I hope you got out last month and enjoyed summer in Chicago! The plethora of outdoor activities is overwhelming to narrow down for this month, too, friends, but I’ll try.
Oooh, Aaaah - We Celebrate Twice Here In Chicago
The Independence Eve fireworks spectacular will take place Thursday, July 3 at Taste of Chicago and this year the soundtrack will be created and simulcast by sponsor WTMX - 101.9fm, and broadcast live on WGN-TV. Festival attendees can stake their plots of land on Butler Field at the Petrillo Music Shell early that day and Taste of Chicago's wide of variety of food selections should help pass the time. Music from the Grant Park Orchestra beginning at 8 p.m. heightens the anticipation. As attendees applaud the end of Grant Park Orchestra performance, all eyes will turn to the sky for the next 20 minutes as this year the soundtrack from 101.9 FM The Mix offers the background music to the spectacular fireworks display by the award-winning Melrose Pyrotechnics. As the soundtrack moves from song to song, each display varies, telling its own story and building in intensity to the finale. Viewing is best throughout Grant Park as fireworks fill the sky over Monroe Harbor.
Tired Of The Taste?
This Independence Day (that would be July 4th), Chicago's Navy Pier will host a spectacular fireworks extravaganza to celebrate America in Chicago. In addition to the amazing fireworks display, visitors will also enjoy a variety of other activities including live entertainment from some of Chicago's hottest musical artists. There are always interesting things to see and do at the festive Navy Pier.
Takin’ It To The Street
First the continued list of street fests going on in and around the city….
Arlington Heights is rockin’ with Frontier Days now through the 6th. Located in Recreation Park (500 E. Miner St.), there’s three stages of live music, carnival rides, a parade and much more. Call 847-577-8572 for info.
Train buffs will dig West Chicago’s Railroad Days July 10-13. This is a free celebration of the city’s history as a transportation hub. Live music including The Monkees’ Mickey Dolenz and Molly Hatchet, sporting events, carnival rides and more. Located at Reed-Keppler Park, 100 W. National St., West Chicago. Call 773-868-3010 for info.
The Old Saint Pat’s World’s Largest Block Party downtown has been a favorite for over a decade, with popular live music as the highlight. On July 18 the lineup is Ben Kweller, Rusted Root and Divebar. On the 19 it’s Pat Monahan (of Train), Todd Carey and Canasta. Tickets are $35-65 and include five drinks. Must be 21 years old. Proceeds benefit St. Pat’s church outreach program. Located at Madison St. and DesPlaines Ave. You can purchase tickets ahead of time at www.worldslargestblockparty.com.
The Taste Of Lincoln Avenue is one of the oldest street festivals on the North Side. Covering six blocks on Lincoln between Fullerton Ave. and Wrightwood Ave., the fest includes five stages of music and entertainment, 350 vendors, a wine garden and a kid’s carnival. July 26-27 this year. Admission is $7-10 donation. Visit www.wrightwoodneighbors.org/taste.htm for music schedule and other info.
On the other side of the North Side is the 5th annual Wicker Park Fest. Also happening July 26-27, this event caters to the neighborhood hipsters, featuring live indie bands on two stages, local cuisine and more than 70 arts & crafts vendors. On Damen Ave. at the North Ave./Milwaukee Ave./Damen intersection. Admission is $5. Call 773-384-2672 for more info.
Niketown Bastille Day Run, Walk And Block Party
In this unlikely setting, an urban canyon, this 5K Run and Walk winds through the streets of the West Loop in downtown Chicago, creating a rare opportunity for athletes to feel the pavement of city streets beneath their feet. The finish line offers a unique reward for all participants: a big block party in full swing with top-name, live musical talent and plenty of beer and food. Sponsors will be offered sampling and display opportunities at both the finish line and the block party. The finish line area funnels into the Block Party, which opens just as the 'start gun' for the race goes off. Non-runners are welcome at the Block Party, to enjoy the food and beer and live music. A top-name regional band performs until the last participants leave at 7:30 p.m. Register online at www.chicagoevents.com or in person. Proceeds benefit the Mercy Home For Boys And Girls.
Don’t Rock The Boat, Baby
This year marks the 51st annual Venetian Night on Chicago’s lakeshore. Each year about 35 boats are decorated and illuminated for a lovely parade on the water, similar to the celebrations in Venice. Includes a fireworks display. July 26. Located at Monroe Harbor, alone LSD from Monroe St. to Roosevelt Road. Call 312-744-3315 for more info.
