♻️Recycle more than 80 hard-to-recycle items

🪴Take away native plants, sunflowers, and learn to plant parkway gardens

🔌 Try out e-bikes, e-mowers and learn about home solar.

With more than 60 organizations participating, this will be the biggest year yet! You can learn more about the hands-on activities and organizations at aldermanmartin.com/ecofest.

Learn how to craft your own herbal topical preparations and explore the traditional uses of plants in home care. In this workshop, we’ll explore commonly used herbs for topical applications, understanding their historical uses and best preparation methods.

You’ll learn about herbs traditionally used for skin care and first aid, along with proven methods for extracting plant material into oils and infusions. We’ll cover practical techniques for creating your own salves and balms using plants, and you’ll walk away with hands-on experience, tested recipes, and the knowledge to safely prepare herbal topicals in your own kitchen.

Whether you’re interested in exploring traditional plant-based skincare, preparing herbal first aid supplies, experimenting with herbal preparations as a hobby, or building knowledge about botanical ingredients, this workshop provides foundational skills in herbal preparation methods. Try some samples during the class and leave with hands-on experience, take-home recipes, and the confidence to begin exploring herbal preparations at home.

If you need to cancel please do so 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Join us for our next Community Social, with guest speaker Adam Schwartz of Chicago’s The Urban Canopy!

Bring your gently loved baby clothes and swap with others, creating fresh wardrobes for your kiddos without waste!

Monday, May 18th

7-8pm

The Eco Flamingo Market Cafe - 4754 N Rockwell St

Join us for our very first FREE open mic night at the Market Cafe.

The event is from 7:00pm-9:00pm on Sunday, October 19th. Signups will begin at 6:30pm, so arrive early to secure your spot!

Sets are 8 minutes. Go acoustic or bring your own equipment.

BYOB or purchase lite bites and drinks from the cafe menu.

RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1969887867640?aff=oddtdtcreator

Give new life to your holey clothes and keep them out of the landfill!

Learn the basics of hand sewing with visible mending techniques for repairing your clothes. This workshop will cover:

Different stitches for repairing clothes with decorative stitches

Practical stitches for broken seams

The best tools and materials for repairing woven garments

How to identify woven fabrics

Each student will create a mending sampler to practice the repair techniques. This is an introductory class for all skill levels. Mending kit included in the ticket price

Snacks and drinks provided and get a 10% discount at The Eco Flamingo the day of the workshop!

Part of ourFolk Skills Workshop Series, designed to help you build self-sufficiency in time-honored home-craft skills.

Sliding scale tickets - pay what you can : $10, $15, or $18

Did you know that fermented food helps with gut health and restores good bacteria? It is crucial to thriving in a modern world, especially as we age. Yet many people don’t eat it regularly.

In this workshop you will learn the importance of fermented foods in modern human health, especially in the aging process. There will be an in-depth discussion of what the benefits are of these powerful foods followed by a tasting of some wonderful ferments! This workshop will contain a basic overview of gut health terms, how foods are fermented and their benefits, followed by why these foods are a crucial part of supporting a healthy gut microbiome, and overall human health, especially as we age. There will be practical suggestions of easy ways to incorporate fermented foods into your day to day life, to prepare your body for aging well.

Outline: 

-Overview of gut health terms

-Overview of fermented foods and its health benefits

-Fermented foods tasting

-Aging concerns in this modern world and the importance of a healthy gut

-Easy takeaway ideas for day to day things to do to incorporate these foods into your life

Instructor Bio: Since 2020, Hannah McChesney has been a Certified Master Health Coach, helping people age well through small habit changes. Her passion is Gut Health (certified in 2024). She’s lived in Chicago since 2015.

Disclaimer: Hannah McChesney is a Certified Master Health Coach, not a licensed doctor.  This workshop is for informational purposes only and not to be construed as medical advice or diagnosis.  Consult your doctor for any medical advice.

Come write and/or draw in community at the Eco Flamingo Market Cafe two Mondays a month from 7:00 - 8:30pm.

This is a FREE event, but participants should RSVP since we have limited capacity. Writers and Artists are welcome to come as early as 6:30pm. The event will officially start at 7pm and at 7:15 doors will lock and writing and drawing will commence. You can follow the prompt of the day or work on whatever strikes your fancy. Beverages and some menu items will be available for purchase. The group will be led by Mia McCullough, an award-winning playwright and a multi-media artist. Mia has taught playwriting and screenwriting at Northwestern University, UIC, at Chicago Dramatists, and in Chicago Public Schools.

RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1924294469559?aff=oddtdtcreator

Build a bouquet with a local florist while helping families grow their own food. Join Chicago Grows Food at The Eco Flamingo and create your own flower arrangement with support from Monarch Beauty Farm. When you RSVP and pay in advance, you will receive a free vase to decorate! 

Additionally, there will be opportunities to purchase seedlings and plant seeds for your Spring Garden!

Cuts to SNAP, job losses, and threats of deportation mean families are often having to choose between food and healthcare or utilities. This event fights food insecurity by empowering people to grow their own food and take ownership over their food system. Help someone feed themselves for life. 

Part of ourFolk Skills Workshop Series, designed to help you build self-sufficiency in time-honored home-craft skills.

Sliding scale tickets - pay what you can : $6.50, $10, or $15

Spring is one of the best times of year to forage, and knowing what’s safe to eat is a skill that stays with you for life. In this workshop, your instructor will bring in fresh plant specimens so you can learn to identify common spring edibles up close and in person.

You’ll learn what to look for, what to avoid, and how to forage responsibly. And because foraging is more fun with food involved, your instructor will also share dishes and snacks made from some of the featured plants!

No experience needed, just bring your curiosity!

Join us for an intimate evening centered around food, flavor, and learning!

Chef Ernesto of El Molcajete Sauces and microgreens specialist Katie Staudt of Meraki Urban Farm will guide guests through a cooking experience celebrating the vibrant flavors of traditional Mexican Mole Verde—featuring fresh microgreens throughout.

Throughout the evening, microgreens are thoughtfully incorporated into every part of the meal—from cocktails and small bites to the mole, sides, and dessert—highlighting their versatility and ability to elevate both flavor and presentation.

Come write and/or draw in community at the Eco Flamingo Market Cafe two Mondays a month from 7:00 - 8:30pm.

This is a FREE event, but participants should RSVP since we have limited capacity. Writers and Artists are welcome to come as early as 6:30pm. The event will officially start at 7pm and at 7:15 doors will lock and writing and drawing will commence. You can follow the prompt of the day or work on whatever strikes your fancy. Beverages and some menu items will be available for purchase. The group will be led by Mia McCullough, an award-winning playwright and a multi-media artist. Mia has taught playwriting and screenwriting at Northwestern University, UIC, at Chicago Dramatists, and in Chicago Public Schools.

RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1924294469559?aff=oddtdtcreator

Volunteers will help assemble grow kits, beginner-friendly garden kits - soil, seeds, a pot and education that will be distributed to youth and families across the city.

7-9pm

The Eco Flamingo Market Cafe

4754 N Rockwell Street

Chicago, IL

Join us for our very first FREE open mic night at the Market Cafe.

The event is from 7:00pm-9:00pm on Sunday, October 19th. Signups will begin at 6:30pm, so arrive early to secure your spot!

Sets are 8 minutes. Go acoustic or bring your own equipment.

BYOB or purchase lite bites and drinks from the cafe menu.

RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1969887867640?aff=oddtdtcreator

Come write and/or draw in community at the Eco Flamingo Market Cafe two Mondays a month from 7:00 - 8:30pm.

This is a FREE event, but participants should RSVP since we have limited capacity. Writers and Artists are welcome to come as early as 6:30pm. The event will officially start at 7pm and at 7:15 doors will lock and writing and drawing will commence. You can follow the prompt of the day or work on whatever strikes your fancy. Beverages and some menu items will be available for purchase. The group will be led by Mia McCullough, an award-winning playwright and a multi-media artist. Mia has taught playwriting and screenwriting at Northwestern University, UIC, at Chicago Dramatists, and in Chicago Public Schools.

RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1924294469559?aff=oddtdtcreator

Beloved brand, Dip will be visiting our store! Stop by from 4-6pm to meet the team who will bring surprises, good vibes, and teach you about their amazing products.

Saturday, April 11th

4750 N Rockwell Street

7-8pm

Learn the basics of sourdough bread making, try a slice of some deliciousness made by Courtney, and take home some starter.

Sliding scale tickets: $6.50, $10, $15

Other sourdough making accessories will be available for purchase in the Market afterwards.

RSVP

https://theecoflamingo.square.site/product/sourdough-bread-making-folk-skills-school-april-7th/7UUC7ZDT2L2PL7ZHC7453MM6?cp=true&sa=false&sbp=false&q=false&category_id=20

Bouquet bar featuring all local blooms from Monarch Beauty Farm, including tulips! Pick out your favorites and let us arrange them for you!

3-6pm

The Eco Flamingo

4750 N Rockwell Street

Meet the faces of Fig + Date - our newest vendor of delicious snack bites and enjoy some free samples!

2-5pm

The Eco Flamingo

4750 N Rockwell Street

7-8pm

Learn the basics of sourdough bread making, try a slice of some deliciousness made by Courtney, and take home some starter.

Sliding scale tickets: $6.50, $10, $15

Other sourdough making accessories will be available for purchase in the Market afterwards.

RSVP https://theecoflamingo.square.site/product/sourdough-bread-making-folk-skills-series-march-28th/7UUC7ZDT2L2PL7ZHC7453MM6?cp=true&sa=false&sbp=false&q=false&category_id=20

Need a closet refresh or looking to offload items in a sustainable way??? Come join us for our FREE clothing swap!

How it works: RSVP through EventBrite. Bring at least 5 items to swap. All items must be clean, and in usable/wearable condition with no major holes or stains.

What can you swap?: Any clothing item including shoes, bags, belts, scarves and hats. No jewelry or accessories at this time. Please NO socks, underwear, or bras!

What can I take?: Anything is up for grabs, but please be mindful of the number of items you take. A good rule of thumb is if you bring 5 items, you can take 5 items. There will be a final call the last 30mins of the event, in which all items are up for grabs. Anything leftover will be donated.

*We will also be accepting winter accessories and clean/usable or new socks for the Friendship Center which you can choose to donate to!

Come write and/or draw in community at the Eco Flamingo Market Cafe two Mondays a month from 7:00 - 8:30pm.

This is a FREE event, but participants should RSVP since we have limited capacity. Writers and Artists are welcome to come as early as 6:30pm. The event will officially start at 7pm and at 7:15 doors will lock and writing and drawing will commence. You can follow the prompt of the day or work on whatever strikes your fancy. Beverages and some menu items will be available for purchase. The group will be led by Mia McCullough, an award-winning playwright and a multi-media artist. Mia has taught playwriting and screenwriting at Northwestern University, UIC, at Chicago Dramatists, and in Chicago Public Schools.

RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1924294469559?aff=oddtdtcreator

Join us and our special guests, EcoShip for this month's Community Social!

Learn about this Chicago non-profit that gives new life to your gently used shipping materials. $5 suggested donation at the door that will benefit EcoShip’s mission.

Thursday, March 19th

7-9pm

The Eco Flamingo Market Cafe

4754 N Rockwell Street

Chicago, IL

Part of our Folk Skills Community series, learn to make your own Oxymels!

Oxymels are sweet, tangy vinegar and honey extracts. They are a tasty “food as medicine” remedy for all ages. Simple to make, with an abundance of herbs you can find locally. Join us to taste some delightful herbal oxygens and learn how to properly craft them at home!

🎟️ Sliding scale tickets: Pay what you can — $6.50, $10, or $15

Join our resident herbalist and folk skills instructor Courtney Klemm 🧚🏼‍♀️ as she shares the history, benefits, and process of making your own unique Oxymels. ✨

Optional 16oz Oxymel making kits (complete with jar and rust-proof lid) are available for $23.50. All ingredients are also stocked in our market, so you can easily make your own oxymels anytime! Bring your own jar and pick your ingredients, grab a ready-to-go kit, or simply join us to learn, taste, and enjoy great company.

🛍️ Get 10% off at The Eco Flamingo General Store + Market Cafe all day on the day of the workshop!

Join us for our very first FREE open mic night at the Market Cafe.

The event is from 7:00pm-9:00pm on Sunday, October 19th. Signups will begin at 6:30pm, so arrive early to secure your spot!

Sets are 8 minutes. Go acoustic or bring your own equipment.

BYOB or purchase lite bites and drinks from the cafe menu.

RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1969887867640?aff=oddtdtcreator

Get ready for the cold and flu season by learning how to make your own Fire Cider ❤️‍🔥 a time-honored natural remedy known for its warming, immune-supporting power!

🎟️ Sliding scale tickets: Pay what you can — $6.50, $10, or $15 Join our resident herbalist and folk skills instructor Courtney Klemm 🧚🏼‍♀️ as she shares the history, benefits, and process of making your own unique Fire Cider blends. ✨ Optional 32oz Fire Cider kits (complete with jar and rust-proof lid) are available for $23.50. All ingredients are also stocked in our market, so you can easily make fire cider anytime! Bring your own jar and pick your ingredients, grab a ready-to-go kit, or simply join us to learn, taste, and enjoy great company. The perfect natural support for you and your friends and family for the fall and winter seasons.

🛍️ Get 10% off at The Eco Flamingo General Store + Market Cafe all day on the day of the workshop!

Learn various techniques and ways to start your seeds this season. Vegetables, medicinal herbs and native perennial seeds all have unique germination methods. We will cover the basics and you will take home a seed pack of your choice! Tis the season to start planning your garden!

🧚🏼‍♀️ Taught by our resident herbalist and folk skills instructor Courtney Klemm

🎟️ Sliding scale tickets: Pay what you can — $6.50, $10, or $15

🛍️ Get 10% off at The Eco Flamingo General Store + Market Cafe all day on the day of the workshop!

Come write and/or draw in community at the Eco Flamingo Market Cafe two Mondays a month from 7:00 - 8:30pm.

This is a FREE event, but participants should RSVP since we have limited capacity. Writers and Artists are welcome to come as early as 6:30pm. The event will officially start at 7pm and at 7:15 doors will lock and writing and drawing will commence. You can follow the prompt of the day or work on whatever strikes your fancy. Beverages and some menu items will be available for purchase. The group will be led by Mia McCullough, an award-winning playwright and a multi-media artist. Mia has taught playwriting and screenwriting at Northwestern University, UIC, at Chicago Dramatists, and in Chicago Public Schools.

RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1924294469559?aff=oddtdtcreator