I realize some parts of the country are just barely showing signs of spring, but there are some people who are already making their travel plans for the fall and winter. (I know because I am related to some of them.) With the price of gas nearing record highs and the cost of air travel soaring it might not be a bad idea to secure tickets while the prices are still reasonable.
I have always maintained that Chicago is a destination for all seasons. No matter what time of the year you plan to visit there is something to keep you entertained. The following events are some of my personal favorites:
Once the summer crowds head home and the city quiets down a bit I enjoy spending time at the Celtic Music Festival. The annual event is held in mid-September in Grant Park. It features infectious music and dance acts from Ireland and the United States… and the best part–admission is free.
I ran the Chicago Marathon in 1999 and plan to take to streets to run the race again next year. This October I plan to join more than a million other spectators to cheer on the 35,000 plus runners who will navigate the 26.2-mile course during the city’s premier event. Last year the race was called off about three hours after it started because record high temperatures made conditions dangerous for participants.
If sweating for four hours is not your cup of tea you might consider attending a more relaxing event at Chicago’s Solider Field. During the second weekend of October the Chicago Country Music Festival two-steps its way into the hearts of tens of thousands raucous fans.
In November my family makes its annual journey to Chicago to usher in the holiday season. On the Saturday prior to Thanksgiving area retailers sponsor The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival. The festivities include a parade down Michigan Avenue; millions of holiday lights that flicker on the mega-mile; and a fireworks show over the Chicago River caps off the days events.
You can’t visit Chicago during the month of December without spending some time at the Christkindlmarket. The massive attraction is open throughout December until just before Christmas and features imported crafts and a slew of food vendors primarily from Europe to simulate the continent’s famed Christmas markets.
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