Mutual Aid Fair on Sunday, May 25 at Movement on Montrose
Chicago street bill. Photo: Gerald Farinas.
On Sunday, May 25, 2025, Chicagoans are invited to experience collective care in action at the Mutual Aid Fair, hosted by Global Gardens Chicago and Women Unite!
Held from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Movement on Montrose (4101 N. Montrose Ave.), the event celebrates the spirit of mutual aid—neighbors supporting neighbors to build a more just and connected society.
A celebration of collective care
The fair offers a vibrant blend of offerings designed to nourish community bonds and elevate local mutual aid efforts:
Pay-What-You-Can Rummage Sale: Find clothing, books, and housewares accessible to all.
Live DJ: Enjoy music that energizes and unites.
Local Food Vendors: Taste dishes from Snackie Chan (vegan Asian fusion), Tacos Las Mantias, and Hippie Sueños (ice cream).
Artisan Market: Support local makers and small businesses.
Kids’ Yoga: Free sessions led by Janeth Barrera Yoga at 11:45 AM, 12:30 PM, 1:30 PM, and 2:30 PM.
Face Painting & Raffle: With pay-what-you-can options, these family-friendly attractions add joy and accessibility.
Meet the Mutual Aid Network
The heart of the fair is its Mutual Aid Hub, where visitors can connect with community-focused organizations doing essential grassroots work. Participating groups include:
Canna Equity IL
Albany Park Mutual Aid
Mayfair Mutual Aid
Chicago Women’s Health Center
Liberation Library
South Side Help Center
Climate Mobilization
Edgewater Mutual Aid Network
Among these groups is the Edgewater Mutual Aid Network, which has found a nurturing home base at Edgewater Presbyterian Church.
The network has become a model for how congregations and community groups can share space, resources, and purpose.
Edgewater Mutual Aid facilitates food distribution, emergency support, and resource sharing for neighbors in need—particularly during crises like the pandemic or extreme weather.
Their presence at the fair underscores the vital role that mutual aid plays not only in emergencies but in the ongoing work of building resilient, compassionate neighborhoods.
Event details
Date: Sunday, May 25, 2025
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Location: Movement on Montrose, 4101 N. Montrose Ave., Chicago, IL
Admission: Free and open to all
COVID-19 Precautions: Masks required indoors; free masks available on-site
Transportation: Limited parking—public transit, carpooling, or rideshare is encouraged
About the hosts
Global Gardens Chicago is an urban farm in Albany Park empowering over 60 refugee families to grow and sell organic produce.
Women Unite! is a Chicago-based organization dedicated to building community power through mutual aid and direct outreach.
For more information, visit Global Gardens Chicago’s website.
