Summertime in Chicago Brings Lollapalooza, Genghis Kahn and the 54th Annual Chicago Air and Water Show
Summer is here and that means live outdoor music!
The biggest summer music festival of the year happens in Grant Park (Columbus Dr. & Congress Pkwy) from August 3 – August 5 from 11AM-10PM. A one day pass is $95 but kids under the age of 10 are admitted free with a ticket paying adult.
There are over 100 bands and the music genre’s range from rock, hip hop, alternative and punk rock. This year’s biggest headliners are the Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Black Keys, Black Sabbath (hello Ozzy Osbourne!) and Jack White from the White Stripes.
There are plenty of places to eat and drink as the entry policies are quite strict. There is no outside food or drinks allowed (except 2 factory-sealed water bottles, up to 1 liter each). You can bring in items like blankets and binoculars, for a list of the items that are and are not allowed at Lollapalooza go to - http://www.lollapalooza.com/faqs/festival-faqs/ for more information.
If you are looking for something a little bit more low key, the Field Museum is featuring the Genghis Kahn exhibit through September 3. The Field Museum is located at: 1400 S. Lake Shore Dr. and is open 9AM-5PM. Adult tickets are $22 for adults and $15 for kids ages 3-11. However, for a few dollars more visitors can purchase an “All-Access Pass” which would give access not only to Genghis Kahn but to Extreme Mammals, The Ernst & Young 3-D Theater, Underground Adventure and all of the museum’s permanent exhibitions (like Sue, the Tyrannosaurus Rex!!).
Cost for the All-Access pass is $29 for adults and $20 for kids 3-11.
An event that can be shared no matter where you are in the city is the 54th Annual Chicago Air & Water Show on August 18 & 19, although the “warm up” show is on Friday, August 17. This is the largest (more than 2 million people) Free air show of its kind in the United States and the best seats in the house are on our very own lakefront. People swarm the beaches from Ohio Street and as far north as Montrose making a day of it as the show runs from 9AM-3PM. The prime viewing areas are from Oak Street to North Avenue but the aircrafts fly for miles around the city.
Feel free to pack a picnic basket, but if you prefer to travel light, there are food vendors from Oak Street to Fullerton. Over the years the weather has cooperated, but has been hot, so bring your chairs, blankets and sunscreen and plan to spend the day being amazed by the sights on land and water.
The show kicks off with the National Anthem while the U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights jump out of planes looking like little specs in the sky and then lightly land on North Avenue Beach. Following is a day filled of airborne acrobatics by both civilian (Aeroshell Aerobatic Team and The Firebirds) and military (USAF F-16 Fighting Falcon and T-38 Talon) groups. There are also water maneuvers that include the Chicago Fire Department Air and Sea Rescue Team.
The highlight of the show is the US Navy’s Blue Angels, who roar across the sky and perform breathtaking (and Dangerous) air maneuvers. They buzz many of the cities buildings and you will have an overabundance of fantastic photo opportunities throughout the day!
Whether you spend your time inside or outside, thank you for choosing to stay at the Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel.
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