This Week In Photos: Silver Room Block Party Returns, Chicagoβs βConcrete Beachβ Goes Viral And More
π° Block Club Chicago
π July 24, 2026 at 5:54 AM
CHICAGO β A beloved festival made its return after a two-year hiatus over the weekend at the Salt Shed.
Hereβs what Block Club reporters and photographers captured while covering the cityβs neighborhoods this week:
Festivalgoers rap along during Big Daddy Kaneβs performance at the Silver Room Block Party at The Salt Shed on Saturday, July 18, 2026. Credit: Kenn Cook Jr. for Block Club ChicagoSilver Room founder Eric Williams, left, poses with DJ Jamie Principle after presenting him with the Legacy Award during the Silver Room Block Party at The Salt Shed on Saturday, July 18, 2026. The award honored Principleβs lasting influence on Chicagoβs house music scene and culture. Credit: Kenn Cook Jr. for Block Club Chicago
Chicago Police officers respond to a SWAT incident and shooting in the 4600 block of North Springfield Avenue in Albany Park on July 20, 2026. Credit: Colin Boyle/Block Club ChicagoInterim Supt. Fred Waller and Mayor Brandon Johnson walk away after giving an update outside Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center in Lakeview on July 20, 2026, after a woman and SWAT officer were shot in a domestic incident in Albany Park. Credit: Colin Boyle/Block Club Chicago
A puppy runs at the βconcrete beach,β also known as βThe Ledge,β between North Avenue and Oak Street beaches in Old Town on July 19, 2026. Credit: Colin Boyle/Block Club ChicagoEvan Graham and his friends jump off from the concrete beach on July 16, 2026.
Abraham Bolden is surrounded by friends and neighbors at the unveiling of his community plaque on display near his Auburn Gresham home on Saturday, July 18, 2026. Credit: Kameron Clepper for Block Club ChInside the home of Abraham Bolden are numerous rawards for his lifelong achievements including a trophy gifted to Bolden recognizing his achievement as the first African American Secret Service agent gifted to him in 2022. On display in his home on Saturday, July 18, 2026. Credit: kameronclepper for block club ch
Felicia Chase, chairperson at St. Sabina Family Parish Council, speaks during a press conference in support Fr. Michael Pfleger at St. Sabina Church in Auburn Gresham on July 17, 2026. Credit: Colin Boyle/Block Club ChicagoAngela Colon, parishioner, sheds a tear during a press conference in support Fr. Michael Pfleger at St. Sabina Church in Auburn Gresham on July 17, 2026. Credit: Colin Boyle/Block Club Chicago
Packages of hot dog buns travel on a conveyor belt before being shipped out at the S. Rosen bun factory in Hermosa on July 13, 2026. Credit: Giacomo Cain/Block Club ChicagoUncooked hot dog buns are coated with poppy seeds before entering the oven at the S.Rosen bun factory in Hermosa on July 13, 2026. Credit: Giacomo Cain/Block Club Chicago
Roots signature wings and a piece of fried catfish are served at Roots βThe Brunch Experience,β 633 E. 75th St., in Greater Grand Crossing on July 16, 2026. Credit: Colin Boyle/Block Club ChicagoTarsha Jackson, owner, poses for a portrait at Roots βThe Brunch Experience,β 633 E. 75th St., in Greater Grand Crossing on July 16, 2026. Credit: Colin Boyle/Block Club Chicago
Visitors line up at food pantry and health fair organized by the Chicago United Solidarity Project in Englewood, as seen on July 18, 2026. Credit: Francia Garcia Hernandez/Block Club Chicago
Chefs Eric Blanck and Patrick Bouaphanh head up the revamped Jinsei Motto seafood restaurant at 2456 N. California Ave., seen behind the updated bar and wood-fire oven July 14, 2026, in Logan Square. Credit: Ariel Parrella-Aureli/Block Club Chicago
Black fungus salad, lamb polo, skewers, and lagman are served at Kashgar Uyghur Dining, 4830 N. Pulaski Rd., in Albany Park on July 17, 2026. Credit: Colin Boyle/Block Club Chicago
Turn Back Time Records and Coffee owners Emiley Kiser (left) and Patrick Kapp at the business on July 16, 2026. Credit: Alex V. Hernandez/Block Club Chicago
An honorary street sign was installed at the intersection of North Narragansett and West Berteau avenues to honor longtime Polish radio host Krzysztof Arsenowicz on July 15, 2026. Credit: Molly DeVore/ Block Club Chicago
Commuters wait outside of the Belmont Blue Line station in Logan Square on July 21, 2026. Credit: Giacomo Cain/Block Club ChicagoAvondale residents speak with city consultants and share ideas at the first open house meeting for the Belmont Blue Line ETOD Plan improvement project at NEIUβs El Centro building, 3390 N. Avondale Ave. July 22, 2026. Credit: Ariel Parrella-Aureli/Block Club Chicago
