We love architecture and history events in Chicago, so each week we put together a list of our favorites. This week we feature a party in a downtown alley, a presentation on a West Side Chicago neighborhood, and blitz of Chicago tours.

1. Activate – ALLEY PARTY

Sullivan Center alley, enter on Monroe St. between State St. and Wabash Ave. – Thursday, May 1st, 5:00pm-10:00pm

FREE – RSVP for a free drink ticket

Chicago is known for having almost the most alleys in the world and the Chicago Loop Alliance is celebrating them. ACTIVATE is part spectacle and part happy-hour hangout that incorporates the talents of Chicago’s most creative minds with art, live music and more. This is the first event in a series of five where each alley will be uniquely different.

2. West Town Library Presentation – LECTURE AND SLIDESHOW

1625 W. Chicago Ave. – Saturday, May 3rd, 2:00pm-3:30pm

FREE

Historically home to a large population of Polish immigrants, West Town is a dynamic neighborhood in Chicago just northwest of the loop. Saturday’s presentation at the West Town branch of the Chicago Public Library is the first-ever from Forgotten Chicago about the fascinating mixed-use Chicago neighborhood and will include many rarely seen historic images and maps.

3. ChicaGo24 – HISTORICAL CHICAGO TOURS

Various locations – Saturday, May 3rd-Sunday, May 4th

PRICE VARIES – reservations required

Was one of your New Year’s resolutions to get to know more about your own city? This 24-hour event has tours for just about every Chicago interest. From a magic tour with a local magician and a midnight bike ride to a “Garden of the Dead” tour, the Chicago History Museum offers 34 tours of Chicago in 24 hours. For museum members, tickets can be purchased at a discount.