and artistic, DIY options for getting involved!
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!
Yoga at the Wild Mile - Grace Pisula
Yoga at the Wild Mile
Carve out time for self-care and return to your body with a rejuvenating Yoga practice on September 24. Join us at the Wild Mile, where you'll hear crickets chirping and feel the gentle rock of the floating gardens along the Chicago River. Come and connecting with nature.
Event Details:
Date: September 24
Time: 6-7pm *please arrive 5-10 minutes early to settle*
Location: The Wild Mile, Chicago River
20% of proceeds go to Urban Rivers, supporting their mission to restore and preserve wildlife ecosystems along urban waterways.
Community Kayaking at Bubbly Creek!
WALK-UP SPOTS AVAILABLE FOR MOST SHIFTS!
Come enjoy a lovely sunset on the water, and explore the floating islands, bridges, and riverside wildlife of Bubbly Creek! Urban Rivers and our partners have been hard at work reintroducing native habitat to this historic Chicago waterway. Our free kayak days connect the local community with this pocket of nature in the heart of the city.
No experience required! This program is targeted at the communities directly surrounding Bubbly Creek (Pilsen, Bridgeport, Chinatown, and Mckinley Park), 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.
Our shifts each run for an hour - if you are not present by the start time of your shift, we will yield your spot to walk-up participants, so please plan to be a few minutes early!
If kayaking isn't your thing, don't worry! Our partners at Shedd Aquarium will be running land-based activities centered around nature, science, and stewardship.
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 team members will take you on a tour of the Wild Mile, explaining the project's history, architecture, ecology, and more. The tour will take 20-30 minutes, with plenty of time for questions. We'll meet at the entrance to the Wild Mile, behind REI.
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.
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 and sip some hard kombucha (courtesy of Luna Bay Booch) while enjoying the music, or bring your instrument and play with some of Chicago’s coolest cats!
No RSVP required!
CANCELLED FOR 9/16: Community Kayaking at Bubbly Creek!
CANCELLED FOR 9/16 (sorry!)
____________________________
WALK-UP SPOTS AVAILABLE FOR MOST SHIFTS!
Come enjoy a lovely sunset on the water, and explore the floating islands, bridges, and riverside wildlife of Bubbly Creek! Urban Rivers and our partners have been hard at work reintroducing native habitat to this historic Chicago waterway. Our free kayak days connect the local community with this pocket of nature in the heart of the city.
No experience required! This program is targeted at the communities directly surrounding Bubbly Creek (Pilsen, Bridgeport, Chinatown, and Mckinley Park), 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.
Our shifts each run for an hour - if you are not present by the start time of your shift, we will yield your spot to walk-up participants, so please plan to be a few minutes early!
If kayaking isn't your thing, don't worry! Our partners at Shedd Aquarium will be running land-based activities centered around nature, science, and stewardship.