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A budget-friendly guide to Chicago in the summer
- by freeandflawed
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- June 22, 2009
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I know it seemed like it would never get here, but don't worry Chicago, summer is on its way! It's better late than never right? The weather might not be perfect quite yet, but Chicago isn't waiting for the sun. Exciting events are happening all over the Chicagoland area, so here's a guide helping you decide what to do.
Movies in the park
Every summer I say that I’m going to see a movie in a park. Something about being outdoors, surrounded by strangers on a warm summer’s night, watching a great movie is really enticing. (Photo by BluEyedA73)
Marquette Park
6734 S. Kedzie Ave. Chicago, IL 60629
Movies in the park kicks off with Rebel Without A Cause on June 19th at 8:30 p.m.
Brand's Park
3259 N. Elston Ave. Chicago, IL 60618
You can catch The Wizard of Oz at Brand’s park on June 19th at 8:30 p.m.
Movies in the Park
For a complete list of movies, dates and parks, check out the Chicago Park District’s website.
Fireworks
Popular locations like Grant Park, Navy Pier and U.S. Cellular Field put on spectacular firework show every year. But there are plenty of other parks, districts and suburbs that have a pretty awesome display. So if you’re trying to ditch the downtown crowd, check out these other locations:
Oakton Community College
1600 E Golf Rd, Des Plaines, IL 60016-1268
If you’re in or near Des Plaines, you’re in luck. Oakton Community College puts on a pretty awesome firework display.
If you’re in or near Des Plaines, you’re in luck. Oakton Community College puts on a pretty awesome firework display.
Elmwood Park High School
8201 W Fullerton Ave, Elmwood Park, IL 60707
A few years ago I attended the Elmwood Park firework show on the 4th and I was pretty impressed. You wouldn’t guess that a high school crowd could be anything but annoying, but it was awesome! Definitely check it out if you’re trying to get away from the Loop.
A few years ago I attended the Elmwood Park firework show on the 4th and I was pretty impressed. You wouldn’t guess that a high school crowd could be anything but annoying, but it was awesome! Definitely check it out if you’re trying to get away from the Loop.
4th Of July Fireworks in Chicagoland
For a complete list of fireworks in and around Chicago, check this out.
Gay Pride Parade
The Gay Pride Parade is a spectacular event in Chicago. Usually held on the last weekend in June, people from all over Chicago, gay or straight, head to Belmont & Halsted to show their support.
For more information about the parade, check out PRIDEChicago
Chicago's Best Summer Runs and Races
I knew Chicago offered a lot of runs and races, but I had no idea how fun some of them were! ElGuapo put together a fantastic list full of the different runs/races in Chicago. There’s something for everyone, even if you’re not a trained runner.
Taste of Chicago
That Taste of Chicago is an event that many Chicagoans try to avoid, but usually can’t. I’ll admit that it’s incredibly crowded and overpriced, but I still go and usually have a blast! I know I can get the food for a cheaper price if I go to the actual restaurant, but the atmosphere is a lot of fun.
Taste of Chicago Main Entrance
Congress Dr. & Michigan Ave., Chicago IL 60604
For more information, including musical acts, food lineups and maps, check out the Taste of Chicago website
Not planning on attending the Taste?
No problem! I’ve chosen a few of my favorites for you to try out on your own time.
Eli's Cheesecake World
6701 W Forest Preserve Ave, Chicago, IL 60634
Best. Cheesecake. Ever. They used to give tours and free samples of cheesecake, but I’m not sure if they still do. I went there for an 8th grade field trip. I was too young to truly appreciate the awesomeness of cheesecake though.
Best. Cheesecake. Ever. They used to give tours and free samples of cheesecake, but I’m not sure if they still do. I went there for an 8th grade field trip. I was too young to truly appreciate the awesomeness of cheesecake though.
Harry Caray's Restaurant
33 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60654
Harry Caray’s is a Chicago landmark. It’s definitely a hot spot for tourists, but a lot of Chicagoans hit it up. I have yet to go there, but I heard they have ah-may-zing steak!
Harry Caray’s is a Chicago landmark. It’s definitely a hot spot for tourists, but a lot of Chicagoans hit it up. I have yet to go there, but I heard they have ah-may-zing steak!
Gold Coast Dogs
418 N State St, Chicago, IL 60654
I love Chicago hot dogs! Gold Coast dogs is in my top 3. If you haven’t tried one, seriously, what are you waiting for?!
I love Chicago hot dogs! Gold Coast dogs is in my top 3. If you haven’t tried one, seriously, what are you waiting for?!
Concerts
The music scene in Chicago explodes in the summer. There are a number of outdoor concerts in addition to the venues.
Charter One Pavilion @ Northerly Island
1300 S Lynn White Dr, Chicago, IL 60605
On June 20th you can see The Offspring and Dropkick Murphys at the Charter One Pavilion.
On June 20th you can see The Offspring and Dropkick Murphys at the Charter One Pavilion.
Lollapalooza
On August 7-9 you can catch awesome bands like Kings of Leon, Depeche Mode and The Decemberists. Click here for a complete lineup.
Grant Park
337 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601
Over 300 acres in size, Grant Park is a highly noticeable and popular feature of downtown Chicago. Famous features of the city are located within its borders, including the massive Buckingham Fountain and the Art Institute of Chicago, and the park also provides lush green areas, ideal for picnics and...
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Over 300 acres in size, Grant Park is a highly noticeable and popular feature of downtown Chicago. Famous features of the city are located within its borders, including the massive Buckingham Fountain and the Art Institute of Chicago, and the park also provides lush green areas, ideal for picnics and outdoor activities, and paved exercise paths. It borders the Millennium Park civic center, redeveloped from the northernmost portion of Grant Park, which holds numerous works of public art. The park sits on the shore of Lake Michigan in The Loop district; its southern area is known as Museum Campus and holds The Field Museum, the Shedd Aquarium and the Adler Planetarium.
Wrigley Field
1060 W Addison St, Chicago, IL 60613
On July 21st two amazing artists will be performing at Wrigley Field. Elton John and Billy Joel will rock the socks off of Chicago. For tickets, click here
On July 21st two amazing artists will be performing at Wrigley Field. Elton John and Billy Joel will rock the socks off of Chicago. For tickets, click here
Aerosmith is back on tour!
I have always wanted to see Aerosmith. I said if they ever went back on tour that I would make every effort to go see them. I guess I have to now! For more information on tour dates and tickets, click here
1st Midwest Amphitheatre
19100 S Ridgeland Tinley Park, IL 60477
On Friday, August 28th you can sing along to your favorite Aerosmith and ZZ Top tunes. I’ll be there, lighter and all. If they sing that Armageddon song, I’m out.
The Twenty-Something Bloggers Meet-up
Twenty-somethings from all over the U.S. will be coming to Chicago on June 25 for the very first 20SB meet-up. It’s a chance for the network’s bloggers to meet new bloggers, familiar faces and long-time readers. Look for a complete guide soon!
BlogHer 2009
BlogHer is about creating opportunities for women who blog to pursue exposure, education, community, and economic empowerment. It’s an amazing weekend full of opportunities to meet other like-minded bloggers and learn from their experience.
BlogHer is sold out, but you can still follow along online with podcasts, videos, and of course, Twitter and other blogs!
The Unofficial Guide to BlogHer '09
For more information about BlogHer, check out this guide I put together.
The Art Institute
If you haven’t had a chance to check out the Art Institute’s new Modern Wing you’re definitely missing out. Tuesdays are free days at the museum. Take a sick day and check out some awesome art!
The Art Institute of Chicago
111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603
A vast collection of art from around the world and across millennia is displayed at The Art Institute of Chicago. Its holdings are particularly strong in the fields of Impressionist, Modern and Contemporary art, containing famous works like "American Gothic" by Grant Wood and Seurat's "Sunday Afterno...
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A vast collection of art from around the world and across millennia is displayed at The Art Institute of Chicago. Its holdings are particularly strong in the fields of Impressionist, Modern and Contemporary art, containing famous works like "American Gothic" by Grant Wood and Seurat's "Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte" as well as works by Monet, Van Gogh and Picasso. The museum is located inside Grant Park in The Loop area of downtown Chicago, just south of Millennium Park.
International Museum of Surgical Science
1524 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60610
This is a different type of museum, but it’s one I’ve been wanting to check out for a while. For more information, take a look at their website. Oh, and they offer free admission on Tuesdays, too!
This is a different type of museum, but it’s one I’ve been wanting to check out for a while. For more information, take a look at their website. Oh, and they offer free admission on Tuesdays, too!
The Field Museum
The Field Museum is one of my favorites. They offer free admission on Wednesdays.
Chicago's Free Museums
For a list of deals on Chicago museums, definitely check out this site.
Crown Fountain
I’m too old for this, but I love running around Crown Fountain on a hot day. It’s an easy way to stay cool, laugh at kids and enjoy some people-watching. Plus, it’s free! If you’re spending the day at Millennium Park, you’ll be hit with tourists, but it’s a fun place. Say hello to the “bean” for me!
Other cool guides to check out:
Take Me To The Cool People!
Chicago has a lot of them!
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As usual, you are the mostest usefulest Guider on here :o) Since I’m only doing BlogHer LobbyCon and therefore need something to do during the breakout sessions, I’ve been digging up ideas in your Chicago tourism guides.
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