Dark Matter Coffee Block Party

Dark Matter Coffee throws an old-fashioned Chicago block party every summer, complete with free refreshments, food, a play area for the kids and music from local bands. If you're feeling charitable, you should donate some dollars in return for all the gratis goodies—all money raised at the one-day event benefits a local Chicago nonprofit or charity. The party takes place in a vacant lot at the corner of Chicago and Western, just across the street from Dark Matter's Mothership coffee bar.