Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Chicago Food Planet Tours
WALKING TOUR
( 212-209-3370;
www.chicagofoodplanet.com
;
3hr tours $47-60)
Go on a walkabout in Wick-
er Park, the Gold Coast or Chinatown, where you'll graze through seven neighborhood
eateries. Departure points and times vary.
Festivals & Events
Chicago has a full events calendar all year, but the biggies take place in the summer. The
following events are held downtown on a weekend, unless noted otherwise.
St Patrick's Day Parade
CULTURAL
(
www.chicagostpatsparade.com
; mid-May)
The local plumbers union dyes the Chicago
River shamrock green; a big parade follows.
Blues Festival
MUSIC
(
www.chicagobluesfestival.us
;
early Jul)
The biggest free blues fest in the world, with four
days of the music that made Chicago famous.
Taste of Chicago
FOOD
(
www.tasteofchicago.us
;
mid-Jul)
The free five-day bash in Grant Park includes bands
and lots of food on a stick.
Pitchfork Music Festival
MUSIC
(
www.pitchforkmusicfestival.com
;
day pass $50;
mid-Jul)
Indie bands strum for three days
in Union Park.
Lollapalooza
MUSIC
(
www.lollapalooza.com
; day pass $95;
early Aug)
Around 130 bands spill off eight stages at
Grant Park's three-day mega-gig.
Jazz Festival
MUSIC
early Sep)
Top names on the national jazz scene play over
Labor Day weekend.
Sleeping
Chicago lodging doesn't come cheap. The best way to cut costs is to use a bidding site
like Priceline or Hotwire (look for 'River North' or 'Mag Mile' locations). In summer
