2021-05-17 02:36:16
GUIDE TO CHICAGO A roundup of must-do activities and events for groups to enjoy throughout the year. SPRING March, April, May CHICAGO IN BLOOM Green thumbs love the creative gardens, DIY workshops, and culinary demos at the Chicago Flower & Garden Show, held in March at Navy Pier. Explore on your own or join a free guided tour of Millennium Park’s beautiful Lurie Garden, offered from May through September. At nearby Grant Park, view the ornate Buckingham Fountain and catch the nightly display of colored lights and music choreographed with the fountain’s dancing waters from early May through mid-October. See the Spring Flower Show at the lush Lincoln Park Conservatory, which displays exotic flora and fauna all year round. The Macy’s flagship store on historic State Street welcomes spring with the March Macy’s Flower Show, where flowers become art in the hands of renowned horticulturalists. SPORTS Cheer on the Chicago Cubs baseball team at historic Wrigley Field, and be sure to take a fascinating behind-the-scenes tour. Catch a Chicago White Sox baseball game at Guaranteed Rate Field and watch for the blast of fireworks every time the Sox hit a home run and win a game. Both the Chicago Cubs and White Sox stadiums are easily reached via the CTA Red Line ‘L’ train. Head to SeatGeek Stadium to see the Chicago Red Stars compete against opponents in the National Women’s Soccer League. The Chicago Sky brings some of the best professional women’s basketball players to Wintrust Arena, with on-court experiences for fans. Catch a sizzling Chicago Fire Football Club match at Soldier Field (the season typically begins in spring), the soccer team’s home stadium that’s shared with the Chicago Bears American football team and offers behind-the-scenes tours. SPRING HAPPENINGS In celebration of St. Patrick’s Day in March, watch the dyeing of the Chicago River as the waters are turned emerald green in the morning, then experience the Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade with its colorful floats, Irish step dancers, and bagpipers in the afternoon. Attend screenings of more than 100 feature and short films from Latin America, Spain, Portugal, and the United States during the Chicago Latino Film Festival in April. In May, get a taste of Illinois Craft Beer Week during events that showcase Chicago’s vibrant craft brew scene, including beer festivals and brewery events. Everything from traditional choirs to contemporary gospel groups fill the air with soulful melodies at the free Chicago Gospel Music Festival, held in May in Millennium Park. At the free Chicago House Music Festival in May, watch DJs and live performances in Millennium Park that celebrate all styles of the house music genre that was born in Chicago. SUMMER June, July, August MUSIC & DANCE In June, an impressive lineup of musicians perform at the Chicago Blues Festival in Millennium Park, the largest free blues festival in the world. Enjoy the sweet sounds of classical music during the free Grant Park Music Festival, which runs from June through August. Pack a picnic and watch free movies and concerts all summer long during the Millennium Park Summer Music & Film Series. Join in free group lessons and dance to live music during Chicago SummerDance in Grant Park from June through August. During July, savor smoky barbecue and jam out to country music during the Windy City Smokeout. The Pitchfork Music Festival features an eclectic range of bands in Union Park. Groove to reggae music and try Afro-Caribbean dishes at the International Festival of Life in Washington Park. House music fans flock to the Chosen Few DJs Picnic & Music Festival, held in Jackson Park. The Square Roots Festival enlivens Lincoln Square with a diverse mix of artists, along with craft beer from local brewers. Catch your favorite artists at the sprawling Lollapalooza music festival, which takes over Grant Park in August with loads of big-name bands. The Chicago Jazz Festival showcases the world’s greatest jazz artists in Millennium Park and at the Chicago Cultural Center in late August. FOODIE FESTS In June, get a taste of one of the nation’s top culinary neighborhoods during Taste of Randolph Street. Get your hands on the best ribs in the city during June’s Ribfest Chicago. Kicking off in June, Chicago Friday Night Flights features craft beer tastings in different neighborhoods throughout the summer. From June through late fall, find farm-fresh goods at the Green City Market in Lincoln Park and the West Loop. Bites from some of the city’s best restaurants, celebrity chef appearances, and concerts make July’s Taste of Chicago a summer must-do. SWIMMING BEACHES Take your group for a dip just steps from The Magnificent Mile at Oak Street Beach. Organize a volleyball game at North Avenue Beach before diving into Lake Michigan. Further south, soak up incredible views of the skyline from 31st Street Beach. You can also rent jet skis, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards from nearby Chicago Water Sport Rentals at 31st Street Harbor. NEIGHBORHOOD EVENTS In June, view the works of 250 fine artists and wander the tree-lined streets of historic Old Town during the Old Town Art Fair. Every June, the Puerto Rican People’s Parade marches down Division Street in Humboldt Park in celebration of Caribbean culture. Find food, art, and musical acts from across the country at the July Wicker Park Fest. The July Chinatown Summer Fair features traditional Chinese food, music, and performances. Attend Pilsen’s Fiesta del Sol in July for its lively Latinx music and authentic Mexican street food. FALL September, October, November HALLOWEEN EVENTS At the Lincoln Park Zoo Fall Fest discover harvest favorites like a pumpkin patch, corn maze, and a Pumpkin Walk with live professional pumpkin carvers. Young visitors love Spooky Zoo, a fun trick-or-treat event to celebrate Halloween. The magical Arts in the Dark nighttime parade celebrates Halloween as the artist’s holiday with unique floats, creative puppets, and music and dance performances. Experience Day of the Dead Xicágo, hosted by Pilsen’s National Museum of Mexican Art, featuring make-your-own ofrendas (altars), live music, and group art activities in Harrison Park. Head out to the Chicago Botanic Garden in suburban Glencoe and be wowed by the Night of 1,000 Jack-o’- Lanterns, showcasing intricately hand-carved pumpkins. CULTURAL PURSUITS Typically held in September, attend EXPO CHICAGO and explore international contemporary art galleries at Navy Pier. In conjunction, EXPO ART WEEK features programming at museums, art galleries, and cultural institutions across the city. Also in September, the free World Music Festival presents international artists and ensembles performing at venues around Chicago. See a wide range of jazz music styles performed in spaces throughout the historic Hyde Park neighborhood, including The University of Chicago campus, during the Hyde Park Jazz Festival in September. During the October Open House Chicago, take your group on free behind-the-scenes tours of more than 250 architectural gems across Chicago, including soaring skyscrapers, opulent theatres, and exclusive private clubs. Don’t miss the Chicago International Film Festival, a star-studded October celebration that includes screenings of award-winning films from around the world, as well as panels featuring actors and filmmakers. Also in October, the Destinos: Chicago International Latino Theater Festival brings together local, national, and international theatre groups from Chile, Cuba, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and more. FALL HAPPENINGS Foodies flock to Chicago Gourmet, held in Millennium Park each September, featuring celebrity chefs, cocktail and cooking demos, themed special events like the popular Hamburger Hop, as well as food and wine tastings. Held in early September, the North Coast Festival is an all-ages music and arts fest with a focus on electronic dance music. During Taste of Polonia in September, enjoy Polish cuisine, cultural performances, and crafts in Jefferson Park. Join the rowdy music fans at the all-ages Riot Fest & Carnival, held in September in Douglass Park, which features a diverse lineup of rock, punk, and hip-hop bands, along with bites from some of Chicago’s favorite eateries. Get ready to join the raucous crowd in singing Bear Down, Chicago Bears every time the Chicago Bears American football team scores a touchdown at Soldier Field (the season begins in September). History lovers can’t miss the Historic Pullman House Tour in October, when residents of the historic community founded in the 1880s for Pullman Palace Car factory workers open their homes to the public for the weekend. In November, Thanksgiving Day begins with the Chicago Thanksgiving Parade, featuring giant balloon characters and marching bands. Traditionally held the day after Thanksgiving, the Wreathing of the Lions on the steps of the Art Institute of Chicago is a unique way to get your group into the seasonal spirit. WINTER December, January, February HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS Do some shopping along The Magnificent Mile, then join in the November BMO Harris Bank Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, which culminates in a dazzling evening parade led by Mickey Mouse to kick off the holiday season. Also check out the shops on State Street and venture over to Macy’s State Street to see the store’s magical holiday window displays and the Great Tree in The Walnut Room. Nearby, take in the artisan crafts and festive foods at Christkindlmarket Chicago, a German-style Christmas market. At Millennium Park, ring in the season with the City of Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting and Caroling at Cloud Gate (on select days). See a holiday show, such as The Nutcracker by the Joffrey Ballet or A Christmas Carol at the Goodman Theatre. Don’t miss the sparkling Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light exhibits at the Museum of Science and Industry. Be wowed by ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo, complete with incredible animated displays, holiday treats, and selfies with Santa. OUTDOOR FUN Rent skates and take a spin on the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park or the picturesque Maggie Daley Park Skating Ribbon. The Rink at Gallagher Way turns the green space outside historic Wrigley Field into a winter wonderland. Northerly Island is the perfect place to go snowshoeing in the city. During its Polar Adventure Days your group can meet cold-weather creatures and make winter crafts. SPORTS See the Chicago Bulls play basketball in “The House That Jordan Built,” also known as the United Center, where you can view the team’s six NBA championship trophies and pose for a selfie with the statue of superstar Michael Jordan. Also at the United Center, watch for team mascot Tommy Hawk dancing to Chelsea Dagger when the Chicago Blackhawks hockey team scores a goal. WINTER HAPPENINGS During First Bites Bash, sample dishes from some of the city’s best chefs at the Field Museum as a kickoff to January’s Chicago Restaurant Week, when hundreds of local restaurants offer special prix fixe menus. From late January through early February, see cultural performances at venues around the city as part of Chicago’s Chinese New Year celebration. In February, the Chicago Auto Show showcases an impressive collection of passenger cars and trucks at McCormick Place. Snag discounted tickets to more than 100 of the hottest shows in Chicago during the February Chicago Theatre Week. 10 FREE HIDDEN GEMS 1. Chicago Greeter Tours A local volunteer will customize a tour based on the interests of groups of six or less. 2. City Gallery in the Historic Water Tower View photography by local artists at this intimate gallery. 3. Northerly Island Wander nature trails that wind through wildflowers on this picturesque peninsula. 4. Lincoln Park Conservatory This lovely conservatory is located next to the free Lincoln Park Zoo. 5. Hyde Park Art Center Galleries and artists’ studios are housed in this welcoming haven. 6. Jane Addams Hull-House Museum Human rights advocate Jane Addams is honored at this Little Italy museum. 7. Garden of the Phoenix Stroll through this traditional Japanese garden in Jackson Park, located by the Museum of Science and Industry. 8. Garfield Park Conservatory This lush conservatory was designed by renowned landscape architect Jens Jensen. 9. Stony Island Arts Bank Artist Theaster Gates turned a former bank into this vibrant Woodlawn arts center. 10.The 606 Walk or rent wheels from a Divvy bike-share station in Logan Square and explore this scenic elevated trail. TOP 5 LGBTQ+ EVENTS CHICAGO PRIDE FEST/CHICAGO PRIDE PARADE Each June, Chicago Pride Fest takes over Northalsted (formerly known as Boystown) for an epic two-day celebration, followed by the Chicago Pride Parade on the last weekend of the month. PRIDE IN THE PARK Pride in the Park takes place in downtown Grant Park in June with a stellar lineup of musical acts that include world-famous DJs, drag queens and kings, and a spectacular display of Pride-themed fireworks. NORTHALSTED MARKET DAYS Hailed as the largest street festival in the Midwest, Northalsted Market Days is an August music festival spanning six city blocks, with artisan and food vendors, live performances, and plenty of dancing. REELING FILM FESTIVAL Held in September, the Reeling Film Festival is one of the oldest festivals dedicated to international LGBTQ+ films, screening shorts, documentaries, and narrative features. HAUNTED HALSTED HALLOWEEN PARADE Hundreds of goblins, witches, and zombies march in the Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade on Halloween night, with prizes awarded for the best costumes, voted on by a panel of drag queens. FUN OUTDOOR EVENTS Held in May at Lincoln Park’s Cricket Hill, the Chicago Kids and Kites Festival features professional kite flyers showing off their amazing moves, live music, arts and crafts, food trucks, and free kite kits. Lake Shore Drive — Chicago’s waterfront roadway — is cleared of traffic so cyclists can enjoy nearly five hours of carefree pedaling along the city’s scenic lake-shore in May during the Fifth Third Bike the Drive. A seasonal favorite, the Navy Pier Summer Fireworks is a spectacular display synchronized to music that illuminates the sky over Navy Pier every Wednesday and Saturday evening from Memorial Day in late May through Labor Day in early September. In October, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon kicks off with a fitness expo before runners from more than 100 countries race through the streets of various Chicago neighborhoods. For the most up-to-date information on Chicago’s year-round events, go to choosechicago.com/events.
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