| Events |
| Guide - Events - Best of the City |
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Chicago Auto Show
2301 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60616
Description: Not only is this the oldest auto show in North America, but it's also the biggest. The very first Chicago Auto Show was held in 1901, and it has grown to include about 1000 different vehicles, from passenger cars, trucks, and SUVs to concept, antique, and collector cars. Virtually every make and model from around the world is showcased: Cadillac, Toyota, Lamborghini, Land Rover, BMW, Bentley, Hummer, Lotus, Porsche, Maserati, Nissan, Honda, and more. The Chrysler Group has a test track as well (more than 64,000 people have taken a ride on it!), and numerous athletes and movie/television stars make appearances.
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Chicago Gay Pride Parade
N Halsted, between Addison & Grace, Chicago, IL 60614
Description: Chicago's \\"Boystown\\" neighborhood comes alive with color, music, dancing and of course, pride. Expect the unexpected - costumes of all sorts, music of all genres, rainbows everywhere and even major political figures in attendance. Although the parade \\"officially\\" begins at noon, the party figures to last no less than 24 hours. Word of the wise, take public transportation; driving in this neighborhood is not possible this day.
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Chicago Green Festival
600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611 800-563-7362
Description: The Chicago Green Festival features some 350 local and national green businesses that exhibit and sell eco-friendly, fair trade, and sustainable goods and services. There's a children's zone, workshops, yoga classes, live music, and organic beer, wine, and food. Speakers typically draw standing-room-only crowds; the roster has included authors like Frances Moore Lappé, Paul Stamets, Bill McKibben, and David Korten, along with local and regional government officials and community leaders.
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Chicago Jazz Festival
331 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601
Description: For over 20 years this festival has entertained Chicagoans with the finest local and national jazz performers. The enormous festival runs during Labor Day Weekend, and is the largest of its kind in the world. Encompassing several genres, there is something for everyone. It has the best price tag for entrance -- FREE! A must if you are planning to be in the area, and worth planning a trip even if one isn't already on your calendar!
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JuntaHispana
1401 S Sacramento Dr, Chicago, IL 60623 773-762-2842
Description: Celebrating Hispanic culture, JuntaHispana has grown tenfold since its first celebration in 2001. Focusing on families and culture, the event is full of live music, great food, and beautiful displays from participating Latin countries. See costumes from Argentina, Costa Rica, and Mexico, hear Latin music, and talk to residents of the various nations. Guests are offered "passports" to visit all of the different countries' booths, where they can receive gifts and cultural lessons.
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Long Grove Fine Art and Wine Fest
307 Old McHenry Rd, Long Grove, IL 60047 847-634-0888
Description: Art, music, shopping, wine, and food -- does it get any better than that? Locate everything in the charming, historical village of Long Grove on a warm summer day, and you can call it heaven! Browse a variety of original artwork: watercolors, acrylic and oil paintings, jewelry, photography, sculpture, ceramics, glass, fiber, and mixed media (all competing for cash awards). Then, visit the local winemakers' area and taste their labors of love as you rest your shopper's feet and indulge at local restaurants.
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MayFest Weekend
5216 W Lawrence Ave, 60630 773-777-8898
Description: If you didn't know that Chicago has an extremely large Polish population, then consider this: It's actually the largest Polish population in the world, apart from Warsaw. What does that mean? Polish-Americans and Chicagoans are more than happy to celebrate the culture to the fullest, reveling in food, dance, and plenty of music. Just give yourself over to the great food, drink, and company while it's available!
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New Year's Eve Fireworks
600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611 800-563-7362
Description: Chicago actually has two New Year's Eve fireworks displays: one at Buckingham Fountain and one at Navy Pier. Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park (Columbus Dr and Congress Pkwy) is a fabulous sight on a regular day, but when fireworks are added, it's absolutely spectacular. Lots of people agree, so if you want to see this display, the mayor's office recommends you arrive no later than 10pm. Navy Pier (600 E Grand Ave), on the other hand, is well-suited for families with a smaller fireworks display at 7pm, followed by fun activities throughout the evening. At midnight, there's a second round. Who needs to watch a giant ball slide down a pole when you've got pyrotechnics like this!
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Reeling: The Chicago Lesbian & Gay International Film Festival
Various venues, Chicago, IL
Description: Among Chicago's specialized film festivals, Reeling seeks to increase the awareness and acceptance of gay and lesbian culture. It's the second-oldest gay and lesbian film festival in the world and screens over 100 features and shorts. Venues include Chicago Filmmakers Cinemas (5243 N Clark St) and the Music Box Theatre (3733 N Southport Ave).
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Zoolights Festival
2001 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614 312-742-2000
Description: In a city like Chicago, you can see twinkling holiday displays just about everywhere. But at Lincoln Park Zoo, there's more than just lights. You'll also find arts and crafts, ice carving demonstrations, storytellers, and a laser light show. Plus, you can visit with Santa and ride the carousel, train, or safari simulator -- all while sipping warm spiced wine, cocoa, or a cold beer. Festive and fun for the whole family.
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