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Archive for the Category "Chicagoland"

101st Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac Jul 03
The Windy docked at Navy Pier in downtown Chicago
Image by Jordon via Flickr

Chicago’s lakescape will fill with the sails from 350 boats as they set off for the 101st Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac– the world’s longest freshwater sailing race.

Spectators can see the boats entered in this year’s race before they tackle the challenging 333-mile course to Mackinac Island, Michigan, during the Parade of Boats on Saturday, July 18, from 10 AM until 2 PM. Best viewing is at the east end of Navy Pier, where you can wave to racers including Island Goats – sailors who have completed 25 Mackinac races – and watch as boats head out to designated sections to wait for the cannon fire which signals the start of each section.

Want to experience the wind and the waves as you watch the starts? The 77-foot tall ship schooner Red Witch offers two 3-hour sailing tours which will put you close to the action for this historic and thrilling event.

Then you’ll be able to follow your favorite boats throughout the race via online tracking.

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Lollapalooza Jul 02
Lollapalooza
Image via Wikipedia

This year’s Lollapalooza will rock out in Grant Park August 7 -9. Headlining this year are Depeche Mode, Tool, The Killers, Jane’s Addiction, Beastie Boys, and Kings of Leon. However, the lineup doesn’t stop there. Independent music icons The Decemberists, Neko Case, Andrew Bird, Band of Horses, and many more will be on hand to make this the music event of the year.

For those who prefer electronic music, Perry’s promises to be better than ever with a much louder and clearer sound. Catch the rhythms of Bassnectar, MSTRKRFT, Animal Collective, and more in this non-stop spinning utopia.

Of course, Lolla is about more than just cutting-edge music. Stop by Lederhosen’s Biergarten to cool off in the shade with a nice, cool craft beer. Shop the Art Market for earth-friendly, fair trade goods, or check out the Honda Eco Zone to preview the 2010 Honda Insight and win prizes. Don’t forget to hit the after shows going on August 5 – 9. Tickets sold separately.

Bring the kiddies along and take them to Kidzapalooza. They can jam out to family-friendly music, get temporary tattoos, learn to break dance, act in a play, and much more!

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Outdoor Film Festival Jun 29

Chicago’s 10th annual Outdoor Film Festivalis like a drive-in movie on steroids. With a state-of-the-art sound system and gigantic screen against the backdrop of the nighttime cityscape, this free event promises a moviegoing experience unlike any other in the world.

This year’s film lineup on consecutive Tuesday evenings July 14 through August 25 features cinema classics Sunset Boulevard, Duck Soup, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Born Yesterday, Psycho, Young Mr. Lincoln, and Tootsie.

Screenings are at Butler Field (Lake Shore Drive and Monroe Drive) in Grant Park and begin at sunset. Arrive at 8:15 on opening night for a special appearance by film critic Richard Roeper, who will introduce and discuss Sunset Boulevard.

There are lots of things you can bring to the movies – including blankets, chairs and food – and a few things you can’t – like pets. See the complete checklist.

And visit the Chicago Outdoor Film Festival siteeach week to get the scoop on special promotions and preshow activities.

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The Chicago Criterium Jun 28

The Chicago Criterium, named the number 1 Criterium bike race in the United States by USA Cycling, returns Sunday, July 26 with fast-paced cycling competition in the heart of the city.

A criterium or “crit” is a cycling race held in a closed-circuit loop about 1.1 miles long. In the 2nd annual Chicago Criterium, male cyclists will tackle high-speed straight-aways and tight 90-degree turns in 10 Grant Park races.

While spectators watch from several locations including the grandstand at the start/finish line in front of Buckingham Fountain, racers will begin on Columbus Drive, head north to Jackson Boulevard, south on Michigan Avenue, east on Balbo Drive, then back to Columbus – left turns all the way. Fans can also catch all the action on giant screens. A sports expo will feature booths for sponsors and other vendors.

This exciting event begins at 7 AM and continues throughout the day.

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Navy Pier Jun 27

With 50 acres of parks, promenades, entertainment, attractions, restaurants, shops, and more, it’s easy to see why historic Navy Pier is the top tourist destination in the Midwest!

The Pier’s most distinctive landmark is the 150-foot Ferris wheel. Step into one of 40 gondolas for an exciting seven-minute ride and unparalleled view of the skyline and lakefront. The Ferris wheel – which twinkles at night with thousands of lights – is in Pier Park, a landscaped area on the upper deck, along with a whimsical musical carousel, Wave Swinger lift-and-twirl ride, miniature golf course, remote control boats, and new Light Tower Hopper ride.

Twist and turn your way through Amazing Chicago’s Funhouse Maze. Ramp up your thrill level with a high-speed ride to the moon, Antarctica or other exciting spot via Transporter FX.

Two unique museums are at home on the Pier. Discover dozens of lively interactive exhibits such as BIG Backyard, Dinosaur Expedition, Inventing Lab, Kovler Family Climbing Schooner, WaterWays, Skyline and Treehouse Trails at Chicago Children’s Museum. Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows – first of its kind in the U.S. – showcases both secular and religious windows in Victorian, Prairie, Modern and Contemporary styles by such artists as Louis Comfort Tiffany and John LaFarge and Chicagoans Ed Paschke and Roger Brown.

Hundreds of free shows, concerts and special events for all ages raise the entertainment quotient. See blockbusters on Chicago’s largest flat movie screen at IMAX Theater. Hear the city’s hottest bands at the free admission Beer Garden where the party never stops Memorial Day through Labor Day. Enjoy world-class performers like the Cirque Shanghai acrobats.

Be dazzled by fireworks displays on summer Wednesday and Saturday nights. Or experience an unforgettable pleasure boat, Bike Chicago, or Segway tour which launches from Navy Pier.

Seven great restaurants plus food court and seasonal eateries offer dining options to suit every taste and budget. And find apparel, accessories, toys and games, gifts and collectibles, souvenirs, international goods, and more in sensational Pier shops.

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