EVENTS
The WCA will be hosting a community meeting to discuss the upcoming proposed planned development project at 1200 W. Carroll
Join the West Central Association Chamber of Commerce for our July Networking Event, hosted at the beautiful Allsteel showroom in the heart of Fulton Market. This monthly gathering brings together professionals, business owners, and community leaders from across the West Side to connect, collaborate, and cultivate meaningful relationships. Enjoy complimentary light refreshments and drinks while exploring Allsteel’s inspiring space and expanding your professional network in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
July 30, 5:00pm - 7:00pm. RSVP today – we look forward to seeing you there!
Registration here.
Start your morning with meaningful connections at Coffee & Connections, a casual networking event hosted by Custom Ink Fulton Market in partnership with the WCA Chamber of Commerce.
Join us on Wednesday, August 6th from 8:30am – 10:00am at Custom Ink’s Fulton Market location (175 N Sangamon) for coffee, light refreshments, and the chance to meet fellow local business owners, professionals, and WCA members.
This is a great opportunity to get to know the West Central Association team, learn more about our work in the West Loop and surrounding neighborhoods, and discover how your business can benefit from being part of a strong, connected community.
Whether you're a long-time member, new to the area, or simply looking to expand your local network, this event is the perfect way to start your day. We look forward to seeing you there!
WCA Social Media Workshop
📅 Date: Wednesday, August 13
🕓 Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
📍 Location: Hampton Inn & Suites Chicago Medical District UIC
🎟️ Spots Available: 30 (RSVP required)
Looking to elevate your brand’s online presence? Join the WCA Chamber of Commerce for a hands-on Social Media Workshop in partnership with Frequency Social Media and Hampton Inn & Suites Chicago Medical District UIC.
This interactive, members-only event is designed to give you practical tools to improve your social media strategy—no matter your industry or experience level. Learn how to create content on the spot, brainstorm ideas with fellow business owners, identify your core audience, and tap into the latest trends shaping digital engagement.
Led by professionals from Frequency Social Media, this workshop offers real-time feedback, expert insight, and collaborative energy to help you walk away with content you can use right away.
Bring your phone/laptop, your questions, and your creativity.
📌 Only 30 spots available—secure yours today!
🎉 Join us for Madison Row Fest, a Community Block Party that celebrates the vibrant spirit of the West Loop's beloved Madison Row. Madison Row Fest showcases the richness and diversity of offerings, from culinary showstoppers to pet wear + treats, books, and self-care options like gyms, spas, and therapy, we've got it all! Work, Shop, Dine and Play Local!
For more information, please contact info@wcachicago.org.
See you there! 🌟🛍️🍽️🐾💃
Join us for West Loop Music & Art Fest, a two-day celebration of art, music, and community in the heart of Chicago’s near west side. Spanning four blocks of vibrant Fulton Street, this year’s fest brings even more excitement with live music and art activations running all day and into the evening.
🎨 Browse and shop from unique local and national artists
🎶 Experience live music on stage until 10 PM
Bring friends with the whole family and experience why the West Loop is where we work, live, and play. Don’t miss this neighborhood favorite!
Join us for our June business networking event! Set in the Coppia Chicago, connect with local businesses, meet representatives from neighborhood organizations, and expand your network in a casual and engaging setting. Light snacks and beverages will be provided. Don’t miss this opportunity to build valuable connections and admire the beautiful skyline views. Registration here.
REGISTRATION CLOSING JUNE 12
Join us! June 14 2025 at Big City Pickle - Fulton Market! Get ready to show off your skills and compete against other pickleball enthusiasts in a fun and friendly environment. Whether you're a seasoned player or just starting out, this event is perfect for adults of all levels. Join us for a day of exciting matches, great company, prizes, swag bags, and local businesses offering numerous health and wellness services. Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced + Doubles. Please register each person individually-Teams will be assigned or send a note. 120 player max! Sign up now!
Join us for the West Loop Wine Walk, an exciting event that celebrates the vibrant culture and exquisite flavors of the West Loop neighborhood. Stroll down Madison Street as you sample a diverse selection of wines. Each stop features unique pairings, showcasing the culinary talent of local restaurants. Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or a casual sipper, the West Loop Wine Walk offers a delightful experience for all. Mark your calendar and be part of this unforgettable community event!
Join us for our April business networking event! Set in the penthouse of Morgan’s on Fulton, connect with local businesses, meet representatives from neighborhood organizations, and expand your network in a casual and engaging setting. Light snacks and beverages will be provided. Don’t miss this opportunity to build valuable connections. Registration here.
Join us for a Community Clean Up Event on Madison Row!
Join us for a spring clean-up event along Madison Street on Saturday, April 12, 2025.
Bring your friends, family, and colleagues, and let's work hand in hand to make a difference. Every little effort counts!
Join us for a networking event in collaboration with WTCC, WCA, and ICNC! Connect with local businesses, meet representatives from area chambers, and expand your network in a casual and engaging setting. Light snacks and beverages will be provided. Don’t miss this opportunity to build valuable connections!
Join Us for Fulton Street Clean-up
Join us to Shop Local on Madison St this holiday season. We’ll have holiday deals, treats for kids and adults and lots of cheer!
Join us at the WCA Networking Event at Montauk Sofa Showroom for an evening of professional connections in a vibrant setting. This event will also serve as our Annual Meeting to elect new and renewing Directors.
With a welcoming ambiance, it's the perfect opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations, explore collaborations, and expand your network. Whether you're new to the industry or a seasoned professional, this event is designed to help you connect with the WCA community.
Don't miss out on an enjoyable evening of networking with your peers!
Join Us for Tricks or Treats along Madison Row! Friday, October 25th 4PM - 7PM Madison Row (Halsted to Ashland) It's that time of year again for the annual WCA Trick or Treat along Madison Row. Bring your ghouls, goblins, pumpkins, and unicorns for a spooky-fun Halloween adventure! Visit all your favorite shops along Madison Row and collect some tasty treats! Register Now (Not required but appreciated so our business know how much candy they need) to participate and secure your spot in this fang-tastic event! Get ready for a howling good time! Volunteering as a Crossing Guard will help ensure a fun and safe Halloween for our community’s families Be Safe !
PARTICIPATING MADISON ROW BUSINESSES
BODY20
Base Salon
Belmont Bank & Trust
Century 21 SGR
CrossTown Fitness
First Eagle Bank
Francis Xavier Ward School
Heat by Niko
J Salon
Krav Maga Force
Madison Crab House
Madison Street Books
Monteverde Restaurant
Moon Rabbit Acupuncture
Perspire Sauna Studio
Play
Pure Barre
Rainforest Preschool
Red Sky Capital
Smitten Boutique
SpaDerma
Stelios Bottle & Bites Bar
StretchLab West Loop
The CryoBar West Loop
Tribeca Boutique Chicago
Unwasted Shop
Vietfive Coffee
Join us at the WCA Networking Event at Puttery for an evening of professional connections in a vibrant setting. This event offers a relaxed atmosphere where you can meet fellow professionals, share ideas, and build valuable relationships. With a welcoming ambiance, it's the perfect opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations, explore collaborations, and expand your network. Whether you're new to the industry or a seasoned professional, this event is designed to help you connect with the WCA community.
Don't miss out on an enjoyable evening of networking with your peers!
Get ready for the 3rd Annual **Madison Row Fest**—a day full of entertainment, shopping, and community fun! We’re thrilled to bring you an exciting lineup of live performances and over a dozen fantastic vendors. Mark your calendars and join us for a day to remember! We're getting some relief from the heat, and the weather is going to be gorgeous this Saturday
** Live Entertainment Schedule:**
- **11:00 AM - Opening ceremony with the vibrant Vietnamese lion dancers sharing their culture and blessings, sponsored in part by VietFive Coffee
- **11:00 AM - 12:30 PM:** Andrew Blomquist (Acoustic Guitar)
- **12:30 PM - 1:30 PM:** Kids Sing-Along with Madison Street Books + Miss Dawn-Marie
- **1:30 PM - 3:00 PM:** DJ Paul Caston
- **3:00 PM - 4:30 PM:** Tommy Bradford Band (Jazz)
- **4:30 PM - 6:00 PM:** DJ Sean Alvarez
** Vendor Lineup:**
Madison Street Books, Secret Med Spa, Aesthetica by Dr. Adam, Cone, Perspire Sauna Studio, StretchLab, Bennett Day School, Floss Academy, LaConic Foods, Moon Rabbit Acupuncture, Precision Human Performance, Premiere Martial Arts, Rainforest Preschool, Specialized, The Confidence Bar, The Unwaste Shop, Washington Dental Care, Village Green, Fast Signs, HoneyBee Weddings, Mary Bartelme Park Advisory Council (MBPAC), *PLAY, VietFive Coffee, West Point Financial, Chicago Shambhala, The CryoBar and BaseCamp Fitness West Loop.
And that’s not all! West Central Association will be hosting a variety of carnival games for all ages, with exciting chances to win prizes! All proceeds will be earmarked for next year's Madison Row Fest, so come out and play for a great cause!
**Volunteers are needed!** Interested in Participating, becoming a Sponsor or Volunteer? Please use the link to register now
The Department of Planning and Development (DPD) and SomerCor will roll out the Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) grant program for applications in the following TIF districts in August:
River West, West Town and Near West Side
Applications open: 9 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 1
Applications close: 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 30
The SBIF program uses revenue from TIF districts to help owners of commercial and industrial properties to repair or remodel their facilities for their own business or on behalf of tenants. Tenant businesses are also eligible to apply on their own.
Program participants can receive grants for 30 to 90 percent of project costs, with a maximum grant of $150,000 for commercial properties and $250,000 for industrial properties. The grants are administered by SomerCor on the City's behalf and do not have to be repaid. Those interested in applying can verify that their property is located in an eligible district by using the SBIF Locator Map tool.
DPD and SomerCor will host an informational webinar to review program requirements and the application process. For additional information, visit www.chicago.gov/sbif.
SBIF Informational Webinar
1 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 7 | Register
Street Closures and Detours – All street closures and detours in effect between 6am-10pm. Towing will be enforced during these hours.
1. Fulton Street (Peoria to Racine)
2. Lake (Racine to Peoria)
3. Racine (Lake to Fulton)
4. May (Lake to Fulton)
5. Aberdeen (Lake to Fulton
6. Carpenter (Lake to Fulton)
7. Morgan (Lake to Fulton)
8. Sangamon (Lake to Fulton)
9. Peoria (Lake to Fulton)
10. Green (Fulton to Randolph) Detour
11. Randolph (Green to Elizabeth) Detour
12. Carroll (Morgan to Elizabeth) Detour
Vehicle traffic needing to enter/exit the interior of the racecourse will be required to do so at either May or Aberdeen St south of Lake St. Vehicles will be allowed to pass directly across Lake Street throughout the day with the guidance of a course marshal. There may be a short wait to ensure riders have safely passed. Necessary local traffic only.
Parking
Street parking (paid and unpaid, check for signs) is available on the streets surrounding the course including:
Carroll/Kinzie/Fulton (East/West)
Elizabeth/Racine/May/Aberdeen/Carpenter/Morgan
There are a few public parking garages also in the area
Introducing Fridays on Fulton , a brand new FREE series showcasing local talent + building community. Hosted along the iconic Fulton Market District, Fridays on Fulton will enhance the atmosphere with music and electrifying artists! But it’s not just about the music—Fridays on Fulton is about community and giving back. We will be spotlighting all of the restaurants and local businesses in the area to encourage #ShopSmall and #ShopLocal. While you’re out there, please remember to Give a Hoot + Don’t Pollute. Fulton Market needs some TLC! Drink Responsibly wcachicago.org
Join us! May 18, 2024 at Big City Pickle - Fulton Market! Get ready to show off your skills and compete against other pickleball enthusiasts in a fun and friendly environment. Whether you're a seasoned player or just starting out, this event is perfect for adults of all levels. Join us for a day of exciting matches, great company, prizes, swag bags, refreshments and local businesses offering numerous health and wellness services. Don't miss out on the chance to be part of this thrilling tournament! Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced + Doubles ... Cash Prizes! 120 player max! Sign up now!
