Bettie's Chicago Spring Cleaning Open House: Vintage Dishes, Camera Gear & Bake Sale

Read the full experience

At the edge of Old Town's busy blocks, Bettie's Chicago throws open its doors for a Spring Cleaning Open House and Bake Sale at 853 N Larrabee St. This one-day event turns a tidy storefront into a carefully arranged rummage of vintage kitchenware, camera gear, and fresh-baked goods—an ideal stop for collectors, home cooks, photographers, and anyone who prefers object-led discovery to scrolling. Inside, tables sag under rows of Pyrex, Fire-King, Hazel Atlas, and Glasbake pieces; stacks of pie plates, loaf pans, and sifters wait beside retro drinkware and milk glass. Lighting stands, C-stands, and reflectors share space with pastry cutters and mini tart pans, creating an unexpected crossover between film-set hardware and the humble tools of home baking. Sellers have labeled items clearly, and prices invite impulse rescuing: a chipped mug becomes a display piece, a pizza screen finds new life on a summer porch. Smell is part of the pull: a limited selection of pre-ordered baked goods—brown-butter chocolate chip cookies, triple lemon cookies, sour cream sugar cookies, sourdough focaccia, and Epi baguettes—arrive warm and make the room feel like a communal kitchen. Bring cash and a tote; some goods sell out quickly. The event’s convivial pace gives shoppers time to examine glazes and seams, compare vintage marks, and test-fit camera knobs. Beyond bargain hunting, the Open House is a slice of Chicago’s hands-on craft culture. The neighborhood surrounding 853 N Larrabee St. is a short walk from tree-lined streets and independent galleries; many attendees treat the sale like a social errand—coffee, then browsing, then a walk. The mix of camera equipment and cookware points to the city’s hybrid creative economy: photographers, food professionals, and studio hobbyists all converge here. Practical details make the visit smoother: arrive early for the best selection, bring a bag and measuring tape for scale, and pre-order baked goods if you want guarantees. Street parking is limited; consider public transit or rideshare. Note that the sale is a one-day event on Friday, May 22nd from 3 PM–7 PM, so plan accordingly. Why book this on a Chicago trip? It’s a low-pressure, locally rooted experience where you can score a functional heirloom and support small-scale sellers. For travelers who collect objects as travel memories, the Open House at Bettie's Chicago offers an approachable kind of treasure hunting that reveals everyday design history and the improvisational side of the city’s maker scene. Plan to carry purchases on public transit cautiously—wrap fragile glass in clothing or use bubble wrap from sellers when available. If you can, arrive with a short list of desired items to focus your hunt. Whether you come for cookies or camera stands, the Open House is a sociable way to shop Chicago’s creative secondhand economy.

Trip highlights

Difficulty

easy.

Duration

1–3 hours.

Fitness level

Light walking and standing; able to carry small purchases and bags.

Frequently asked questions

When is the Open House?

The event runs Friday, May 22nd from 3 PM–7 PM at 853 N Larrabee St.

Can I pre-order baked goods?

Yes—there is a pre-order link for limited items; ordering helps guarantee you get the breads and cookies you want.

Is there parking at the venue?

Street parking is limited; public transit or rideshare are recommended for convenience.

Do sellers accept returns?

Most vintage sale items are final sale; check with individual sellers on condition notes before purchasing.

Is the space accessible?

Accessibility details are not provided in the listing; contact the organizer or visit the meeting point at 853 N Larrabee St. for specifics.

Are prices negotiable?

At small sales, light negotiation can be appropriate, but many sellers price items to move—respect the listed price and be polite when asking

Local insights

Wildlife

Rock pigeons
Eastern gray squirrels

History

Old Town is a long-established Chicago neighborhood with Victorian-era buildings and a strong arts scene; small events like this continue the area’s tradition of independent commerce.

Conservation

Buying secondhand extends the life of household goods and reduces waste; bring reusable bags and decline unnecessary packaging when possible.

About Bettie's Chicago

Bettie's Chicago is a hands-on bakery and cooking studio in Chicago led by head chef Kristin “Baker Bettie” Hoffman. The studio offers a wide range of classes, workshops, and take-and-bake options for home bakers, food lovers, and groups. Participants learn techniques for breads, pastries, pies, and savory dishes with a focus on practical skills, approachable recipes, and small class sizes that enable personalized instruction. Classes include introductions to bread baking, sourdough intensives, focaccia art, French breads, artisan pizza, homemade pasta, and seasonal favorites like pumpkin cinnamon rolls and apple cider donuts. Specialty workshops cover cookie pickups, cupcake and cake decorating, macaron making, and multi-day sourdough courses for intermediate bakers. Private events and corporate team-building sessions are also available by request. Bettie's Chicago emphasizes hands-on learning: students mix, knead, shape, and bake during sessions and often take finished products home. The studio highlights ingredient quality, clear step-by-step guidance, and reproducible recipes so attendees can recreate results at home. Classes specify age recommendations and duration, and many allow dietary accommodations or vegan-friendly options. The business is suitable for beginners through experienced bakers seeking focused technique work or creative culinary experiences. Reviews and event listings on reputable city guides and The Adventure Collective spotlight consistent class offerings and seasonal specialties. Booking information, class schedules, and pre-order pickup options are available through the studio’s online listings and partner platforms. Gift certificates, group discounts, and private lesson packages make Bettie's Chicago a flexible option for celebrations, team building, and hands-on culinary education across skill levels.

Base locationChicago, Illinois

Tours offered36+

Adventure tips

Bring a sturdy toteMany items are loose or boxed—bring a strong tote or collapsible bag to carry finds safely.

Pre-order baked goodsPopular items like Epi baguettes and brown-butter cookies sell fast—use the pre-order link to guarantee pickup.

Measure before you buyBring a small tape measure or use your phone to check dimensions for pans and glassware.

Plan transit for fragile itemsIf taking public transit, pack fragile glass in clothing or request seller wrapping to avoid breakage.

Recommended gear

Reusable tote or box: Makes carrying multiple purchases and fragile pieces easier.
Measuring tape: Confirm pan and plate dimensions before you buy so items fit your home setups.
Cash and card: Some sellers prefer cash for small purchases; have both to be flexible.
Protective wrapping (bubble wrap or cloth): Protect fragile vintage glassware during transit or ask sellers for wrap if available.