The Best Things To Do & See In Rogers Park, Chicago

On stage | © Swimfinfan/Flickr

Rogers Park on Chicago’s North Side offers more than just a college campus. Its diverse community of residents—with over 40 languages spoken—is reflected in the venues, restaurants and murals that sprinkle the neighborhood.

Lifeline Theatre

If you’re looking for a truly engaging theater experience, visit Lifeline Theatre in Rogers Park. Lifeline, which was founded in 1982, is known for adapting popular books for the stage. Over the years, this theater company has brought Jane Eyre, Pride and Prejudice, The Island of Dr. Moreau, The Lord of the Rings, and many other stories to life. Besides stage productions, Lifeline also offers programs to introduce young children to the world of theater through workshops and drama camps. Lifeline is currently showing its adaptation of Midnight Cowboy.

Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N Glenwood Ave, Chicago, IL, USA +1 773 761 4477

Outside of Lifeline Theatre | © Renee McGurk/Flickr

Mayne Stage

First used as a stage for vaudeville acts in 1912, Mayne Stage now presents modern acts in its multi-purpose performance space featuring a restaurant, an art gallery, and a stage for live music. You can catch events like stories from storytelling collective You’re Being Ridiculous, performances by reggae-Bollywood fusion group Funkadesi, or visit the Mayne Stage art gallery.

Mayne Stage, 1328 W Morse Ave, Chicago, IL, USA +1 773 381 4551

On stage | © Swimfinfan/Flickr

Heartland Café

After exploring Rogers Park’s art galleries and music venues, stop by Heartland Café. For over 30 years, Heartland Café has been serving organic, healthy food, using fair trade ingredients and produce from Midwestern farms. Try the Heartland burger, the veggie-filled stir fry, and the vegetarian chili. The venue also hosts nightly events like bingo, trivia at the bar, open mic night, and even intimate opera performances.

Heartland Café, 7000 N Glenwood Ave, Chicago, IL, USA +1 773 465 8005

Outside of Heartland Café | © Renee McGurk/Flickr

Greenleaf Art Center

The Greenleaf Art Center is a studio and exhibition space for the visual arts. As part of the Rogers Park Glenwood Arts District, Greenleaf displays art from 50 local Rogers Park artists, with a range of mixed media art in the Long Hall gallery. Wander through the Long Hall while viewing the eclectic pieces, and you might even strike up a conversation with the artists. Greenleaf also offers art classes for kids and adults and hosts community events.

Greenleaf Art Center, 1806 W Greenleaf Ave, Chicago, IL, USA +1 773 465 4652

These recommendations were updated on February 9, 2017 to keep your travel plans fresh.