So, now that you know why visiting Chicago in the spring is such a great idea let’s turn our attention to what the Windy City has to offer during the rest of the year.
In the month of June Grant Park becomes a mecca for blues fans. The hugely popular (and always jam packed) Chicago Blues Festival takes place the first weekend in June and the best part—–it’s free!
June is also the month when the most decadent food festival in the country takes place. Taste of Chicago runs for 10 days from late June through the July 4th holiday weekend. The massive event (think millions of visitors) is located in Grant Park, but spills into the city’s other major arteries as well. The festival features dozens of food vendors from around the city and also includes family entertainment, live music and fabulous cooking demonstrations.
The months of July and August are just as fun filled in the midwestern metropolis. Tuesdays from mid-July through mid-August the Chicago Outdoor Film Festival screens classics and cult films in Grant Park’s Butler Field. Admission is free. (I would suggest using that money to invest in bug spray if you plan to attend this outdoor event.)
During the first weekend in August the city hosts Lollapalooza. The now legendary music festival fills three stages with over 100 concerts in three days. (You’ve never seen Pearl Jam like this.)
If you enjoy a side of aerobatics with your lake view then head over to the Chicago Air and Water Show. The annual event takes place during the second week in August right along Chicago’s lakefront. If you can’t stand crowds consider taking in the practice days, usually the Thursday and Friday before the shows. It’s a great chance to see the planes without the masses.
August is also the month when Viva! Chicago Latin Music Festival salsas its way into Grant Park. The event is free and takes place during the third weekend in August. And just prior to Labor Day, the Chicago Jazz Festival takes its turn tuning up in Grant Park. You can catch all the action without paying a dime.
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“Taste of Chicago”-The Ultimate Food Festival