Chicago has thousands of events every year. The following are what we consider to be some of the top events. The best part is that they are almost all free.
Auto Show: Feb. 12-21 A huge collection of the latest automobiles at McCormick Place. $11 for adults. $7 for seniors and children 7-12.
Restaurant Week: Feb. 19-28. Many of Chicago's top restaurants will be offering 3 course price-fix menus. Lunches are all $22 and dinners $33.
St .Patrick's Day:
March 13 at 10:45 Dyeing the river, 12 p.m. Parade. Come early and watch them dye the river green. Yes, the river is already green but they make it Irish green. The rest of the festivities are nothing too exciting.
Gospel Fest: June 5-6. A collection of top gospel acts for free in Grant Park.
Blues Fest: June 11-13. Several stages with lesser know acts from around the country and nationally known acts on a large stage at night. Free. Grant Park.
Taste of Chicago: Held in the two weeks around the 4th of July. June 26- July 5 2009. 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. The mayor has threatened to cancel it for 2010.
Air & Water Show: August 14 & 15, 11a.m.- 4 p.m. My 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. It is very crowded, up to a million people on nice days. Free
Jazz Fest: Sept. 3-5. A good collection of jazz acts with a well mannered crowd. Free. Grant Park.
Chicago Marathon: October 10. 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.
Disney Parade: Late Nonmember. Fun for the whole family with a Disney parade along Michigan Ave. and fireworks shot of in the middle of high rises.
Chriskindal Mart: November 26th through Christmas. Small retailers from Germany selling high quality crafts. 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.
