Kelly's Update

Sorry this is later than usual, but June is kicking my butt. Going directly from an all-nighter for adjournment and waking up on the first day of Pride Month is extra special when you’re an openly gay elected. If I could manage it, I honestly could be at multiple Pride events and commemorations every day of the month. I’ve hit a lot of them though and am particularly excited for this weekend’s culmination of our festivities with the newly re-imagined North Side Queer Pride festivities all over Rogers Park and the big event Sunday -  the Pride Parade!

From my very first Pride Parade that involved driving about an hour from my home to the closest “big” city in St. Petersburg, FL to today, my relationship with the Pride Parade has evolved over the years. There’s really nothing like that first experience of being among your people when you’re just figuring out who your people are, and I honestly can see that day clearly in my mind. We can never underestimate the value of finding yourself in a community that so many folks get to experience by being at the parade, even as larger celebrations like ours have moved away from the spirit of protest and rebellion that is at the core of Pride Celebrations.

For years, I was excited to participate in the parade - we used to be able to have floats and cars in the parade section for elected officials and it was like a moving party with friends and family joining us to march and celebrate with hundreds of thousands of our closest friends. More recently, I’ve been less enthusiastic as pressure to shorten the parade meant more corporate entries and less focus on the real origins of Pride: the brave reactions of the patrons of the Stonewall Inn who fought back against bar raids and police brutality and kicked off the modern LGBTQ+ civil rights movement. In reality, Stonewall wasn’t the first place folks decided they’d had enough and fought back, but it was the tipping point. 

My Pride observance has evolved over the years to better reflect those origins. I still go down to Uptown to see everyone at the pre-parade reception hosted by Equality Illinois, but I’ve tried to recreate some of that sense of community I felt in my first parade experience as best I can. For the last couple of years, we’ve been very excited to join with the merchants from the Jarvis Square al fresco area to host Family Pride and last year kicked off a new tradition of a Kids and Family Pride Parade around the neighborhood. Led by Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss juggling, it was a joy filled moment in the middle of a time when LGBTQ+ kids are painfully aware of the national debate about their existence.

This year, our team has been working for months alongside other local electeds, businesses, and community members to plan two days of amazing opportunities to come together in community in the newly reimagined North Side Queer Pride. Family Pride on Jarvis Square is moving to Saturday, and the parade route will be extended slightly. The day kicks off with some toddler friendly entertainment and we’ll be there with sign and button making materials for folks who want to get their pride on. At 1:30, I’ll read a few Pride related books for the kids and then the parade kicks off at 2! After that, the entertainment continues, but shifts more towards a traditional pride party!  

On Sunday, there will be more entertainment on Jarvis Square as well as Cobblestone Pride along Glenwood between Lunt and Farwell, near where the old Pride North party used to be held. The rest of the weekend includes something for everyone: a Board Game Meetup at Athena Board Game Cafe, a Trans and Nonbinary Meetup at Jarvis Square Tavern, a BIPOC Business Popup on Paulina north of Howard, and a screening of a film about one of the very first times folks fought back against raids and brutality that tells the story of the Compton Cafeteria riot three years before Stonewall.

For me, being closer to community and centering the stories of the folks with the most to lose in these fraught times helps me capture the spirit of Pride. For folks who are doing the parade, be safe, have fun, hydrate, wear sunscreen, and hop on the Redline after the parade to join us at Jarvis or Glenwood to keep the party going!

Rep. Cassidy and Team 14 visited the Lincoln Park Zoo after working together to pass HB4255. Our team watched a meerkat training and saw the new baby zebra, just born the night before!

North Side Queer Pride

North Side Queer Pride (NSQP) is a coalition of community members hosting a radically welcoming and culturally significant Pride celebration weekend. Guided by the results of a comprehensive community survey, NSQP includes something for everyone, with diverse and inclusive events throughout the Rogers Park community during Pride Weekend, June 27 - 28, 2026.

NSQP will feature a wide range of events throughout Rogers Park, including live music, drag and performance art, dance parties, film screenings, educational programming, immersive art tents, community discussions, family-friendly activities, sober spaces, and local business participation. Built “for the community and by the community,” NSQP aims to celebrate the creativity, resilience, diversity, and radical spirit that have long defined Rogers Park and Chicago’s North Side queer communities. Northside QueerPride is coordinated by the Glenwood Avenue Arts District (501c3).

The full schedule of events is available HERE.

See below for flyers of each event!

Need to Know Info

Help support our students by donating school supplies! Our office is hosting a school supply drive in collaboration with Alderwoman Maria Hadden's Office, State Senator Mike Simmons' Office, and C24/7 Father’s Arms Ministries, starting Monday, June 15th, through Thursday, July 30th. All items must be sealed or brand new.

You can stop by any of our offices between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday to drop off donations: 

1. 49th Ward Office: 1447 W Morse Ave
2. State Representative Kelly Cassidy Office: 1507 W Morse Ave
3. C24/7 Office: 1543 W Howard St (between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday)

All supply donations will be distributed at our 49th Ward Back to School Bash on August 8th at Willye B. White Park. More details regarding this event will be published later in July.

We are very excited about the service improvements to our district bus routes! Effective on 6/7/2026, the following bus routes in district have improved service:

• #50 Damen: 25% more service will be added on Saturdays, with buses running every 12-15 minutes. On Sundays, 20% more service will be added, with buses running every 15 minutes.

• #92 Foster: You can now travel westbound later on the weekends as service has been extended through 10:30 p.m. Eastbound weekend service has also been extended until 9:55 p.m. on Saturdays and 9:50 p.m. on Sundays/holidays. Sundays/holidays begin service at 5:00 a.m.

On May 1, many Illinois SNAP customers lost benefits due to new restrictions imposed by the federal government. Customers who lost their benefits can find out if they may qualify for an exemption and how to meet work requirements by working, volunteering, and/or participating in a training or education program here: SNAPWorkRequirements.illinois.gov

For additional information on who is subject to the SNAP Work Requirement, exemptions from the SNAP Work Requirement, and more please reference this SNAP Work Requirements & Exemptions FAQ and use the SNAP Work Requirements Screener.

Your input can help shape the future of the community. CEDA is committed to serving the diverse needs of individuals, families, and households throughout Chicago and Suburban Cook County. Your participation in the 2026 Community Needs Survey helps CEDA better understand the needs, challenges, and opportunities facing Cook County communities.

Find the survey here in multiple languages.

Submit your entry now for the 2026 poster design contest. This image will be used to showcase this year’s festival on bulletin boards and in public spaces, as well as digitally. It should be easy to read, stylish, and radically welcoming to everyone in our community.

You can learn more at their website here. Submissions are due July 1st!

Photo above is Joshua Peterson, last year's winner!

Everyone deserves the essentials that help them feel normal, confident and ready for the day ahead, North Side Housing and Supportive Services is collecting new towels, underwear, hats, shoes, and socks for men experiencing homelessness at their life-changing shelter. You can see what items they are requesting on their wish list here. You can order from any of your favorite online retailers and have the delivered to:

Rogers Park Emergency Shelter

7464 N. Clark Street

Chicago, IL 60626

Neighborhood Shoutout

Last week, our team was honored to attend the groundbreaking ceremony for Elise Malary Plaza, a significant community space dedicated to the legacy of Elise Malary and her impact on the fight for LGBTQ+ rights.

The event brought together community leaders, advocates, elected officials, and family members to celebrate this important milestone. Speakers shared reflections on Elise's life, the importance of creating inclusive public spaces, and the ongoing work to build a more equitable city for all.

Featured speakers included:

• Alderman Andre Vasquez
• First Deputy Commissioner Craig Turner
• Alderwoman Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth
• Representative Hoan Huynh
• Senator Mike Simmons
• CEO of Equality Illinois Channyn Lynne Parker
• Dean Jo Pavlovie with Andersonville Chamber of Commerce
• Executive Director of Chicago Therapy Collective Iggy V Ladden
• Fabiana Malary, Sister of Elise Malary

We are grateful to have witnessed this historic moment and look forward to the lasting impact Elise Malary Plaza will have as a place of remembrance, community, and belonging.

District Events

The Edgewater walking tours are back, and now is the time to sign up by going to www.EdgewaterHistory.org. Tour guides-who will have microphones-will lead groups through the tour and share their researched brochure. The fee for each tour is $15, which supports the Edgewater Historical Society Museum.

You can find the schedule of walking tours of the Edgewater neighborhood on their website here. Schedule is subject to change.

Beard & Belly is hosting a very special Networking Happy Hour, featuring professional business advice & networking with other up & coming artists, plus the opportunity to meet local representatives.

Wednesday, June 24, 2026

7:30 PM 9:00 PM

Beard & Belly

6155 North Broadway

Reserve free tickets here.

Communities Partnering 4 Peace and ONE Northside are teaming up for a Cleaning Supply & Personal Item Giveaway. Soap, shampoo, toothbrush & toothpaste, deodorant, detergent, washcloths, feminine products, diapers +MORE! First come, first served at the corner of Howard & Ashland on Friday, June 26th from 4pm-7pm.

Enjoy the (hopefully!) great June weather and join Friends of the Edgewater Library and community partner, Alliance for the Great Lakes, for their second Adopt-a-Beach cleanup.

The registration table will be in front of the Kathy Osterman Beach House, 5800 N Jean Baptiste Pointe du Sable Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. Please arrive at least 30 minutes before the start time if you are driving as there is only street parking.

Bring gloves and a bucket for collecting trash, and don't forget to bring a reusable water bottle, and to wear comfy clothes and shoes. All ages are welcome.

Register here: https://tinyurl.com/Kathy-Oster-beach-062826

Sunday, June 28 th

9am-11:30am

In this special anniversary month of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the Chicago Northside AARP Community Group will take a look at the US's democracy from a unique perspective - that of Alexis de Tocqueville from 1831. The group will be doing so with a bit of a sense of humor and truth as Tocqueville saw it at the time. They hope to make folks consider democracy from a new perspective and engender conversation about today's democracy. 

Date: Tuesday, July 7 at 12:30PM

Location: 716 W Addison Lake View Presbyterian Church Third Space

Rivers and Roads Cafe is partnering with The Dropped Stitch to host Fiber Crafts Nights on the second Wednesday of every month! You can meet other fiber crafters and work on your projects while enjoying the cozy atmosphere of Rivers & Roads after hours.

Rivers and Roads Cafe

1259 W Devon Ave

Second Wednesday of every month

6pm-8pm

Join Trans Up Front for their pep rally/beach day!

Location: 4400 Lake Shore Dr, Montrose Beach

Time: 12:30PM- 4:30PM

Adult Summer Reading Bingo is BACK! Check out their in-store displays for book inspiration! 

RULES: For every BINGO you achieve (5 squares in a row—vertical, horizontal, or diagonal), you can fill out an entry form to win prizes! More info HERE. You can also drop off your completed paper bingo card at the bookstore.

Bingo runs until September 8th! 

Rogers Park Business Alliance is throwing a fiesta for TACOS and all the incredible Rogers Park spots along Camino Clark that serve up this beloved handheld treat! Tacos aren't just a meal they're a cultural treasure and a delicious tribute to Mexico's vibrant culinary heritage. Come and enjoy an afternoon dedicated to tacos, with plenty to savor and celebrate!

Choose from two tempting routes, each showcasing local culinary gems. Limited tickets will be available. The crawl will take place along Clark St. between Devon Ave. and Rogers Ave. on July 16th from 3pm-7pm.

Click here to see the list of participating restaurants and to purchase tickets.

Join Alderwoman Hadden's office as they host their Mid-Summer Block Party Town Hall on July 17th from 4pm-7pm with a performance from Circles and Ciphers!

Movies in the Parks returns this summer, bringing Hollywood movies and local films to local parks for the twenty-sixth season. Join them in the parks for classics from the Golden Age of Hollywood, retro childhood favorites, and the best family-friendly box office hits.



Click to download the full Movies in the Parks schedule here.

Theatre

A world premiere rock musical based on Norse mythology at the Lifeline Theater!

Music and Lyrics by George Howe

Book by ensemble member Christina Calvit

Developed with and directed by ensemble member Heather Currie

Welcome to the greatest rock ‘n’ roll show not on Earth! LOKI arrives at Asgard, bringing chaos, comedy, and three monstrous (maybe) children. LOKI tangles with Odin, Thor, and the mysterious Freya; each with their own agenda; their own secrets—but all paths lead to one eternal question: In an us vs. them world, can we envision a new mythology?

Content Advisory: This production contains simulated violence, explicit language, and mature themes. Recommended for audiences ages 13+.

Now running through June 27th!

Get tickets here.

Octet

by Dave Malloy

directed by Keira Fromm

music directed by Nick Sula

choreography by Laura Savage

Raven Theatre

6157 N Clark St

NOW EXTENDED TO JUNE 28th

In an anonymous meeting room, a group of people —always eight—gather to sing. Best known for the Broadway hit NATASHA, PIERRE, & THE GREAT COMET OF 1812, Dave Malloy’s OCTET uses chamber-inspired a cappella music to explore the total impact of life online. Hailed by the New York Times as “the most original and topical musical of the year” for its 2019 Off-Broadway premiere, this inventive and acutely relevant piece reflects the perils of the digital age.

You can learn more and purchase tickets here.

The classic Thornton Wilder piece, The Matchmaker, has been reimagined by Theatre Above the Law in alignment of their mission to challenge the norm of theatre by presenting classic stories in relatable ways. The play had been tapered down to a quick-witted 90 minutes in 4 scenes.

Wealthy merchant Horace Vandergelder enlists the services of Dolly Levi to find him a suitable wife. What ensues is a series of comical mishaps in the name of adventure!

Directed by Tony Lawry and Stage Managed by Reagan Stevenson.

Cast includes: Justine Serino, Caleb Ryan Jones, Ross Compton, Stephanie Stockstill Izzy Shafer, Teddy Nielsen, Mery Drilling Coren and Elijah Warfield.

May 29-June 28

1439 W. Jarvis

tickets range from $15-$25

tickets available at theatreatl.org

Use the special Ward 49 code OhHorns! for $10 off the regular $25 ticket price, subject to availability, online only

Farmers Markets

Now in its 17th year, the Andersonville Farmers Market has gained a reputation in Chicago and beyond for creating an inclusive, vibrant gathering space that helps close the gap between the community and local foods. The market celebrates the diversity of the Midwest through a wide range of high quality products and goods from local farms and vendors.

The 2026 Farmers Market is open for business from 3PM to 7PM every Wednesday, May 13 through October 21. The Market operates rain or shine.

The Market is located on Winona St. between Clark St. and Ashland Ave. and the adjacent AT&T parking lot in the bustling Andersonville neighborhood on the north side of Chicago. 

For more information about the market, please visit www.andersonvillemarket.org  

Edgewater Monday Market returns for the 2026 season! Chicago’s ONLY Monday farmers market feature a diverse lineup of more than 40 vendors, including food, activities, entertainment and more! EBT/Link, Match Link Vouchers, WIC and Senior Farmers Market Coupons accepted.

Admission to the market is free for everyone and no advance registration is necessary. You can see the full list of vendors, schedule, and find out more information about the Edgewater Monday Market at Edgewater Chamber’s website.

Rogers Park Business Alliance has a great 17th season planned with veteran and loved food artisans and farmers. They invite everyone to come out and stroll the market to support local agriculture.

Find your favorite local foods, from fruits and veggies to baked goods & lunch items, to meats, cheeses, tofu and more at Rogers Park's favorite farmers market.

This is the place to get your grocery shopping done, meet a neighbor and support local farmers & food artisans.

Get ready to enjoy the very best seasonal foods from these amazing farmers and food artisans.

The Market will run Sundays from June 7 to October 25, 2026 (except June 28 and August 16).

This year, Jarvis Square is hosting a new farmers market on Monday nights! The Jarvis Square Twilight Markets run Mondays from 4:00pm-8:00pm, just steps from the Jarvis Red Line stop.

Youth

The City of Chicago is helping young people make the most of summer with a variety of free programs, events, and resources. From summer reading at the Chicago Public Library and activities in Chicago parks to youth opportunities through the My CHI app and community-led safe space events, the Get Into Summer initiative offers ways for teens and families to stay engaged, connected, and active throughout the season!

Discover new worlds at Lifeline Theatre’s Drama Camps! Children can explore their imaginations and hone their natural performing abilities while gaining sound theatre training in a fun-filled atmosphere. Their camps not only teach kids how to embody characters and act out stories, they also help them to gain confidence, express themselves, and work patiently and respectfully with each other.

For more information on dates, times, prices, and age groups please click on this link!

Hiring

Looking to start a new career? Find the right fit to help make a difference. IDHS offers a wide range of career opportunities.

Explore open career opportunities throughout Illinois here.

Visit an American Job Center to access employment resources, information about job training and more. Each center has knowledgeable staff that provide assistance to people who need career assistance. Assistance is available to youth and adults. All services are free.

Please call in advance to get information about hours, orientation, and workshop details.

1145 West Wilson Avenue

Room 1917

Chicago, IL 60640

(773) 831-5221

Sincerely,

Kelly Cassidy

State Representative, 14th District



Office of State Representative Kelly Cassidy

1507 W. Morse Ave

Chicago IL 60626