Event dates are subject to change. Here is a sampling of our events. For a complete listing, go to choosechicago.com . FESTIVALS & EVENTS 2019 OCTOBER Bank of America Chicago Marathon Grant Park | Oct. 13 chicagomarathon.com Runners hailing from all 50 states and more than 100 countries race through city neighborhoods to reach the finish line in Grant Park. Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade Grant Park | Oct. 19 artsinthedark.org Renowned cultural institutions, including some of Chicago’s leading museums and theater companies, combine forces to produce a magical evening Halloween parade. Día de los Muertos Xicágo National Museum of Mexican Art | October nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org This authentic Day of the Dead celebration pays homage to dearly departed loved ones with make-your-own altars, live music and art activities in Harrison Park. Chicago Gospel Music Festival JANUARY FEBRUARY Chinese New Year Citywide | Feb. 4–17 choosechicago.com/ chinesenewyear Welcome the Year of the Pig during a citywide celebration that includes colorful parades, cultural performances and a variety of special events. Chicago Theatre Week Citywide | Feb. 7–17 chicagotheatreweek.com Experience Chicago’s world-class theater scene with reduced-price tickets to more than 100 shows produced by professional companies throughout the city. Chicago Auto Show McCormick Place | Feb. 9–18 chicagoautoshow.com The largest auto show in North America features a huge range of passenger cars and trucks, exciting experimental cars and celebrity appearances. APRIL Star Wars Celebration McCormick Place | Apr. 11–15 starwarscelebration.com This celebration of all things Star Wars includes celebrity appearances, panels and interviews, limited-edition merchandise, special screenings and a cosplay competition. AUGUST NOVEMBER Lollapolooza Grant Park | Aug. 1–4 lollapalooza.com One of the largest outdoor music festivals in the world, Lollapalooza features electrifying performances by established and up-and-coming acts. Chicago Air & Water Show North Avenue Beach | Aug. 17-18 chicagoairandwatershow.us Join the crowds to watch amazing aerial and water stunts along the lakefront, from Fullerton Avenue to Oak Street. Chicago Jazz Festival Millennium Park | Aug. 23–Sept. 1 chicagojazzfestival.us Known for attracting some of the biggest names in jazz, this free fest provides a stage for everyone from local Chicago musicians to international performers. Christkindlmarket Chicago Daley Plaza | Nov. 22–Dec. 24 christkindlmarket.com Christkindlmarket is a charming open-air holiday market featuring handcrafted gifts, ornaments, and warming food and drink like glühwein, a hot spiced wine. Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony & Holiday Celebrations Millennium Park November–December millenniumpark.org Kick off the holidays with the official lighting of the city Christmas tree and sing holiday songs during Caroling at Cloud Gate on Friday evenings. BMO Harris Bank Magnificent Mile Lights Festival Magnificent Mile | Nov. 22-23 themagnificentmile.com More than one million lights illuminate North Michigan Avenue during this two-day fest featuring live music, a parade led by Mickey and Minnie Mouse, and spectacular fireworks. Uncle Dan’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Loop | Nov. 28 chicagothanksgivingparade.com Thanksgiving begins bright and early with this cheery morning parade that features huge helium balloon characters, colorful floats and marching bands along historic State Street. M AY James Beard Awards Gala Lyric Opera of Chicago | May 6 jamesbeard.org/awards Chefs and restaurateurs from around the country are honored during this culinary awards show known as the Oscars of the food world. Chicago Gospel Music Festival Millennium Park | May 31-June 1 chicagogospelmusicfestival.us Acclaimed local, national and international gospel music performers fill Millennium Park with joyful noise during this free festival. MARCH St. Patrick’s Day Parade/ Dyeing of the Chicago River Citywide | Mar. 16 chicagostpatricksdayparade.org The Chicago River is dyed emerald green in the morning, followed by a festive parade along Columbus Drive featuring floats, Irish step dancers and bagpipers. JUNE Chicago Blues Festival Millennium Park | June 7-9 chicagobluesfestival.us The largest free blues festival in the world also features the best performers, with past appearances by blues giants that include Buddy Guy, B.B. King and Ray Charles. Chicago Pride Fest & Parade Boystown | Fest: June 22–23, Parade: June 30 chicagopride.gopride.com Chicago’s lively LGBTQ celebration consists of the two-day Pride Fest (with live music and local food), followed by a fabulous parade the following Sunday. SEPTEMBER EXPO CHICAGO Navy Pier | Sept. 19–22 expochicago.com The annual EXPO CHICAGO returns to Navy Pier, hosting leading art galleries and showcasing the works of global artists. Chicago Gourmet Millennium Park | Sept. 27–29 chicagogourmet.org Foodies flock to this annual event that features celebrity chefs presenting cooking demos, book signings, seminars, and food and wine tastings in downtown Chicago. DECEMBER St. Patrick’s Day Winter WonderFest Navy Pier December 2019–January 2020 navypier.org Winter WonderFest transforms Navy Pier into a festive indoor wonderland with rides, an ice skating rink and sparkling holiday decorations. 2019 CONVENTIONS & CONFERENCES 8 meetinchicago.com Chicago hosts hundreds of conventions, conferences and trade shows throughout the city, with 2019 poised to be another record-breaking year. Find a detailed calendar of 2019 conventions and conferences in Chicago at meetinchicago.com . PHOTO CREDITS: (FROM TOP) PHOTO COURTESY OF CHOOSE CHICAGO; CITY OF CHICAGO PHOTO COURTESY OF CHOOSE CHICAGO Chicago Restaurant Week Citywide | Jan. 25–Feb. 7 eatitupchicago.com More than 300 restaurants throughout Chicago offer specially priced prix fixe brunch, lunch and dinner menus during this annual culinary celebration. Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo (C2E2) McCormick Place | Mar. 22–24 c2e2.com This comic, cosplay and pop culture convention features amazing artists and authors, celebrity panels and autograph sessions, plus screenings and a cosplay awards show. JULY Taste of Chicago Grant Park | July 10-14 tasteofchicago.us This annual eating extravaganza serves up bites from some of the most popular restaurants in Chicago, along with cooking demos and concerts.
Chicago Meeting Professionals Guide 2019: Page 8
