If you’re in the Windy City during the sultry months of summer, your calendar is in luck. Chicago’s diverse city offers a dazzling array of events and performances that can be enjoyed by the whole family. If you’re going to be in Chicago August 24-29, you’ll definitely want to visit the Navy Pier for Pepsi Tall Ships Chicago 2010. During this unique festival, more than 20 historic Tall Ships sail into the Navy Pier. The Tall Ships, which consist of pirate reminiscent schooners, brigantines, brigs, and barques, sail in from Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, and the US. A festival honoring the ships offers nightly fireworks, daily music and entertainment, as well as tours and rides on the historic ships.
If music is your scene, head over to the popular Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago on July 10th and 11th for the Rock Around the Block music festival. The festival features thirty of Chicago’s most talented bands performing on three stages throughout the day. Of course, delicious culinary stands and artisan vendors will be set up along the streets for your enjoyment.
On August 7th and 8th, head over to Retro on Roscoe—a fun-filled street festival held annually. The festival consists of live music entertainment, the Windy City Chili Cook-off, and Retro’s Antique Car Show which showcases over 50 antique classic and muscle cars.
In addition to outdoor festivals, Chicago also offers a phenomenal Broadway scene. This summer, Broadway in Chicago is featuring Billy Elliot the Musical—a funny yet serious tale of a boxer turned dancer. The musical has been nationally recognized on many occasions: Time Magazine recognized Billy Elliot as the ‘Best musical of the decade’ and it won Best Musical at the 2009 Tony Awards and the NY Drama Critic’s Circle. Be sure to catch the show at the Ford Center for the Performing arts before it goes offstage on October 24th.