Updates and Tidbits About Chicago

Don’t Miss Out on These Memorial Day Chicago Events

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 12^th 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.

Cheapest Things to Do in Chicago on a Budget

If you’re budget is small or you want to save a few bucks without missing out on the best Chicago attractions, you’re in luck. The Windy City is full of budget-friendly activities that are designed for singles, families and seniors. From day trips to festivals and special downtown events to ventures to museums that offer free exhibits, see just how much fun you can have with these budget-friendly Chicago options.

Chicago Cultural Center

Each month, hundreds of locals and visitors experience the best of what Chicago culture has to offer with visits to the Chicago Cultural Center. This popular Chicago attraction is home to the famous stained-glass domes for sight-seeing, as well as free guided tours, art exhibitions, films, lectures, music and dance performances. Located at 78 East Washington Street, this center is a must-see in the heart of downtown.

Wrigley Field

If you’re a baseball fan and want to see the Chicago Cubs in action, you can do so without breaking the bank. At certain times in the season, you can grab top-row seats at Wrigley Field for just around $10. Located on the north side of downtown, Wrigley Field is an expansive stadium that is also home to special events and Chicago festivals throughout the year. Hit a homerun on a budget-friendly trip when settling in at Wrigley Field with the family.

Navy Pier

While a day at Navy Pier has the potential to get expensive, there are plenty of free opportunities at this well-known Chicago attraction. Take a stroll with the family along the pier to get a first-hand view of Navy Pier or join in on one of the many free festivals that take place on the pier each year. Catch some late-night fireworks or rent bikes for a minimal fee to explore even more of the lake-side Chicago attractions.

Buckingham Fountain Water Display

Find respite from the summer heat or get wet and wild on a spring or fall afternoon when visiting the Buckingham Fountain Water Display that offers a light, sound and water show each hour. Located in Grant Park at Congress Parkway and Columbus drive, this Chicago attraction is one of the largest in the world and offers views for all ages – at no cost.

While you could spend hundreds of dollars or more exploring the finest dining options and thrilling Chicago attractions, you can get more bang for your buck when finding things to do in Chicago with these budget-friendly options. Explore the many parks, affordable food vendors and even discount hotels to make your stay enjoyable and budget friendly. Check back often for more budget-friendly Chicago activities that involve food, fun and festivals.

Top 4 Romantic Date Ideas to Celebrate Spring in Chicago

The perfect time to launch a budding romance or reignite your love life is the spring. This eventful season gives you a chance to treat your significant other to an adventurous day outside with the sun shining or an intimate evening at one of Chicago’s popular attractions. Infuse your adventures with romance when making one of these prime Chicago hotspots your destination for date night.

Get to Know Each Other at a Tiki Bar

Celebrate spring and your adoration for that special someone with a romantic date at one of Chicago’s tiki bars. The setting and the ambiance sets the mood for romance and offers you and your date a chance to feel as if you are on your very own island. Chicago’s best date-night tiki bar restaurants in the heart of the city include Three Dots and a Dash and Lost Lake, both offering fine eats and cocktails for couples.

Enjoy Candlelit Fine Dining

Treat your loved one to a special night out at one of Chicago’s best fine dining establishments. Depending upon your taste buds and budget, you can choose from French restaurants to Italian delicacies. Make a reservation at Everest, an upscale French restaurant on the 40^th floor of Financial Place or dine at Eddie V’s Prime Seafood to indulge in the catch of the day. The Capital Grille offers American fare and delicious steak dinners while the Acadia on Wabash Avenue is known for its New American coastal dishes.

Shop Along the Magnificent Mile

Nothing defines romance more than a leisurely walk, hand-in-hand through the streets of Chicago. Whisk your partner away to the Magnificent Mile to shop, explore and enjoy the spring weather in downtown. Located on North Michigan Avenue, the Magnificent Mile is known for fine dining establishments, designer outlet stores and even street festivals to keep the two of you entertained.

Bike Along the Lake

If the two of you are adventurous, enjoy the spring Chicago weather by biking along Lake Michigan. Chicago is home to several bike trails that will glide you through the busy streets and right along the water. Rent a bike from one of the local kiosks or stop in at Navy Pier to rent a cycle for two to enhance your romantic visit to Chicago.

Spring is the perfect time to explore Chicago with that special someone. From romantic dinners overlooking the city’s skyline to adventurous bike rides along the trails adjacent to the city parks, you can find plenty to do with your loved one to keep that spark alive. Check back often for even more Chicago romantic date ideas.

Things to Do in Chicago in May

After the rainy spring season, most Chicago locals and visitors want to head outdoors and enjoy the thrilling activities the city has to offer. You’re in luck! We’ve got a list of things to do in Chicago in May that will leave you craving more fun in the sun throughout the summer season.

Chicago Beer Classic

If you’re a fan of authentic brews and summer fun in Chicago, May is the best time to make your way downtown to Soldier Field for this Chicago festival. Several local and national brewers kick off the summer at this popular May Chicago event that features not only brews, but also food, music and fun. Join in the tailgate activities before the event and then head onto Soldier Field to sample some of the best beers in the city.

Walking Tours

When the weather is not yet too warm and muggy, yet a cool breeze is abundant, put on your walking shoes and sightsee the downtown area on foot with a guided Chicago walking tour. See Chicago architecture, listen to city-related ghost stories and span the neighborhoods and Chicago attractions. Hosted by Greeter Tours these walking tours offer you and the family the perfect opportunity to have some fun in the city in May while also getting in some exercise.

MaiFest

What better way to experience Chicago than by attending one of the city’s most popular festivals? MaiFest, hosted in Lincoln Park, is one of the most popular kick-offs to summer with food, live entertainment and games for all ages. This popular German festival is hosted the last weekend of May each year. Join in the Gemütlichkeit this year to treat the family!

Night Nation Run

If you love music and running, combine the two by participating in Chicago’s Night Nation Run event in May. This Chicago festival includes a 5K run, a light show, an illuminated race course, lasers, celebrity DJ performers and a main stage after party. The best part is that you get to run along the Chicago riverfront with spectacular views of the city’s skyline.

May is the perfect time to get out and about with the family or that special someone. And, Chicago attractions give you plenty of opportunities to enjoy the windy city in style. From walking tours that get your heart rate moving to homemade brews at May Chicago festivals, you can find just the right activity that suits your needs. Check back often for even more suggestions for enhancing your time in downtown Chicago.

Things to Do in Chicago When It’s Raining

In the heart of the Midwest, Chicago is not immune to the rainy season. In fact, the windy city is often hit with downpours quite often during the spring. However, you don’t have to let the rain dampen your fun. Here are some indoor Chicago attractions to enjoy when it’s raining outside.

When searching for the nearest Chicago brewery or some of the best Chicago breweries, start your adventures with these hotspots. Check back often for even more top of the line breweries in Chicago.

Museum of Science and Industry

Chicago museums offer family fun whether it’s raining, snowing or the sun is shining bright. When you’re looking for things to do in Chicago when you can’t enjoy the great outdoors, head over to the Museum of Science and Industry. Since 1933, this Chicago attraction has been sparking creativity in the science field with interactive exhibits, games, simulators and rides for all ages. Located in the beautiful Hyde Park, this Chicago museum is open daily.

Garfield Park Conservatory

See the beauty of Chicago’s landscape with a stop in at the Garfield Park Conservatory on a rainy day. Through the power of nature, this conservatory works to inspire guests, students and groups with lively exhibits and lush green gardens. This Chicago attraction features greenhouses with tropical landscape, unique plants from across the world and even a varied collection of cacti and succulents. This conservatory in Garfield Park and is open daily and located at the intersection of Lake Street and North Central Park Avenue.

Chicago’s Children Museum

This isn’t an ordinary museum. In fact, the Chicago’s Children Museum is known for its interactive exhibits, offering plenty of fun when the sun is a no-show. Located on Navy Pier, this museum is home to special programs for not just grade-school children, but also babies and toddlers. Let your little ones explore so you’re not stuck at home on those rainy days. And, as a special treat, you can grab a bite to eat at one of the many eateries on the pier.

Symphony Center

Get in a little culture and a toe-tapping time when purchasing tickets for a performance of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra on a rainy day. Located on South Michigan Avenue, the Symphony Center features performances of the orchestra year-round that include guest musicians that are world renowned. Contact the Symphony Center for more information about upcoming shows.

There are plenty of things to do in Chicago when the sun isn’t shining. Find musical thrills, nature-inspired wonders and more when visiting these Chicago attractions.