WELCOME Welcome to Chicago THE BMO HARRIS BANK MAGNIFICENT MILE LIGHTS FESTIVAL AUGUST August 3–6 Lollapalooza Grant Park, lollapalooza.com This annual music festival brings several hundred thousand spectators and rocking performances to Grant Park. CHICAGO JAZZ FESTIVAL October 14–15 November 18 Open House Chicago 200 buildings across the city, openhousechicago.org Explore the hidden gems and architectural treasures of Chicago’s diverse neighborhoods at this free event presented by the Chicago Architecture Foundation. August 19–20 The BMO Harris Bank Magnificent Mile Lights Festival Michigan Ave., from Wacker Dr. to Oak St. themagnificentmile.com More than a million lights on 200 trees along The Magnificent Mile light up for the holidays during this annual parade. Chicago Air & Water Show North Avenue Beach, chicagoairandwatershow.us Dozens of aerial and water stunts are visible along the lakefront at this show, the largest free event of its kind in the U.S. October 21 August 31–September 3 Chicago Jazz Festival Millennium Park, chicagojazzfestival.us This annual free event is known for attracting some of the top names in jazz for four days of blowout tunes. The Halloween Gathering Festival & Parade Millennium Park, chicagoculturalmile.org Chicago’s vast and diverse creative communities gather for an afternoon festival culminating with a magical nighttime parade. November 23 McDonald’s Thanksgiving Day Parade State St., from Congress northbound to Randolph chicagofestivals.org Created in 1934, this parade includes more than 5,000 participants, giant inflatables, marching bands, floats, mascot Teddy Turkey and more. SEPTEMBER September 22–24 NOVEMBER November 17 DECEMBER December 1–January 7, 2018 Chicago Gourmet Millennium Park, chicagogourmet.org More than 150 Chicago restaurants, chefs, vintners and breweries offer tastings, live cooking demos, seminars, book signings and more. Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony Millennium Park, millenniumpark.org Locals and visitors gather in Millennium Park to celebrate the holiday season at the official Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting. Winter WonderFest Navy Pier, navypier.com Experience the winter season inside 170,000 square feet of family-friendly holiday fun. OCTOBER October 8 November 17–December 24 December 31 Bank of America Chicago Marathon Starts and ends in Grant Park, chicagomarathon.com Runners from all 50 states and more than 100 countries compete in the 40 th annual race. ©ADAM ALEXANDER PHOTOGRAPHY Christkindlmarket Chicago Daley Plaza, christkindlmarket.com This German market features traditional fare and goods from vendors offering eclectic, often handmade items. Free admission. Chi-Town Rising Michigan Ave. & Chicago River, chi-townrising.com Ring in 2018 with this epic New Year’s Eve celebration featuring headliner musical acts, a visually spectacular countdown and a magnificent fireworks show. 2017 Conventions & Conferences Each year, Chicago hosts hundreds of conventions, conferences and trade shows throughout the city. For a detailed calendar of the 2017 conventions and conferences in Chicago, visit choosechicago.com/meeting-professionals/convention-calendar . choosechicago.com/meeting-professionals :: 11
Chicago Meeting Professionals Guide 2017: Page 11
