Local Kids in Need of School Supplies: How You Can Help

Curious about what's going on this weekend? We'll show you the neighborhood hotspots in our new, "Weekend Planner," feature. From concerts to festivals and fairs, here's what's happening around Lincoln Square.

Want your big event to be in a future rundown? Post to our community calendar here.

Music in the Square

Jazz and Dixieland beats will take over Giddings Plaza Thursday. The Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce continues its summer concert series with the Petra Van Nuis Quintet. Showtime is from 6:30 to 9 p.m. 

Before the concert, stop by the farmers' market at the Western Brown Line Station for some fresh veggies. 

Free Screening of Hunger Documentary

Friday is your last chance to see "A Place at the Table" with the neighborhood's new food pantry, the Lincoln Square Friendship Center. Bring a dish to share in this free showing. Start time is 6:30 at 2500 W. Wilson Ave. 

Lollapalooza

Lollapalooza kicks off Friday, Aug. 2, in Grant Park, where more than 130 artists will play on one of eight stages between 11:30 a.m. and 10 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

It'll be a hot, sticky and crowded weekend, so take a minute to look over these tips and think about your game plan.

Neighborhood School Supplies Drive

Starting this weekend, residents can help needy children by donating school supplies. 

Through Aug. 19, drop off supplies at the Ward 47 office, 4243 N. Lincoln Ave.

With school supplies costing more than $50 per family, Common Pantry is seeking to make it easier on those who cannot afford the yearly cost. 

Common Pantry, at 3744 N. Damen Ave., is the city's oldest operating food pantry. 

Needed items include:

• Backpacks
• Pens and Pencils
• Loose-leaf paper and sketchpads
• Spiral notebooks
• Folders
• Glue sticks and tape
• Colored pencils, crayons and paints
• Erasers
• Rulers
• Pencil boxes and pouches
• Hand sanitizer, kleen-ex and paper towels
• Calculators
• Pocket dictionaries
• Pencil sharpeners
• USB drives
• Staplers
• 3-ring binders
• Index Cards
• Markers and highlighters