The idea
Inspired by neighborhood-wide sales in places like Ravenswood Manor, this is a one-day, all-at-once garage sale where dozens of Avondale households open their doors on the same Saturday morning. One digital map, one date, one big walking loop of stuff to discover.
It's free to participate. There's no fee, no booth, no application process beyond filling out the form. If your address is inside the boundary, you're in.
The boundary
For the first year, we're keeping it small enough to walk:
- North: Belmont Avenue
- South: Diversey Avenue
- West: Pulaski Road
- Northeast: Milwaukee Avenue (with the Kennedy Expressway just beyond)
That's a pocket of about 30 walkable blocks in east-central Avondale, anchored by Avondale Park. If the first year goes well, we'll expand.
Who runs this?
Right now, just neighbors. There's no formal organization, no nonprofit, no board. Just a small group of folks who think Avondale would love this. If it grows, it might become something more official — but year one, we're keeping it lean.
Frequently asked
Do I need to live in the boundary to sell?
Yes — you need to host the sale from a property inside the boundary. If you have a friend in the zone who'd let you set up at their place, that works.
Do I need to live in the boundary to shop?
No. Anyone can shop. Bring your friends. Bring people from the suburbs. The more, the better.
What if it rains?
Sales happen rain or shine. Individual sellers can choose to cancel, but the event runs.
What about permits or city paperwork?
Yes — Chicago requires a free garage sale permit for every household holding a sale. Here's how it works:
- Each household needs its own permit, even if you're joining a larger event like this one.
- Permits are free, issued by your ward alderman's office, and must be requested at least two weeks before the sale.
- Our boundary spans the 35th Ward (south of Belmont) and the 30th Ward (north of Belmont) — check your exact ward at chicago.gov/wards and apply through that alderman's office.
- Sales must run between 9am and sunset, and your permit must be displayed during the sale.
- Signs advertising the sale can only be posted on your own property — Chicago fines $50–$500 per day for signs on poles, fences, or other properties.
We'll send a permit-application reminder to everyone who registers, with links to the right ward office. The application itself takes about 5 minutes.
Will there be food?
Yes — we're planning to have a small lineup of food and drink vendors stationed at or near Avondale Park to fuel the day. Final lineup will be posted closer to the event. If you're a local vendor interested in setting up, email us.
Can I sell food or drinks from my house?
Selling prepared food from a residence generally requires a city permit and food-handling certification, which is more hassle than it's worth for a one-day event. Free lemonade or water for shoppers is fine. Selling pre-packaged baked goods at small scale falls under Illinois' cottage food law — read up on it before you do, and only sell items that qualify.
Can I be removed from the map?
Yes — email danny.maller@gmail.com and we'll take you off. You can be removed at any time.
How can I help if I'm not selling?
Volunteer at the info hub on event day, share the site on Nextdoor or Facebook groups, or just tell your neighbors. Email us if you want to get involved.
Contact
Questions, ideas, sponsorship offers, or "I'd like to help organize this":
danny.maller@gmail.com