Chicago Community Gardeners Association

Plant Swap - Mokena
2026-04-25 13:00 - 14:30 (America/Chicago)
Plant Swap
Sat April 25, 1 – 2:30 pm
Mokena Library, 11327 195th Street, Mokena
Pre-Registration Required

Grow & Sip: A Spring Garden-to-Glass Experience
2026-04-25 14:00 - 16:00 | Somerset, 1112 N State St, Chicago, IL, 60610, United States
Grow & Sip: A Spring Garden-to-Glass Experience

April 25

Location: Somerset
Hours: 2:00 PM
Cost: $60
Spring is in the air, and there’s no better time to refresh your senses, your garden, and your cocktail game!
We’re thrilled to announce that this spring’s event is presented in partnership with Sprout Home Chicago, bringing together their horticultural expertise with our seasonal mixology for an inspiring afternoon of growth and creativity.
Join us for a hands-on experience where gardening and mixology come together in a celebration of the season. You’ll learn how to start your own garden and incorporate fresh, homegrown ingredients into your everyday beverages.
The class will begin with a spring-inspired cocktail tasting featuring two refreshing, non-alcoholic Seedlip creations crafted by our Beverage Director, Sayo (Chi) Anise, each infused with bright, seasonal flavors to set the tone for the afternoon.
Working alongside the garden specialists from Sprout Home Chicago, you’ll explore the essentials of spring planting and get hands-on experience as each participant plants two herbs in terra cotta pots to take home. All tools and materials are provided, and the class is designed for gardeners of any experience level, from complete beginners to seasoned plant enthusiasts.
To keep the fun going, you’ll also take part in a lively cocktail shaking competition, putting your new skills to the test. One standout shaker will take home a special spring-themed prize!
Every participant will receive a curated seed booklet featuring spring-friendly varieties and simple, delicious recipes to help you extend the garden-to-table experience at home.
After class, enjoy 10% off beverages in Somerset, the perfect way to toast to your newfound gardening inspiration.

Symposium: Solidarity Gardening - UIC Campus
2026-05-01 08:30 - 16:30 | Jane Addams Hull House Museum, 800 S Halsted, Chicago, IL, 60607, United States
Solidarity Gardening Forever: Reflecting on Working-Class Connections to the Land.
May 1, 2026
A one-day conference presented in collaboration with Perennial City: Experiments in Urban Gardening, an exhibition at the Jane Addams Hull-House Museum that reveals how working people—past and present—have used gardening as a tool for creativity, care, and community action.

The day long gathering of artists, growers, scholars, organizers, and University of Illinois Chicago partners from UNAM-Mexico City will explore the transformation of land from industrial use to food production; the preservation of local seeds and the conservation of animal species; the documentation and transmission of agricultural and culinary knowledge; the creation of alternative food networks for distributing and sustaining local crops; and the collective organizing required to defend these systems that nourish us all.
This event is free and open to the public. Sign up at:
https://www.hullhousemuseum.org/programs-and-events-at-hullhouse/2026/5/1/symposium-solidarity-gardening

Garden Meet & Greet - Austin
2026-05-02 12:00 - 14:00
GOOD & PLENTY GARDEN INVITES
ALL NEIGHBORS TO COME TO OUR:
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – — – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
MEET &
GREET
EVENT
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – — – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
SATURDAY, MAY 2
12PM TO 2PM
5421 West Monroe
Chicago, IL. 60644
Good & Plenty Garden warmly invites all neighbors to
a special meet & greet designed to bring our
community closer together. Whether you’re new to the
block or have called this neighborhood home for
decades, this gathering is a chance to connect, share
stories, and put friendly faces to familiar homes.
By getting to know one another, we begin to build trust,
strengthen communication, and create a sense of
belonging that makes everyone feel seen and valued.
These simple connections help foster a safer
environment, where neighbors look out for one another
and take pride in the well-being of the community.
Together, we can cultivate more than just a garden—we
can grow a welcoming, united neighborhood rooted in
care, respect, and shared experiences. Come join us,
meet your neighbors, and be part of something that
truly makes our community stronger.
There will be refreshments
All ages are welcome. A
treasure hunt is planned in the
garden for kids.
Come and see what events
Good & Plenty Garden has for
the summer into fall.

Plant Swap - Evanston
2026-05-16 13:00 - 15:00
Plant Swap
Sat May 16, 1 – 3 pm
Evanston Unitarian Church, 1330 Ridge Ave, Evanston
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10127644772366450

May CCGA Coordinating Meeting - Zoom
2026-05-19 08:00 - 17:00
Please join us for our monthly coordinating meeting. Representatives from all the working groups come together to coordinate our actions. All community gardeners and supporters are invited to attend.
CCGA coordinating meetings are held on the 3rd Tuesday of the month, except for July & August.
This is the virtual Zoom meeting link for our monthly meetings:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82680460687?pwd=[REDACTED]

Meeting ID: 826 8046 0687
Passcode: [REDACTED]
Dial in number: 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
Meeting ID: 826 8046 0687
Passcode: [REDACTED]
You can participate via your computer or just call in to the phone number. The meetings start at 6pm sharp.
NOTE: All CCGA coordinating meeting minutes are available for you to review on the website. Look under the menu tree at ‘Who We Are’ and then ‘CCGA Organization’ and you will see links here for the coordinating committee documents by year.

Plant Sale - Austin
2026-05-30 12:00 - 14:00
May • 30th •
• TIME • 12pm to 2pm
• Good & Plenty Garden •
5421 West Monroe
Fresh, organic vegetable plants for sale at $2 each! Grow
your own food, save money, and enjoy healthier meals.
Knowing where your food comes from employs better
choices and stronger, more sustainable living.

Grant Writing 101 - Chatham
2026-06-08 12:00 - 13:00 | U of I Extension Chicago office, 8753 S Greenwood #100, Chicago, IL, 60619, United States
University of IL Extension Cook County and Chicago Food Policy Action Council are co-hosting two programs on grant writing. While these programs are geared specifically to prepare applicants for the Good Food Purchasing Initative Community Fund, all are welcome to attend.
You may register for one or both programs:

June 8, 2026 from 12 – 1 pm for in person Grant Writing 101 presentation
in person at U of I Extension Cook Co. office, 8753 S. Greenwood Ave, #100, Chicago, IL 60619
Attendees are welcome to stay for Open Office Hours on June 8, until 4 pm, to work on their applications with feedback from Educator Kathryn Pereira and Urban Ag Outreach Associate Jesse Shaffer
June 22, 2026 from 12 – 1 pm a virtual Grant Writing 101

If you have any questions about the grant writing programs, or need reasonable accommodation to participate, please contact Sarah Batka at 217-300-8636 or sbatka@illinois.edu. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your needs.
For questions specific to the GFPI Community Fund, please contact Kaitlyn Poindexter at kaitlyn@chicagofoodpolicy.com .

Summer Annuals Mini-Distribution - Garfield Park
2026-06-14 10:00 - 10:30 | African Heritage Garden, 1245 S. Central Park, Chicago, IL, United States
Who: Traditional community gardens, school gardens, and parkways
What: Beautiful summer annuals
When: Sunday June 14 at 10 a.m.
Where: African Garden located at 1245 S Central Park
$10 donation requested at event. Cash only.
Please register so we know how many people to plan for:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSez5pP3MpPHA-uakMAwq-iDvw0dUVrct6rzTNKs0z_NigqCHA/viewform
Questions? Email Mamie at mamiegray2012@gmail.com
Make sure to bring something to carry your plants!

June CCGA Coordinating Meeting - Zoom
2026-06-16 18:00 - 19:00 | Zoom
Please join us for our monthly coordinating meeting. Representatives from all the working groups come together to coordinate our actions. All community gardeners and supporters are invited to attend.
CCGA coordinating meetings are held on the 3rd Tuesday of the month, except for July & August. Click on the link next to the bullet to download the document(s) listed below.
NOTE: Most CCGA Coordinating meetings are being held via Zoom.
If you want to attend the coordinating meeting and are not already a member of one of the CCGA working groups, please send an email to: communications@chicagocommunitygardens.org and request to join the monthly meetings.
NOTE: All CCGA coordinating meeting minutes are available for you to review on the website. Look under the menu tree at ‘Who We Are’ and then ‘CCGA Organization’ and you will see links here for the coordinating committee documents by year.

Grant Writing 101 - Zoom
2026-06-22 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom

Green Teacher Gathering - Archer Heights
2026-06-24 08:30 - 16:30
Green Teacher Gathering
Wed June 24, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Academy for Global Citizenship, 4842 W 44th Street, Chicago
$35
https://www.chicagowilderness.org/page/GreenTeacherGathering2026

Resourcing Your Farm Dreams - Virtual
2026-06-25 17:00 - 18:30, 2026-07-23 17:00 - 18:30 | Zoom
AUA’s Resourcing Your Farm Dreams Webinar Series
June 25, 5 – 6:30 pm Community Engagement and Partnerships
An exploration of external connection and stakeholder mapping.
July 23, 5 – 6:30 pm Farm Finances and Creative Diversification
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/resourcing-your-farm-dreams-cultivando-tus-suenos-agricolas-tickets-1990004273351

Tools and Tech Field Day - Matteson
2026-06-25 18:00 - 20:00 | SoSuCo South Suburban Cook Co. Demonstration and Research Farm, at Prairie State College MAC 4821 Southwick Drive,, Matteson, IL, 60443, United States
Tools and Tech for Tight Spaces
Extension staff will demonstrate research results and experiences with irrigation and fertigation systems, and also showcase other tools used at the SoSuCo Farm. Proud to have Ben Jaffe of Earthlore Farm and Northern IL Young Farmers joining us to share about their organization and favorite equipment. Attendees will be able to try some tools in ‘real-life’ conditions.
Field Days 2026-1

Perennial Distribution - Garfield Park
2026-06-26 09:30 - 10:30 | New Horizons Community Garden, 401 S Central Park Ave, Chicago, IL, United States
CCGA Perennial Distribution for community, school and parkway gardens
Friday, June 26th at 9:30am
New Horizons Garden, 401 South Central Park
Chicago Gardens Only
$10 donation day of, cash only and Pre-registration required

Art in the Garden (Walk) - Pullman
2026-06-27 10:00 - 16:00
The Historic Pullman Garden Club presents Art in the Garden, Sat. June 27, 2026, from 10 am to 4 pm. This year’s Garden Walk showcases art in our personal and public landscapes.
Artists from Urban Sketchers Chicago will work en plein air throughout the tour in our public gardens. In addition, the work of Pullman artists participating in the Art Institute of Chicago’s Project Windows will be exhibited in one of the public gardens. In this program, the AIC invites groups throughout the city to interpret pieces in their summer exhibit, currently abstract expressionism, and show them from June 14-Aug. 31.
The Walk also features a boutique and plant sale to support the public gardens the Club tends.
Concurrent to the Walk, free walking tours will be given by our partners, the
Illinois Dept. of National Resources at 10:15 am and 1:15 pm, and the
Historic Pullman Empowerment Organization at 11 am and 2 pm.
Tickets are $12 in advance (hpgc.org) / $15 at the door (11141 S Cottage Grove, Chicago). For more information, contact historicpullmangardens@gmail.com. The event is co-sponsored by Friends of Pullman National Historical Park.
https://www.facebook.com/events/4438746983004798

Peace & Healing Festival - Austin
2026-07-02 11:00 - 15:00
Bethel New Life Peace & Healing Festival
Thursday, July 2, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.,
at Bethel New Life’s Mildred Wiley Wellness Campus, 1140 North Lamon Ave., Chicago, IL 60651.
The Peace & Healing Festival is a community-centered celebration designed to promote wellness, connection, healing, and healthy living for individuals and families across our neighborhoods. This full-day event will bring together residents, organizations, health professionals, community leaders, and local partners for a meaningful day of engagement and support.
The festival will feature activities and resources focused on:

Wellness Activities
Health Screenings
Vendor Marketplace
Live Music & Entertainment
Community Organizations & Resources

This event is designed to create opportunities for community members to connect, learn, heal, and access valuable resources that support physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being.
Guests will have the opportunity to:

participate in wellness and fitness activities,
receive health screenings and information,
connect with local organizations and service providers,
support community vendors,
enjoy live music and entertainment,
and engage with neighbors and partners committed to building healthier, stronger communities.

Because of your work and commitment to community health, wellness, and empowerment, I wanted to make sure you received a personal invitation. Please save the date and stay tuned for additional event details and registration information, which will be shared soon.

Shakespeare on the Farm - Lynwood
2026-07-03 14:00 - 18:00
Come blueberry picking on opening day and stay for a donation based performance of Macbeth on our lawn.
Fri July 3
Performances at 2 and 6 pm
you are welcome to bring chairs, blanket, a picnic.
2701 Glenwood Dyer Road
Lynwood, IL 60411
http://www.willowthorne.com/events.html

Irrigation for Thriving Garden - Pilsen
2026-07-11 10:00 - 14:00 | La Huerta Roots & Rays Garden, 1513 W Cullerton St, Chicago, IL, United States
Hull House/Roots and Rays Gardening Series
July 11 @ 10 am – Making Watering Easy: Irrigation Tactics for a Thriving Garden
1523 W Cullerton, Chicago
Free and All Ages Welcome

4H Fair - Bridgeview
2026-07-11 10:00 - 15:00
Cook Co. 4H Fair
Sat July 11, 10 am – 3 pm
Bridgeview Park District, 8100 Beloit Ave, Bridgeview, IL 60455
Free and Open to the Public

Edgewater Glen Association Garden Walk
2026-07-12 12:00 - 17:00 | Edgewater Glen Neighborhood, Chicago, 60660, United States
Enjoy the creativity of our local gardeners in this compact, easily walkable far north side city neighborhood which has been holding this event since 1973. Plenty of free street parking available. Held rain or shine.
Starting point and maps at 1354 W. Norwood (6000N), Chicago
www.edgewaterglen.org/gardenwalk

Ag Institute for Teachers - Countryside
2026-07-14 08:00 - 17:00
CCFB Summer Ag Institute for Teachers
July 14, 8 am – 5 pm
Cook Co. Farm Bureau, Countryside, IL
$50, 8 CPDU’s Available

Swede Midge and IPM Field Day - Bronzeville
2026-07-21 18:00 - 20:00
Tiny Pests, Small Spaces
July 21, 6- 8 pm
Windy City Harvest’s Legends Incubator Farm, 4431 S Federal Street, Chicago, IL
Dr. Kacie Athey, Illinois Extension Pest Management Specialist, will share the latest research on swede midge and how to detect and manage these tiny brassica pests as well as discuss other common pests and IPM strategies.
All growers welcome to attend this free field day with pre-registration: go.illinois.edu/SummerFieldDays

Food Safety/Wash Pack Field Day - Bronzeville
2026-08-20 17:30 - 19:30
Produce Safety in the City
August 20, 5:30 – 7:30 pm
Just Roots Saint James Community Farm 2936 S Wabash Ave, Chicago IL
Explore practical strategies for reducing contamination risks—from harvest and washing to cooling, packing, and storage—using space‑efficient systems suited to urban farms. Extension educators and farmers will share best practices, demonstrate real‑world workflows, and discuss how to scale food safety plans to meet local market and regulatory needs.
All Field Days are Free but require pre-registration go.illinois.edu/SummerFieldDays
Food Safety Wash Pack Field Day Flyer 8.20.26

Grant Writing 101 - Virtual
2026-09-10 18:30 - 19:30 | Zoom, United States
University of IL Extension Cook County and Advocates for Urban Agriculture are co-hosting two programs on grant writing. While these programs are geared specifically to prepare applicants for the Capacity Building Grant, all are welcome to attend. September 10, 2026 from 6:30 – 7:30 pm Virtual Grant Writing 101 via Zoom
Register Here https://go.illinois.edu/AUAGrantWriting101Please also see the in-person program scheduled for

September 16, 2026 from 12 – 1 pm for in person Grant Writing 101 presentation
at U of I Extension Cook Co. office, 8753 S. Greenwood Ave, #100, Chicago, IL 60619
Attendees are welcome to stay for Open Office Hours on September 16, until 4 pm, to work on their applications with feedback from Educator Kathryn Pereira and Urban Ag Outreach Associate Jesse Shaffer

September CCGA Coordinating Meeting
2026-09-15 18:00 - 19:00
Please join us for our monthly coordinating meeting. Representatives from all the working groups come together to coordinate our actions. All community gardeners and supporters are invited to attend.
CCGA coordinating meetings are held on the 3rd Tuesday of the month, except for July & August. Click on the link next to the bullet to download the document(s) listed below.
NOTE: Most CCGA Coordinating meetings are being held via Zoom. In-person meeting locations may switch between The Hatchery Chicago & the Chicago Center for Green Technology.
If you want to attend the coordinating meeting and are not already a member of one of the CCGA working groups, please send an email to: communications@chicagocommunitygardens.org and request to join the monthly meetings.
NOTE: All CCGA coordinating meeting minutes are available for you to review on the website. Look under the menu tree at ‘Who We Are’ and then ‘CCGA Organization’ and you will see links here for the coordinating committee documents by year.

Grant Writing 101 - Chatham
2026-09-16 12:00 - 16:00 | U of I Extension Chicago office, 8753 S Greenwood #100, Chicago, IL, 60619, United States
University of IL Extension Cook County and Advocates for Urban Agriculture are co-hosting two programs on grant writing. While these programs are geared specifically to prepare applicants for the Capacity Building Grant, all are welcome to attend.

September 16, 2026 from 12 – 1 pm for in person Grant Writing 101 presentation
at U of I Extension Cook Co. office, 8753 S. Greenwood Ave, #100, Chicago, IL 60619
Attendees are welcome to stay for Open Office Hours on September 16, until 4 pm, to work on their applications with feedback from Educator Kathryn Pereira and Urban Ag Outreach Associate Jesse Shaffer
Please register at https://go.illinois.edu/AUAGrantWriting101
Please also see the virtual program scheduled for September 10, 2026 from 6:30 – 7:30 pm

Cut Flower Field Day - Skokie
2026-09-24 17:30 - 19:30 | The Talking Farm, 3669 Howard St, Skokie, IL, 60076, United States
Growing Quality Blooms
September 24, 5:30 – 7:30 pm
the Talking Farm 3669 W Howard Street, Skokie, IL

Featuring results from current on‑farm research trials, participants will learn how water and nutrient management influence stem quality, yield, and plant health; and explore practical strategies for improving production efficiency and consistency. This event is designed for those interested in adding a cut-flower enterprise to an urban vegetable farm.
All growers are welcome to join us for this free field day with pre-registration at go.illinois.edu/SummerFieldDays

October CCGA Coordinating Meeting
2026-10-20 18:00 - 19:00
