Chicago Blues Festival Bud Billiken Parade CLASSIC CHICAGO FOODS FUN FACTS BROWNIE Invented at the Palmer House hotel as a new dessert for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago, the brownie is still offered at the historic Loop hotel today. CHICAGO HOT DOG The classic Chicago hot dog is an all-beef frank nestled in a poppy seed bun and loaded with toppings: yellow mustard, sweet relish, diced onions, tomato wedges, a pickle spear, sport peppers, and a dash of celery salt — no ketchup! CHICKEN VESUVIO Harry Caray’s Italian Steakhouse replicates the original version of this dish invented in Chicago in the 1920s. ITALIAN BEEF SANDWICH Featured on the hit show The Bear , order yours dipped in au jus and served sweet (with peppers) or hot (topped with giardiniera). JIBARITO This fried plantain sandwich was introduced in Humboldt Park in the 1990s and is on the menu of many Puerto Rican restaurants in Chicago. TAVERN-STYLE PIZZA First served up in Chicago taverns during the 1940s, today you'll find this thin-crust, square-cut pizza in eateries throughout the city. SUMMER SUMMER FIREWORKS AT NAVY PIER May – August | Navy Pier Catch a spectacular fireworks display at lakefront Navy Pier each week from Memorial Day through Labor Day. CHICAGO BLUES FESTIVAL June | Millennium Park A genre with deep Chicago roots, blues is the star of this outdoor summer festival that attracts some of music’s biggest names. SUMMERDANCE June – September | Citywide Learn some new moves or enjoy the music when this summer event series turns Chicago parks into open-air dance floors. CHOSEN FEW PICNIC & FESTIVAL July | Jackson Park This celebration of house music, held in scenic Jackson Park, has been drawing legendary DJs and fans for more than 30 years. CHICAGO GOSPEL MUSIC FESTIVAL July | Millennium Park Hear everything from traditional choirs to contemporary gospel groups at this free outdoor festival under the stunning Pritzker Pavilion. JUNE JULY AUGUST MILLENNIUM PARK SUMMER MUSIC SERIES July – August Millennium Park Enjoy free outdoor concerts showcasing a wide range of established and emerging musicians in the stunning Jay Pritzker Pavilion. LOLLAPALOOZA August | Grant Park This iconic music festival amps up lakefront Grant Park with local talent and top acts from around the world. NORTHALSTED MARKET DAYS August | Northalsted This summer street festival takes over the historic Northalsted neighborhood for a weekend of live music, dancing, DJs, and vendors. CHICAGO AIR AND WATER SHOW August | Lakefront This free lakefront display is one of the largest events of its kind, with astonishing aerial and water demonstrations. BUD BILLIKEN PARADE August | Martin Luther King Drive The largest African American parade in the country, this exuberant procession of bands, floats, and student performers has been taking place since 1929. 10 choosechicago.com/tools CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT: WALTER MITCHELL III, CITY OF CHICAGO; @TEQUILAGRAPHICS; BARRY BUTLER PHOTOGRAPHY
Chicago Travel Professionals Guide 2025: Page 10
