Labor Day Game Plan
If Chicago is your destination for Labor Day weekend, take a look at this list of things to do that I compiled. There are a lot of events on the list - some of which are free and are many local Chicagoans "preferred' things to do. Those are noted with an *.
Hard to believe Labor Day is coming up. Where did the summer go?!?! Time really does fly! Soon, we will be talking about Thanksgiving! Yikes.....But, let's not get ahead of ourselves. It is still summer, thank goodness! Oh, one tip about Chicago: -While summer in the Windy City is incredible, the city's Indian Summer of September and October is a very close second, with 70-degree sunny days, pumpkins, apples and a rainbow of fall colors - for those leaf seekers.
Fireworks* - Free lakefront firework all weekend long! Festivities begin Saturday, August 30, at Navy Pier. The show starts at 10:15 p.m. Can't get enough? Come back to Navy Pier on Sunday, August 31, and watch the fireworks again at 9:30 p.m. http://www.navypier.com/
Chicago Jazz Festival* - This Labor Day weekend tradition begins with a free evening concert at Millennium Park's Jay Pritzker Pavilion on Thursday, August 28, and then moves to Grant Park for three days of free music, August 29-31. Performers include Sonny Rollins, Ornette Coleman, Gerald Wilson Orchestra, and Dee Dee Bridgewater. There will also be an art fair, food vendors, and a new kid's activity area. www.chicagojazzfestival.us
One Last Swim at Chicago's North Avenue Beach* - Lie on the beach, play some beach volleyball, or enjoy at cocktail at the North Avenue Beach Boathouse with great views of the lake and the downtown skyline. The city has 29 lakefront beaches in total, which are home to the lakefront running/walking path, beach volleyball, soccer, concessions, golf courses, harbors, bird sanctuaries, and natural areas. http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/.
Chicago Kids Audio Tour - Do you know what ingredients it takes to make a real Chicago hot dog or why the "L" goes around the Loop? Find out with the Chicago for Kids audio tour and interactive Web site. The audio tour and Web site takes kids on adventures throughout the city and features eight destinations, plus games and challenges that highlight the rich culture and history of Chicago. The Chicago for Kids audio tour, produced by the Chicago Office of Tourism, can be downloaded at www.downloadchicagotours.com.
Bash on Wabash - Chicago's South Loop is throwing a Bash on Wabash August 30 -31. Bash on Wabash features national music headliners, continuous live music, a food from top area restaurants, beer and wine, upscale arts and crafts, and an elaborate kid's area with games and rides such as Willie Wonka, Moon Walk, and climbing walls. Performers include Waco Brothers, School of Rock, and Mucca Pazza. Admission is a $5 donation. 773-868-3010; http://www.chicagoevents.com/
Randolph Street Market Festival - The market, August 30 - 31 is the largest European-style flea market in the Midwest and is located in Chicago's West Loop neighborhood at the Beaux Arts Plumbers Hall Complex. Featuring more than 200 antique dealers selling everything from high-end antiques to vintage collectibles. The indoor/outdoor market is comparable to the Paris Flea Market. Chicago fashion and jewelry designers Lara Miller, Erin Gallagher, Phizza'z, and more sell original and one of kind pieces. Admission is $10 and allows for repeat admission all weekend. Children under 12 are free. 312-666-1200; http://www.chicagoantiquemarket.com/
Taste of Polonia - Dance the polka and dine on pierogi at the Taste of Polonia August 29 - September 1. One of the most popular ethnic fests in Chicago, the festival celebrates rich Polish heritage, customs and traditions through music, dance, cuisine and folk art. Admission ranges from $3 - $7 and children under 12 are free. 773-777-8898; http://www.copernicusfdn.org/
Baseball* - What's more all-American than a baseball Labor Day weekend. The Cubs are in town at Wrigley Field playing the Philadelphia Phillies for a four-day series beginning Thursday, August 28. be sure to try one of the ballpark's Chicago-style hotdog. http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/