About

The summer festival that curbs your curiosity

The Learnapalooza Festival is a community-building event offering free workshops and classes lead by volunteers and hosted by local businesses.

Now in its fourth year, Learnapalooza expanded into the Lakeview neighborhood in 2012, and will continue to grow in 2013 by adding a third location in Logan Square. The festival has experienced continued growth with increasing attendance and class offerings each year.

Our mission is to foster free, creative exploration by providing Chicago neighbors the opportunity to exchange skills and learn from one another in a setting that supports the foundation of new and interesting relationships.

But Learnapalooza isn’t only about spreading knowledge and creating a learning network; it’s about strengthening and developing communities to foster an environment where people will continue to interact.

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Get Involved

2013 Hosts

Wicker Park

826Chi

826chi.org

North Avenue Day Nursery

nadnkids.org

Wicker Park Field House

chicagoparkdistrict.com

ChiPRC

chiprc.org

Mercury Method

themercurymethod.com

Urban Escape

urbanescapehealing.com

First Bethlehem Lutheran Church

fblcchicago.org

The Silver Room

thesilverroom.com

Wicker Park Bucktown Public Library

chipublib.org

Evolution Wines and Spirits

evolutionwines.com

Cat and Mouse Game Store

cat-n-mouse.com

Lakeview

Next Door Cafe

nextdoorchi.com

More hosts to be announced!

Logan Square

Hosts to be announced!

Wicker Park Classes

Lakeview Classes

Coming Soon!

Logan Square Classes

Coming Soon!

FAQs

Learnapalooza FAQs
  • Q. How much do classes cost?

    All classes are 100% free thanks to our sponsors and donors like you (hint).

  • Q. But I want to contribute.

    Every contribution makes a big difference.

  • Q. Who can attend?

    Classes are open to the public.

  • Q. What about kids?

    Most of the classes are aimed at grown-ups, but many families attend Learnapalooza classes together. Classes with specific age restrictions or those geared specifically toward children are noted. We leave it up to the families to decide those classes that their children are likely to enjoy. Please note: children must be accompanied by a guardian at all times.

  • Q. What are the venues?

    Learnapalooza hosts its workshops in community centers, local businesses, churches, nonprofits, theatres, and parks districts. These venues have generously volunteered their space and time for the festival. Please tell our hosts that you appreciate their participation.

  • Q. Who are the teachers? Are they certified? Am I going to get a diploma?

    The teachers are all community members who are volunteering for the day. Some teachers are employees at the host venue. Some teachers are professionals. Many teachers are simply average (well, we think they are extraordinary) neighbors who wanted to share a skill or passion with you. Hey, you could be the next teacher! Remember, we are all here to have fun, learn something, and share something.

  • Q. How do I get one of those awesome green t-shirts?

    This year festival t-shirts are available to the public. We suggest a $20 donation.

  • Q. How can I help?

    First of all you should attend, spread the word and have a great time. But if you want to get more involved there are lots of ways to help this year and in future years. You can teach, volunteer, take pictures, apply to our board or our junior board, donate money so we can keep running the event, lend us a projector or a few yoga mats, joining our planning committee, etc. Contact info@learnpaloozachi.com for more info.

Sponsorship and Donation FAQ

  • Q. I’m a business. What sponsorships are available?

    Our current sponsors are Next Door and Wicker Park and Bucktown Chamber of Commerce Email info@learnapaloozachi.com for more info.

  • Q. What are donations used for?

    Keeping Learnapalooza free requires a lot of time, sweat, and money. Insurance, permits, equipment, class supplies and getting the word out are the main expenses.

  • Q. How can I make a donation?

    Send a check to Learnapalooza, C/O Brian Bullington, 3037 West Logan Blvd #3; Chicago, IL 60647

  • Q. Are my donations tax deductible?

    Learnapalooza is still in the process of getting its 501c3 recognition, so gifts are not yet tax deductible.

Booking FAQ

  • Q. What if I signed up for a class and now I can’t go?

    That’s too bad. Email us at info@learnapaloozachi.com This frees up class spots so that others can enjoy the class. Also, please double check that you are not signed up for classes that meet at the same time.

  • Q. Something weird is going on/ I’m having trouble/ Ahhhhh!

    Send an email to info@learnpaloozachi.com with the subject line RSVP Question. I’ll try to answer as quickly as possible.

  • Q. The class I wanted is full.

    Teachers and venues put limits on class to make the class as enjoyable (and non-fire-hazardy) as possible. There are almost always a few walk-up spots the day of as people oversleep, cancel, etc. We can’t guarantee anything, but with so many classes happening, we are confident you’ll be able to find something interesting.

Contact

I’d love to work with you!

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Learnapalooza
Chicago, IL 60601
h info@learnapaloozachi.com