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. We're focused on a specific area of Avondale to keep things walkable, but anyone in the neighborhood is welcome to sign up.
The target area
For year one, we're focused on a walkable pocket of south-west Avondale:
- North: Belmont Avenue
- South: Diversey Avenue
- West: Pulaski Road
- Northeast: Milwaukee Avenue (with the Kennedy Expressway just beyond)
That's about 30 walkable blocks, small enough that a shopper can hit a lot of sales on foot in a morning. If you live outside this area but elsewhere in Avondale, sign up anyway. We'll add you to the map and use it to figure out where to grow next year.
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 target area to sell?
No, the target area is where we're concentrating year one, but anyone in Avondale can sign up. If you're outside the shaded area on the map, you'll still get added so shoppers can find you, and your registration helps us figure out where to expand next year.
Do I need to live in the target area 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 permit for every household holding a sale. It takes about 5 minutes in person at your ward office, and it's free. We made a whole page about how to get one fast: read the permit guide.
Will there be food?
We're still figuring out the food and drink situation. If we line up vendors, we'll post the details here closer to the event. Local vendors 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 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