Best Things To Do And See In Chicago's Little Village

In recent years, Chicago has seen an increase of community gardens across the city. Few are as maintained as the Semillas de Justicia Community Garden. The Semillas Garden was formerly used as land for oil waste, but with the help of the local residents, it now operates as a serene community garden. The garden grows fruits, vegetables, and plants throughout the year. The garden is also a space for the community to learn about sustainable living, and to encourage others to start their own gardens. Semillas offers regularly scheduled events for Little Village residents and visitors, like weekly community dinners, homemade salsa contests, art classes, and an autumn harvest festival.

One of the most prevalent images in Little Village is the arch that presides over 26th Street. The arch, which displays the sign ‘Bienvenidos a Little Village,’ is a welcome to the neighborhood’s visitors and a passageway to a place unlike any other in Chicago. Throughout the year, various community gatherings are held on 26th Street. Events like the Mexican Independence Day Parade are celebrated, as residents march down 26th Street and pass through the arch, signifying the cultural importance of the predominantly Mexican-American neighborhood and its history.

La Baguette Bakery is right next door to the Little Village arch, and it’s a great place to visit when looking for dessert after a long night out in the neighborhood. From slices of chocolate cake and homemade donuts to an array of traditional Mexican bread, La Baguette carries dozens of varieties of sweet bread and cakes for every occasion. Its Mexican sweet bread is freshly prepared in-store as trays of warm pastries are constantly brought out throughout the day.

The Open Center for the Arts is an art center and gallery that gives local artists a space to discuss art as well as showcase community artwork. Open Center for the Arts also holds entrepreneurship events and workshops to inspire potential creators in Chicago. Recent exhibitions include the Eros Exhibit and the 1st Annual Open Exhibit. At the Open Center, enjoy chatting with local artists and viewing unique art installations with a glass of wine in hand.