Join other Budlong families at River Park. All families welcome for an afternoon to relax, socialize and reconnect with your friends before we get back to school!
Bring your blanket, ball, favorite yard game and a snack or drink to share.

Free for all Budlong Families!

Suggested donation: $10/family

Date: August 16, 2026
Hosts: Liz Keo, Kara Knaus, Megan Bleyaert

Gather with fellow Budlong families for a fun evening of wine and great company. Our hosts will offer a curated selection of their favorite wines paired with light bites, inviting you to sip, savor, and connect while learning a bit about the wines. Enjoy a beautiful Chicago summer night to support our school community! Mark your calendars!

Cheers!

Date: June 27, 2026 7:00pm

Host: Chris Diaz

Celebrate summer with an Italian Summer Progressive Dinner. Stroll the neighborhood from one host to the next, enjoying seasonal foods, lots of wine, and great company—all in support of our school. From aperitivo to dolce, it’s an evening of connection, fun, and a touch of la dolce vita.

Date: May 30, 2026 6:00pm

Hosts: Christine Hendrix, Sarah Pontier, Lauran Stevenson, Olga Haney

Meet new friends in the neighborhood! Budlong parents will host a travelling party between Lincoln, Western and Foster. Walk “the wedge” with the whole crew and enjoy a special drink and appetizer at each of five houses! Adults only.

Date: June 26, 2026

Hosts: Anna Duski, Amelia Seith, Sophia Reddekopp, Carey Crows, McKinley Adams

Dads only! Join us in the alley between Mozart and Francisco for craft beer, bags, and snacks. Each host will share a selection from their favorite local brewery. Ticket price includes custom designed T-shirt.

Date: June 27, 2026

Hosts: Craig Wales, Joe Ferrari, Matt Schnabl, Tom Magarian, Will Oppenheim

Do you like biking? Do you like drinking beer? Do you like doing moderate amounts of each with a bunch of fun people? Well, then we have the event for you: The Budlong Bike Brigade Brewery Tour Volume 4: The Search for More Beer! We will meet with our bikes at Budlong and then ride to three breweries. The ride will mostly be along the paved trails, but will also include some riding on city streets. It is usually anchored by starting with a longer ride to Sketchbook Brewery in Skokie and then making our way back toward the neighborhood. We will ride at a moderately pleasant pace, but not so slow that everyone gets bored. Estimated total time ~5 hours.

While we can't promise good weather or cars that will treat us respectfully along our ride, we can promise:
+ A New Budlong Bike Brigade T-shirt
+ Stickers for your water bottle
+ The slow-winding freedom cultivated from being outside with fun people, which fosters a human connection sorely lacking in our modern, digitally-strangled world
+ Bikes!
+ Beer!! (All beers at Sketchbook Brewery paid for by the Bike Brigade)

Date: September 12, 2026

Hosts: Jen Koltse, John Koltse, Joe Ferrari, Erin Ferrari, Eileen Brodaski, Shawn Brodaski

Learn T-shirt making from the ULTIMATE crafty mom. Join Jenny to mingle and munch on tacos and take a turn designing your own Budlong Bulldogs shirt for you or your child! Supplies, food and drinks provided and take a new shirt home with you!

Date: October 3, 2026

Host: Jenny Melander

Meet new friends in the neighborhood! Budlong parents will host a travelling party to enjoy a craft cocktail and appetizer at each of five houses! Adults only.

Date: July 25, 2026

Hosts: Sowmia Sridhar & Matt Cohn, Kate & Matt Fitzgerald, Nikki & Judson Graham, Stacie & Jason Keller, Kassandra & Kevin Burke

Gather under a full moon for a night of mystical vibes. This meeting of the wild femme will include guided tarot readings, full moon release, a candle craft and more! Themed potions (drinks) and small plates will be served. Come dressed in your most ethereal attire and prepare for a night filled with enchantingly good company and unforgettable charm.

Date: August 28, 2026

Hosts: Stacie Keller, Anna Duski, Ange Groves

Kick off the evening with award‑winning magician Justin Purcell, a beloved performer at the Chicago Magic Lounge, bringing his signature style to an intimate crowd. Expect an engaging, close‑up performance paired with a custom cocktail created for the occasion by a specialist from one of Chicago’s top cocktail bars. It’s a simple mix of good drinks, good company, and a bit of magic to round out the night.

Date: May 15, 2026

Hosts: Matt and Sophia Reddekopp, Amelia and Jeremy Seith

Moms & Margs returns for another year - join us for margaritas and appetizers hosted by three of your friendliest Budlong moms!

Date: May 24, 2026

Hosts: Erin Harris, Carrie Oppenheim, Katie Wales