16 Placemaking Events Going on All Around the City This Weekend

Looking for something fun to do this weekend? Look no further. Below you’ll find a handy chart of all the fantastic community-building events going on from today through Sunday as part of the Metropolitan Planning Council’s Old Place, New Tricks placemaking competition. The contest inspired residents to energize under-used public spaces like vacant lots, plazas and corners with activities and installations.

More than a dozen organizations and individuals rose to the challenge, and there are 16 exciting events going on in communities ranging from Blue Island to Austin to Rogers Park. Happenings include a clothing swap, a sidewalk chalk drawing session, a pavilion for creating self-portraits, and even a watermelon seed spitting competition. Sustainable transportation fans won’t want to miss the Bronzeville Spoketacular, featuring bike repairs and sales from the new Bronzeville Bike Box mini-shop, a bike tour of locations where you can forage wild fruits and herbs and, best of all, a free ice cream social.

The public can vote online to choose their favorite placemaking event from the weekend. The three most successful placemakers will win $1,000 prizes, to be used for more ambitious projects in the future.