If you plan to visit Chicago in 2013, make sure you put some of these events on your itinerary. With so many things going on in the Windy City, you need a list just to keep them organized. Otherwise, you could miss an event that you would have loved.
Pitchfork Music Festival
Image via Flickr by thezenderagenda.com
When: July 19-21
Where: Union Park
Cost: $50 for a day pass; $120 for a 3-day pass
Pitchfork Media unofficially started its music festival in 2005, when it curated the Intonation Festival at Union Park. By 2006, though, Pitchfork Media had started its own unique festival.
This year, Pitchfork brings an eclectic selection of mainstream and underground musicians to its stages. Some of the biggest names that you should recognize include:
- Bjork
- R. Kelly
- The Breeders
Can you imagine how amazing it would be if Bjork and R. Kelly did a duet?
Some lesser-known, but still prominent, musicians include for this year’s event include:
- Killer Mike
- Swans
- Joanna Newsome
- Belle & Sebastian
Chicago Cubs Games
Image via Flickr by D.L.
When: March through September
Where: Wrigley Field
Cost: Anywhere from $10 to $300 depending on event and seat
You can’t visit Chicago without going to a Cubs game. The team has several home games in nearly every week from March to September. That gives you plenty of opportunities to see the Cubs play against some of the country’s best baseball teams.
2013’s starting rotation includes:
- Jeff Samadjiza
- Edwin Jackson
- Travis Wood
- Scott Feldman
Get Chicago Cubs tickets in advance to make sure you get a good seat at a reasonable price.
Millennium Park Music Series
Image via Flickr by La Sequencia
When: May through August
Where: Millennium Park
Cost: Free
If you want to hear music at a state-of-the-art venue without paying any money, the Millennium Park Music Series will easily draw you towards the waterfront.
This year, the park expects to host three programs:
- Downtown Sound – On Mondays May 27 through July 29, Millennium Park will feature indie rock and pop musicians.
- Loops and Variations – From June 12 through July 18, the park will host six concerts that mix electronic music with other genres.
- Made in Chicago: World Class Jazz – From July 25 through August 29, Millennium Park will showcase jazz masters who have been influenced by Chicago-style jazz.
Taste of Chicago
Image via Flickr by cytosine
When: July 10-14
Where: Grant Park
Cost: Free admission plus cost of food and drink
This year will be the city’s 33rd Taste of Chicago. This event does more than bring together some of the best chefs from the Chicago area. This year, Chicago has set the event’s theme to “fun.” In celebration, the band “fun” will play at the event.
That’s a huge improvement over some recent bookings. In 2009, the event had some real flops, including Counting Crows. That would have been great in 1999, maybe. It looks like the event’s planners have really gotten their act together, so this year’s Taste of Chicago can blow away your taste buds and your ears.
What other events do you want to attend this year in Chicago?
Sources:
http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/festival_events_dates.html
Twitter
Facebook
Reddit
RSS
Truth is, I’ve never been to Chicago, but after reading your post, I might have a change of plans for my vacation this year. Thank you very much for sharing this wonderful post. I’ll be sure to book a trip to the city in time for the festivals.
Landscape designers recently posted…Inspiration for two landscape designers at the Rainforest Retreat
I would love to go to the Parks. Looks like a lot of fun — and free too! Thanks for the share 🙂
Sandra recently posted…Gotye, A Recruiter I Used to Know
For me, Chicago is one of the most beautiful and prosperous cities in all of the United States. So glad that you featured must-see events and sights in Chicago. I’m planning on hopping on a plane to the city some time this year.
Cubs game it is! I am planning to visit and I don’t intend to go home without seeing one.