Chicago has thousands of events every year. The following are what we consider to be some of the best and must see events. The best part is that they are almost all free.
The Chicago Auto Show: Feb. 10-19. A huge collection of the latest automobiles at McCormick Place. This show requires a lot of walking. $11 for adults. $7 for seniors and children 7-12.
Restaurant Week: Feb. 17-26. Over 170 restaurants including many of Chicago's best restaurants will be offering 3 course price-fix menus. It is a great chance to dine at places that may otherwise be out of your price range. Lunches are all $22 and dinners $33.
St. Patrick's Day:
March 10 at 10:00, although it used to be 10:45. Dyeing the river, at Michigan., 12 p.m. Parade, Columbus through Grant Park, behind the Art Institute of Chicago. Come early and watch them dye the water green. Yes, the water is already green but they make it Irish green. The rest of the festivities are nothing too exciting. It is more of an excuse for 20-somethings to come downtown and start drinking early.
Gospel Fest: June 21-24. A collection of top gospel acts for free in Grant Park.
Blues Fest: June 8-10. Several stages with lesser know acts from around the country and nationally known acts on a large stage at night. Free. Grant Park.
Old Town Art Fair: June 11 & 12. The biggest and best known of Chicago's many art fairs. There are 260 artists selling a wide variety of fine art such as: jewelry, photos, paintings and sculpture. It can be very crowded so go early if you want to look at the art and go late in the afternoon if you want to take in more of the social scene.
Taste of Chicago: July 11-15. It is crowded and often hot, but it is a great chance to try a lot of different Chicago foods. The breaded steak at Ricobennies and rainbow cones are our favorites. Big name music acts at night. Free admission. Grant Park.
Venetian Night: Cancelled by the Mayor. Saturday night July 25th. A boat parade followed by fireworks. Surprisingly crowded. Spread along the downtown lakefront. One of our favorite things to do in Chicago.
Air & Water Show: August 17-19, 11a.m.- 4 p.m. Our favorite Chicago event. A weekend long event including top military and acrobatic acts. It can be viewed anywhere on the lakefront from Navy Pier north. Oak Street Beach, Ohio Street Beach and North Avenue Beach are great places to go to watch. It is very crowded, up to a million people on a sunny day. Free
Jazz Fest: Aug 30-Sept. 2. A good collection of jazz acts with a well mannered crowd. Free. Millennium Park on the first two nights and Grant Park on the 3rd & 4th days.
Chicago Marathon: October 9. A sea of humanity running all over the city makes for quite a spectacle. Starts and ends in Grant Park. A lot of streets are closed for this event so plan you traveling carefully on this day. Starts and finishes behind the Art Institute of Chicago on Columbus.
Disney Parade: November 19th. Fun for the whole family with a Disney parade along Michigan Avenue and fireworks shot of in the middle of high-rises. A great thing to do with children.
Chriskindal Mart: November 24th through Christmas. Small retailers from Germany selling high quality crafts and foods. Food such as Bratwurst and potato pancake, and drinks like mulled wine and beer are available.
Daley Plaza. It is outside and can of course be very cold. One of the best things to do in Chicago at Christmas time.
