Oct 27
Andersonville Arts Weekend 2025: A Walkable Art Gallery Celebrates Community, Creativity, and LGBTQ+ Inclusion
READ TIME: 3 MIN.
A Neighborhood Transformed
For three days in early October 2025, Andersonville—a historic North Side Chicago neighborhood known for its Swedish heritage, independent businesses, and strong LGBTQ+ presence—became a sprawling, walkable art gallery. The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce organized the 21st annual Andersonville Arts Weekend, inviting over 100 artists and more than 50 local businesses to participate in a free, citywide celebration of creativity and community . The event’s signature Self-Guided Art Walk allowed visitors to explore galleries, pop-up installations, and performances at their own pace, turning the streets into an interactive cultural experience.
This year’s Arts Weekend was dedicated to the memory of Todd Mack, a beloved local artist and founder of Foursided, whose commitment to supporting fellow creatives helped shape Andersonville’s artistic identity . Mack’s legacy was honored throughout the weekend, with many artists and organizers citing his influence on the neighborhood’s collaborative and inclusive ethos.
Diverse Artistic Offerings
The programming spanned multiple genres: visual art exhibitions, live theater, dance performances, music, student art showcases, and public art installations. Notable participants included the Chicago Magic Lounge, The Neo-Futurists, Raven Theatre, and LEVELdance, each bringing their unique flair to the weekend’s events . The Arts Weekend Pop-Up, hosted at 5706 N. Clark Street, featured artists working in a variety of mediums, from painting and photography to sculpture and interactive installations.
Local businesses also played a central role. Andersonville Galleria hosted sketch artist Jillian Contos, while Apothecary EO welcomed photographer Mark Hawk and collaborative performances by LEVELdance. Women & Children First, a longstanding feminist bookstore with deep ties to LGBTQ+ and women’s communities, showcased works by artist Anuja Patel . These venues, many of which are queer-owned or queer-friendly, reinforced Andersonville’s reputation as a welcoming space for LGBTQ+ artists and audiences.
LGBTQ+ Perspectives and Community Impact
Andersonville has long been a safe haven for LGBTQ+ Chicagoans, with a visible queer business district and a history of activism and celebration. The Arts Weekend intentionally highlighted LGBTQ+ artists and creators, ensuring their voices were part of the neighborhood’s cultural narrative. Events like the Night of Parties—a series of artist receptions and meet-and-greets hosted by local businesses—provided opportunities for LGBTQ+ artists to connect with the community and for allies to show their support .
The inclusion of LGBTQ+ perspectives was not merely symbolic. Andersonville’s arts scene has been shaped by the contributions of queer creators, and the weekend’s programming reflected this legacy. For example, The Neo-Futurists, known for their avant-garde, often queer-inclusive performances, presented “The Infinite Wrench,” a show that frequently explores themes of identity and belonging. LEVELdance, a contemporary dance company, also brought movement-based storytelling that resonates with LGBTQ+ audiences.
Culmination with the Fall Wine Walk
The Arts Weekend reached its festive conclusion with the annual Fall Wine Walk on Sunday, October 5. Local businesses became wine-tasting destinations along two themed routes—“Raise Your Glass” and “Pinkies Up”—inviting participants to sample wines while exploring the neighborhood’s unique shops and galleries . The event, which required tickets, sold out quickly, demonstrating the strong community support for Andersonville’s cultural initiatives.
A Neighborhood in Transition
While the Arts Weekend highlighted Andersonville’s vibrancy, the neighborhood is also experiencing change. Parson’s Chicken & Fish, a popular spot since 2021, announced it would close its Andersonville location on October 19, 2025, citing the expiration of its lease . The restaurant’s departure marks the end of an era for some residents, but the neighborhood’s core identity—rooted in independent businesses, arts, and LGBTQ+ inclusion—remains strong.
Looking Ahead
Andersonville Arts Weekend 2025 was more than a celebration of art; it was a testament to the power of community and the enduring importance of inclusive spaces. By centering LGBTQ+ voices, honoring local legends, and bringing together artists and audiences from all walks of life, the event reinforced Andersonville’s status as a cultural hub on Chicago’s North Side. As the neighborhood evolves, its commitment to creativity, diversity, and acceptance ensures that Andersonville will continue to thrive as a destination for art lovers and LGBTQ+ Chicagoans alike.
