The Taste of Chicago is coming to an end for the season, but there much to do this summer in Chicago. The Chicago Mayor's Office of Special Events has announced a number of spectacular events to enjoy as summer in Chicago continues. Navy Pier continues with daily entertainment. There are movies every Tuesday night at Grant Park. Special summer events include the Mayor's Cup Youth Soccer Tournament, Venetian Boat Night, Chicago Air and Water Show and Chicago Jazz Festival.
Mayor's Cup Youth Soccer Tournament
July 14-15. Lincoln Park at Montrose Harbor: Free youth soccer tournament is one of the largest in America. Soccer matches at 36 mini outdoor playing fields.Open to boys and girls ages 5-14. Pre-registration required. Two day festival features family oriented activities, entertainment, ethnic dance and demonstrations.
Chicago Outdoor Film Festival
July 17 - August 28 on Tuesday Nights in Grant Park. Butler Field in Grant Park features a free outdoor film festival. The big outdoor movie screen features free classic movies at sunset. The lineup of classic movies offers an impressive variety of movies that have been enjoyed over the ages. Enjoy balmy summer nights in Grant Park, relaxing with friends and watching classic films. Summer lineup is:
July 17: Young Frankenstein stars Gene Wilder, Peter Boyle. 1974.
July 24: Double Indemnity stars Fred MacMurray, Barbara Stanwyck, 1944.
July 31: Written on the Wind stars Rock Hudson, Lauren Bacall, Dorothy Malone and Robert Stack. 1956.
August 7: The Awful Truth stars Irene Dunne, Cary Grant, 1937.
August 14, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid stars Paul Newman, Robert Redford and Katherine Ross. 1969.
August 21, Sweet Smell of Success stars Burt Lancaster, Tony Curtis, 1957.
August 28, The Sound of Music starts Julie Andrews, Christopher Plummer, 1965.
Venetian Boat Night
July 28, Lake Michigan Lakefront: Beautiful Venetian Boat parade. Thirty boats are decorated with lights and props and floats along the Lake Michigan shoreline. "Chicago's Finest Moments" is the theme of the aquatic parade. Following the aquatic parade is an elaborate fireworks display synchronized to music is shot off from Monroe Harbor after the boat parade. Venetian night has the distinction of being Chicago's oldest event. Venetian night has taken place annually since 1958. It is patterned after boat parades in Venice, Italy. The nightime parade starts at 8:30 pm. Lakefront between Shedd Aquarium and Chicago Yacht Club. Sponsored by 93XRT Chicago's Finest Rock Radio. Free.
Chicago Air and Water Show
August 18 & 19. The 47th Chicago Air and Water Show is one of the world's premier aviation events. The largest two day spectator event in the United States features aerobatic entertainment. This year;s lineup of daring air performers includes: AeroShell Aerobatic Team, Herb Hunter, Lima Lima Flight Team, Sean Tucker & Team Oracle, Shell Extreme Watershow, The Firebirds, The Red Baron Pizza Squadron, The U; S. Air Force Thunderbirds. The two day show starts daily at 9 am with the water show.. The air show runs form 11 am to 4 pm. Public transportation is highly recommended for this popular and busy event. The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) is increasing service to the Air and Water Show. CTA transports visitors to the center of activity.
Chicago Jazz Festival,
August 30 - September 2. Lakefront jazz festival is a "cool place to be Labor Day weekend". Music by Miles Davis, Wynton Marsalis, Dave Brubeck, Nancy Wilson Herbie Hancock, Charlie Haden, John Medeski, John Scofield, Billy Martin, Ernestine Anderson and Frank Wess, and the Mingus Big Band. 11 am to 9:30 pm daily. Free admission.
Navy Pier
There is always something going on at Navy Pier. Summer of fun with amusement park rides, Chicago Skyline boat tours, food, beer garden on the lake front and constant entertainment. Fireworks light the nighttime sky every Wednesday and Saturday through Labor Day
Transportation
There are parking structures around the city for people who drive their car. Parking garages and lots can be expensive. During rush hours and special events. Traffic can be congested and parking hard to find during special events. Many visitors find that public transportation is convenient and more cost effective that driving.
City of Chicago sponsors free trolley service . Trolley stops are near Metra Union Station, Metra Ogilvy Station, Macy's, Navy Pier, The Magnificent Mile Shopping area, Millennium Park, Buckingham Fountain, Grant Park, Adler Planetarium, Art Institute, Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum and the Lincoln Park Zoo. Be prepared to stand in line for the free service on busy days.
Chicago Transit Authority, CTA, bus service transports people around the city for a nominal fee. Taxi service more costly, but is the most convenient method of transportation around Chicago.
Information subject to change.
