Curtain Up & Fork Down: Ravenswood Elementary Wraps a Star-Studded 'Annie' Run — Plus, Lawrence Ave. Restaurants Are Treating You This Weekend

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/Ravenswood · May 15, 2026

Ravenswood is serving up a double dose of community magic this week — and you won't want to miss either one.

First, the curtain came down on one of the neighborhood's most heartwarming school performances in recent memory. Ravenswood Elementary School staged full performances of the beloved musical *Annie* on May 8th and 9th, drawing proud families and neighbors to celebrate the school's talented young performers. It was a fitting capstone to a week that also honored teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week — a reminder of just how deep the community roots run at this North Side gem. Friends of Ravenswood School (FORS), the nonprofit that supports school programming and community-building, helped make moments like this possible.

And the celebrations don't stop there. This very weekend — May 15th through 17th — Lawrence Avenue is rolling out the red carpet for diners. The Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce is running a special promotion inviting neighbors to dine in at selected businesses on Lawrence Ave. for a chance to win $50 in gift cards to other local eateries. All you have to do is spend at least $25 (pre-tax/tip) at one of the featured restaurants and submit your receipt — a delicious excuse to explore the neighborhood's dining scene.

Whether you're toasting the young stars of Ravenswood Elementary or pulling up a chair on Lawrence Ave. this weekend, Ravenswood is reminding us all why this neighborhood feels like home. Visit ravenswoodchicago.org for the full list of participating restaurants and details!

Sources:
1. https://www.ravenswoodelementary.org/
2. https://ravenswoodchicago.org/