Downtown Chicago is bustling at any time of the year, but the city brings out the best of its culture and fun during Memorial Day weekend. If you’re out and about in Chicago at the end of May, don’t miss out on these Memorial Day Chicago events for the entire family.
Beachfront Fun
As summer unfolds during Memorial Day weekend, take advantage of the rising temperatures by cooling off in Lake Michigan. Downtown Chicago is home to several beaches that give you and the family a chance to make a splash or build a sand castle. Several of the beaches also feature dining options, street-side vendors and accessible restrooms to enhance your adventures. Choose from the Ohio Street Beach and North Avenue Beach to the 12th Street Beach for waterfront Chicago attractions over Memorial Day weekend. If you stay well into the evening, you can catch the fireworks display at Navy Pier to light up your weekend excursion.
Chicago House Music Festival
Every year, the windy city hosts the Chicago House Music Festival in the heart of downtown at the Chicago Cultural Center, Millennium Park and various venues throughout the city. The festival kicks off with exhibits and lecture series at the Chicago Cultural Center and continues well into the night with music award presentations at Millennium Park. Enjoy performances on the streets of the city from local musicians and nationally-known bands to enhance your Memorial Day weekend fun.
Memorial Day Parade
Honor active duty military, veterans and those fallen at the annual Memorial Day parade in Chicago. Typically hosted on the Saturday before Memorial Day, this festive parade runs along State and Lake Street all the way to Van Buren Street in downtown Chicago. In addition, you can catch a dedication ceremony and visit the displays commemorating those who have died at the General John A. Logan Monument all weekend.
Lake Shore Drive Bike Ride
If you want to explore the downtown streets of Chicago without the traffic, join in on the thrill of riding bikes with the family over Memorial Day weekend. This annual bike ride, known as Bike the Drive, begins at 5:40 a.m. on Memorial Day and allows you to glide along Edgewater to Hyde Park on Lake Shore Drive on just two wheels. Bring your own bike or rent one downtown to take part in this Chicago Memorial Day event that offers you five hours of car-free riding.
Exploring Chicago attractions is enjoyable at any time of the year, but when you’re looking for Chicago Memorial Day events, we have you covered. Check back often for tips and deals on hotels, restaurants and family-fun attractions in the great city of Chicago.
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