Chicago is the place for fun events this summer
June 4, 2010By Nadeen Nakib
It’s that time of the year again. The weather is getting warmer and the drinks are getting colder. As Chicagoans toss their winter coats into their closets and pull out their sandals and shorts, the Chicagoland area provides plenty of events to attend. Summer 2010 in Chicago brings live music, great food, and many fun-filled activities for the whole family to enjoy.
DOWNTOWN
Navy Pier Fireworks will run through the beginning of September every Wednesday at 9:30 p.m. and Saturday at 10:15 p.m. The dazzling display can be seen from the lakefront or on one of the cruises that leave from Navy Pier. The fireworks are launched to music, which can be heard if viewing the show from Navy Pier. Call (312) 595-PIER.
Millennium Park at Michigan Avenue at Randolph Street is the place for many events this summer.
The Lurie Garden Guided Walks run through September and offers free 20-minute guided walks with University of Illinois Extension master gardeners. Learn about native plants and Chicago’s symbolism through the garden.
The Family Fun Festival runs through Friday, Sept. 3, and features interactive activities, a performance stage, a reading circle, and musical games for kids of all ages.
Dusk Variations return to Millennium Park on the Jay Pritzker Pavilion. The series of four free concerts will take place on Monday nights Aug. 2, 9, 16, and 23 at 6:30 p.m.
The 26th Annual Chicago Gospel Music Festival, Saturday and Sunday, June 5 and 6, will be held at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion.
Millennium Park Workouts run Saturdays, June 5 through Sept. 11, featuring classes in tai chi, yoga, pilates, martial arts, dance, aerobics, and more.
In addition, there will be a wide variety of musical events throughout the summer, including the Music Without Borders series, Thursday, June 3, through Thursday, July 22, and the Edible Audible Picnic series through Saturday, Sept. 4.
For more information call (312) 742-1168 or log on to www.millenniumpark.org.
Chicago Architecture Foundation (CAF) Tours feature boat, bus, and walking tours of the beautiful architecture for which Chicago is known. CAF experts lead the tours, which include bus and walking tours with themes such as Bungalows by Bus, an outing spotlighting bungalows built between 1910 and 1940. Walking tours take participants through Chicago’s Loop and other neighborhoods. River tours cruise for 90 minutes along the Chicago River and highlight more than 50 architecturally significant sites. Tours run through Thursday, Sept. 30, from 10 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. For more information log on to www.architecture.org, call (312) 922-3432, or visit the CAF shop at 224 S. Michigan Ave.
Kayak Chicago hosts a variety of tours, giving paddlers an unusual glimpse of the city via kayaks along the Chicago River. For more information go to www.kayakchicago.com or call (630) 336-7245.
Taste of Chicago is the largest food and free music festival in the United States. Held in Grant Park, the Taste generates more than $11 million in food and beverage sales each year, giving more than 70 Chicago restaurants a chance to show off some of their most famous cuisines. This year’s edition starts Friday, June 25, and runs until Sunday, July 4. Vendors open their booths at 11 a.m. and close at 9 p.m. (except Saturday, July 3: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Sunday, July 4: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.). Admission to the festival grounds and food purchases are made by ticket only; tickets come in strips of 12 for $8. Bring your appetites and growling stomach. For more information visit www.tasteofchicago.us or call (312) 744-3315.
The Race to Taste marks its 18th year as part of the Taste of Chicago. To be held Sunday, June 27, the 5k begins at 8 a.m.; the two-mile walk at 8:05 a.m.; and the kids’ dash at 9 a.m. All participants will meet at Buckingham Fountain at its southwest corner, 300 E. Balbo Dr. Prices are $35 for 5k/two-mile walk and $5 for Kids’ Dash. Online registration closes Tuesday, June 22. In-person registration ends Friday, June 26. There will be no race-day registration. Participants are invited to stay after the race to eat and drink at select Taste of Chicago booths, which will open early for participants. All participants will have the opportunity to win raffle prizes at the awards ceremony. For registration information visit www.cityofchicago.org/specialevents or call (312) 744-3315.
Free days at the Field Museum are held every second Monday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Enjoy the many different exhibits the museum has to offer, all without opening your wallet for admission. For more information, call (312) 922-9410
The inaugural Chicago Criterium is a series of bike races on Sunday, July 25. The Criterium features races throughout the city as well as a short course race on a 1.1-mile loop through Grant Park. The start and finish line will be located on Grant Park, 337 E. Randolph St. Log on to www.bikechicago.us.
The 13th annual Elvis is Alive 5K Run, 6:45 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 5, encourages participants to dress up like “The King” and join in on a run on Chicago’s lakefront. Stay after for food, drink, and live music. For more information visit www.fleetfeetchicago.com or call (773) 305-3338.
The 52nd annual Chicago Air and Water Show will be held at North Avenue Beach. Come see flying daredevils jump, dive, and flip on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 14 and 15. National Anthem starts at 10:45 a.m., with show following at 11 a.m. Call (312) 744-3315.
Macy’s Passport Presents Glamorama 2010 will be held at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., at 8 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 13. Hosted by Macy’s, this 12th annual fashion extravaganza will feature designers and live music. The party will continue at Macy’s State Street store, 111 N. State St., where the entire seventh floor will be turned into an amazing after-party. For more information call (312) 781-5454.
The fifth annual Windy City Wine Festival runs Friday, Sept. 10, 4 to 10 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 11, 3 to 9 p.m., at the Buckingham Fountain. There will be cooking demonstrations, ten wine tastings, 250 international vintages, and live music. Wine tasting is for adults only and is $25 in advance or $30 at the door. Call (847) 382-3540.
The Chicago Bike Valet, sponsored by Chase Bank, offers an environmentally easy way to get to some of your favorite festivals this summer. With service at 11 events including Chicago Blues Fest, Taste of Chicago, Chicago’s Outdoor Film Fest, Chicago Criterion, Lollapalooza, Latin Music Festival, Jazz Fest, the Chicago Green Festival, the Chicago Bike Valet gives bikers VIP treatment with secure corrals to park their bikes. Bike mechanics will be available to perform bike safety checks and maintenance upon request. For information, log on to www.chicagohotblog.com/chicago-bike-valet.
Chicago Neighborhood Tours start at the Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph St. Explore the history, cultures, and food of local communities. Tours range from three to five hours and may include snacks or lunch. Cultural Center Tours are held at the same location Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 1:15 p.m. Meet in the Randolph Street lobby for tours of one of Chicago’s most historic buildings. Call (312) 742-1190.
MUSIC
The 27th annual Chicago Blues Festival—the largest free blues event in the world—runs Friday, June 11, through Sunday June 13, at Grant Park. Performances take place on six stages. Headliners include T.K Soul, Jimmy Dawkins with Tail Dragger, and a tribute to Chicago blues legend Howlin’ Wolf on opening night. Call (312) 744-3315.
The Grant Park Music Festival runs Wednesday, June 16, through Saturday, Aug. 21, at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park and features classical music from the Grant Park Orchestra and Chorus and many international guests. Call (312) 742-7638.
Lollapalooza concerts take place in Grant Park Friday, Aug. 6, through Sunday, Aug. 8. The concerts feature artists such as Soundgarden, the Strokes, Lady Gaga, Green Day, Cypress Hill and many more. Regular three-day pass available for $215. Children younger than ten are admitted free with an adult and can enjoy “Kidzapalooza,” which features fun and games such as hip hop workshops, photo shoots, dance workshops, and live performances. For more information visit www.lollapalooza.com.
The 2010 Viva! Chicago Latin Music Festival showcases Latin artists from around the world along with special foods to allow guests to experience the diversity of Latin culture. This year’s lineup will offer a spicy mix of cumbia, reggaeton, salsa, merengue, tango, bachata, banda, and Spanish pop. The 22nd annual festival runs Friday and Saturday, Sept. 17 and 18, in Millennium Park. Bring your dancing shoes and partner and get ready to party the night away. Call (312) 744-3315.
Chicago’s 19th annual Country Music Festival features a variety of music and activities on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 8 and 9, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Once a part of Taste of Chicago, the Country Music Festival now is held separately in Millennium Park. Performance schedules to be announced. Call (312) 744-3315.
For more information on Chicago’s music festivals, log on to www.chicagofestivals.net.
FAMILY FUN
Sleep Under the Skyscrapers at the Lincoln Park Zoo, Cannon Drive at Fullerton Parkway. The new Nature Boardwalk at the zoo allows families to explore an urban ecosystem at night. Pitch a tent to sleep under the skyscrapers and wake to the morning sounds of nature, Friday and Saturday, July 16 and 17, and August 6 and 7 from 6 p.m. to 9 a.m. $50 for tickets and $45 for zoo members. For more information call (312) 742-2056.
The Chicago Children’s Museum Block Party, 700 E. Grand Ave., is a kid-sized block party that features an interactive experience for children ages two through 12, ongoing daily through Thursday, Sept. 9, during museum hours. Free with museum admission.
Grow a Pea Pod in a Snap: learn fun facts about pea plants and seeds while doing hands-on activities at the Garfield Park Conservatory, 300 N. Central Park Ave. Stop in between 1 and 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, June 26 and June 27. For more information visit www.garfieldconservatory.org or call (773) 638-1777.
The Family Fun Festival at Millennium Park includes family performances and hands-on activities every day from Wednesday, June 9, through Friday, Sept. 3, between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. in the Family Fun Tent, located in the park’s Chase Promenade. For more information visit www.millenniumpark.org or call (312) 742-1168.
Sue’s Tenth Anniversary Summer Celebration invites all to celebrate the commemoration of the unveiling of Sue, the world’s largest and most complete T. Rex, with activities all summer for the whole family through Sunday, Sept. 5, at the Field Museum. There will be a 3-D movie as well as other activities. For more information visit www.fieldmuseum.org, or call (312) 922-9410.
CULTURAL/ETHNIC
Chicago’s Caribbean Jerk Fest will celebrate the Caribbean Islands on Saturday, June 26, at Stateway Garden Park, 3658 S. State St. The fest highlights the Jamaican culinary art of “jerking” food and features live music, a domino tournament, and kids’ activities. Hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Call (312) 243-9002.
The third annual Chicago Arabesque runs Thursday through Saturday, June 24 through 26, at 50 W. Washington St. Admission is free, and the event will feature workshops, calligraphy, artisan demonstrations, Middle Eastern cuisine, a “souk” (shopping bazaar), and live music and dance performances. Hours on June 24 through 25 are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and June 26 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Log on to www.chicagoarabesque.com.
The African-Caribbean International Festival of the Arts, 5500 S. Cottage Grove Ave., will run Friday, July 2, through Monday, July 5. Chicago’s largest neighborhood festival, it celebrates African-Caribbean influence in America and features three performance stages, ethnic cuisine, vendors, and fine arts. Call (773) 955-2787.
The Irish American Heritage Festival will be held in the Irish American Heritage Center, 4626 N. Knox Ave. It will features a mashed-potato eating contest, dance performances, sing-alongs, a matchmaking event, a singing contest, arts and crafts, kids’ activities, and vendors. Friday, July 9, 6 p.m. to midnight; Saturday, July 10, noon to midnight; and Sunday, July 11, noon to 11 p.m. For more information visit www.irishfestchicago.com or call (773) 282-7035.
Ukrainian Days Festival 2010 runs Saturday, Aug. 21 and Sunday, Aug. 22, from noon to 10 p.m. Admission is free for the 27th annual fest that features Ukrainian music and dance, traditional cuisine and arts and crafts. 2526 W. Grand Ave. For more information call (773) 252-1228 or log on to www.uccaillinois.org.
IN THE NEIGHBORHOODS
St. Basil’s Greek Fest will be held Saturday, June 5, from 5 to 11 p.m., and Sunday, June 6, from noon to 10 p.m., at 733 S. Ashland Ave. Festival favorites include shish kebab, chicken with rice pilaf, roast leg of lamb, and gyros along with many other Greek treats. Greek dancers also will perform. Call (312) 243-3738.
The Taste of Greece 2010 runs Saturday and Sunday Aug. 28 and 29 in Greektown at 100 S. Halsted St. It offers Greek specialties, souvenirs, raffle prizes, and live music. Hours are noon to 11 p.m. Call (312) 664-5485 or log on to www.greektownchicago.org.
Lakeside Bank will present VanderCook College of Music’s Graduate Band at the fourth annual Concert in the Park on Tuesday, July 13tat the Women’s Park and Gardens behind the Clarke House Museum, 1827 S. Indiana Ave. A family drum circle demonstration will begin at 6:30 p.m.,followed by the concert at 7 p.m. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets, pick a spot to sit, and listen to the sounds of famous marches, showtunes, movie themes, and concert band classics the whole family can enjoy. The concert is free and will benefit VanderCook. Concert goers can visit Café Society, 1801 S. Indiana Ave., to purchase a special concert picnic dinner that can be brought to the park. Log on to www.lakesidebank.com for more information.
Historic Bronzeville Tours will be held on Saturdays through September. Tour areas and venues such as The King Drive Walk of Fame, Johnson Publications, Great Migration Statue & Story, and Pilgrim Baptist Church. Tickets range from $27.50 to $60. Tours are 3.5 hours in duration. For more information visit www.chicagotours.us or call (888) 881-3284.
The 2010 McDonald’s Chinatown Summer Fair will have been held for 31 years and includes food and drinks, arts and craft vendors, Asian entertainment, live music ,and a children’s area with a petting zoo and pony rides. The fair will be held on Wentworth Ave. from 24th Pl. to Cermak Rd from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. on Sunday, July 18. For more information visit www.chicagochinatown.org or call (312) 326-5320.
The 26th annual Newberry Book Fair, Newberry Library, 60 W. Walton St, will feature more than 100,000 books in 60 different categories Wednesday, July 28, from 4 to 8 p.m.; Thursday and Friday, July 29 and 30, from noon to and 8 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday, July 31 and Aug. 1 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information call (312) 255-3510.
The Printers Row Lit Fest, Dearborn and Polk St., Saturday and Sunday, June 12 and 13, is a reader’s dream. Offering books for sale, readings, cooking demonstrations, and kids’ activities, the fair invites all to join in on making reading fun. It presents 11 stages and more than 100 free literary programs. Kids’ events include storytelling and music. Call (312) 222-3986 or log on to www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/events/printersrow/.
Chicago Festa Pasta Vino runs Thursday, June 17 through Sunday, June 20, on 24th Street and Oakley Avenue. This annual festival transforms a generations-old Italian neighborhood into the streets of Italy with columns, fountains, and statues and offers live cooking demonstrations, costumed performers, foods from different venues, and live entertainment. For a detailed listing of performers, go to www.festapastavino.com or call (847) 233-9966.
The 13th annual Chicago SummerDance is an 11-week festival that features dance lessons followed by two hours of live music and dancing. Held in the Spirit of Music Garden in Grant Park, 601 S. Michigan Ave., the festival runs Thursday, June 17, through Sunday, Aug. 29, every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 6 to 9:30 p.m. and Sundays from 4 to 7 p.m. Free for all. For information visit www.ChicagoSummerDance.org or call (312) 742-4007.
Saint Anthony Hospital will host its 4th Annual Summer Fest, featuring hot rods, low-riders, custom and antique cars and motorcycles, and a free health fair expo and screenings on Saturday, June 26, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the hospital grounds at 2875 W. 19th St. The health fair will offer free immunizations, free health and dental screenings, and mini health workshops. There will be lots of family-friendly entertainment including DJs, dancers, and a raffle. All families who preregister for the event will receive a free backpack. Call (773) 484-4386.
Taste of Randolph Street, 900 W. Randolph St., Friday through Sunday, June 18 through 20, presents some of Chicago’s hottest restaurant cuisines. For a $10 donation, sample food from restaurants to be announced. Previous years’ featured restaurants were Aroma, De Cero, La Sardine, Macello, Sushi Wabi, and Marche. Stop by the Culinary Pavilion for cooking lessons with various chefs. Call (312) 458-9401.
The sixth annual Randolph Street Market Festival will be held on select Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dates are the weekends of June 19 and 20, July 24 and 25, Aug. 28 and 29, and Sept. 25 and 26. Located at 1350 W. Randolph St., the festival features an admission cost of $8-10 per weekend. Formerly known as the Chicago Antique Market, this indoor/outdoor fair features more than 200 dealers presenting antiques and vintage collectibles as well as displays of exclusive indie designed clothing, a farmers’ market, live music, and food. Call (312) 951-9939.
The Niketown Bastille Day 5k Run/Walk and Block Party will be held at 1100 W. Jackson Blvd. on Thursday, July 8. Participants will run through the West Loop and finish at the block party, which will offer live music, drinks, and food for runners. Registration costs $30. Event proceeds will benefit Mercy Home for Boys and Girls. An awards presentation will be held at 8:30 p.m. to award medals to the overall male and female champions. Call (773) 868-3010.
The 26th annual Old St Pat’s World’s Largest Block Party runs Friday and Saturday, July 9 and 10. Tickets cost $35 in advance, and $40 at the gate; a two-night pass costs $65. More than 70 couples have met at the party and eventually married. Attendees must be 21 or older. The party offers an opportunity to meet new people, listen to music, enjoy food and drinks, and participate in raffles. The party will be held outside the church at 700 W. Adams St. Call (312) 648-1021.
The Pitchfork Music Festival, one of the biggest music fests in Chicago, runs Friday through Sunday, July 16 through 18, at Union Park, 1501 W. Randolph St. Artists will include LCD Soundsystem, Modest Mouse, Liars, and more. Tickets cost $40 for a one-day pass. For information, e-mail info@pitchforkmusicfestival.com.
This year’s Fiesta del Sol runs Thursday, July 29, through Sunday, Aug. 1, at 1400 W. Cermak Rd. between Throop and Morgan Streets. Festivities include live music by local up-and-coming talent, carnival rides, sports tournaments, an art pavilion showcasing indigenous crafts, and authentic Mexican food and drinks. Fiesta del Sol is alcohol and tobacco-free and draws more than one million people yearly. The festival has become Pilsen’s largest source of revenue and an opportunity to spotlight the issues of immigrants’ civil rights and education reform. During the event, representatives from universities throughout the city will be on hand to speak with families about attending college and financial aid. For more information see www.fiestadelsol.org or call (312) 666-2663.
Festa Italiana will be held on Taylor Street between Loomis Street and Ashland Avenue on the Near West Side Friday, Aug. 6, 5 to 11 p.m.; Saturday, Aug. 7, noon to 11 p.m.; and Sunday, Aug. 8, noon to 10 p.m.. The fest will feature classic Italian food specialties, merchandise, and children’s activities. For more information visit www.onestientertainment.com/html/festivalsnfairs.html or call (847) 795-1800.
Notre Dame de Chicago’s August Fest will feature food, drinks, raffles, a dunk tank and other games, and both live and DJ-provided music with dancing on Saturday, Aug. 14, from 2 to 10 p.m. in the Notre Dame de Chicago Church parking lot at 1334 W. Flournoy St. There also will be a reunion of Notre Dame Academy alumni. Call (312) 343-7400.
Festa di Tutti I Santi, a major fundraiser for the Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii, will be held Sunday, Aug. 29. It starts with an 11 a.m. Mass at the Shrine at 1224 W. Lexington St., followed by a procession with festive religious banners by various patron saint societies that will make its way toward the Christopher Columbus statue in Arrigo Park. A picnic in the park will offer food and beverages as well as children’s games, stilt walkers, a jumping jack, face painting, games of chance, a gift shop, a bocce tournament, and live entertainment. The post-Mass event runs from noon to 5 p.m. For information and table reservations, call (312) 421-3757 or log on to www.ourladyofpompeii.org.
The 21st Annual Chicago Peace Fest in Lincoln Park runs Friday, June 18, noon to 9 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday, June 19 and 20, from noon to 9 p.m. There will be live music and entertainment from Wanton Looks, Half Mad Poet, Classy Ladies, and more. Admission is free. Call (708) 795-1146.
FARMERS’ MARKETS
The Bridgeport Farmers’ Market, 35th Street and Wallace Ave., will be held 7 a.m. through 1 p.m. every Saturday from June 12 through Oct. 16.
Daley Center Plaza Farmers’ Market, 100 N. Dearborn St., 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursdays through Oct. 14.
The Federal Plaza Farmers’ Market, Adams and Dearborn Streets, Tuesdays through Oct. 26, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call (312) 744-0565.
Bronzeville Farmers’ Market, 30th Street and King Drive, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays from June 5 through Oct. 28.
Hyde Park Farmers’ Market, 52nd Pl. and Harper Ave., 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursdays through Oct. 28. (312) 744-3315.
For more information on other locations visit www.cityofchicago.org.
MUSEUMS
Glessner House: A Walk Through Time, the Glessner House Museum annual benefit, will be held Sunday, June 13, 1 to 4 p.m., at 1800 S. Prairie Ave. Tickets cost $50, $45 for museum members. The event includes a tour of Prairie Avenue’s historic houses. Prairie Avenue Walking Tours also will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 8. Call (312) 326-1480 to reserve a place, since group size is limited.
Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive, (800) 468-6674, www.msichicago.org. The Smart Home: Green + Wired exhibit, a fully-functioning, eco-friendly home on the museum’s grounds, has been transformed for 2010 by Midwest Living. The home is redesigned to reflect the lifestyle of a couple looking to minimize home maintenance, maximize efficiency, and settle in to a space that not only is beautiful, but functional.
The Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Ave., offers Tuesdays on the Terrace, Tuesdays through Sept. 28, featuring live jazz music and a $22 dinner buffet from Wolfgang Puck Catering from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. For more information visit www.mcachicago.org or call (312) 280-2660.
