CHICAGO, IL—(Marketwired – Sep 1, 2014) – Today, ChicagoTraveler.com, a comprehensive Chicago travel and trip planning site, released its top ten things to do this time of the year to help visitors make the most of their late summer trip.
1) Chicago Fringe Festival
Held August 28 to September 7, the Fringe Festival showcases avante garde and eclectic theatre. The two hundred performances of fifty different shows will be held in five Jefferson Park venues. More information and schedule here: http://www.chicagofringe.org/
2) Lakeview East Festival of the Arts
In its tenth year, this festival showcases the works of over one hundred and fifty juried artists. Listen to live music while browsing a variety of sculpture, photography, jewelry, paintings and furniture. This year's festival kicks off with a concert on Friday, September 12, and the events run through Sunday, September 14. More information here: http://lakevieweastfestivalofthearts.com/
3) Venetian Night
The Chicago Yachting Association hosts the 55th Venetian Night, a lighted boat parade that usually attracts a crowd of 500,000 spectators. On September 6, the festivities will occur at Navy Pier, the first time this popular area of Chicago has hosted the event. See the dazzling spectacle from the water aboard Spirit Cruises' Venetian Night sailing. On board the Spirit Cruise ship, dinner and dancing will be followed by a viewing of the boat parade at 8:00 p.m. and the Navy Pier fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
4) Walking tours
There is a walking tour for every interest in Chicago. Indulge in the foods that make Chicago famous including deep dish pizza, hot dogs, craft beers and decadent desserts. Learn about Chicago's struggle with Prohibition and sample beers at historic bars on a pub crawl tour. See the architecture that has made this city one of the world's most desirable areas to live and work. No matter the subject area, walking tours are an easy, interesting and affordable way to learn more about Chicago. Tours depart daily from a variety of locations around the city. For a comprehensive list of walking tours in the Windy City use http://www.chicagotraveler.com/tour–chicago–by–walking.htm
5) Concerts
As one of America's major metropolitan cities, Chicago is one of the stops on most major musicians' tours. In September, the city will host several artists and bands including Spoon, Bad Religion, and Natalie Merchant. Riot Fest, which stops in Chicago's Humbolt Park from September 12–14, is a three day punk rock festival featuring over one hundred acts, among which will be Jane's Addiction, Wu–Tang Clan, The Cure, Weezer, Tegan and Sara, Of Mice and Men, and Cheap Trick.
6) Andersonville City Made Fest
In an event that celebrates the people who call Chicago home, the second–annual City Made Fest focuses on local craft beers, artisans, and musicians. The festival will be held on Saturday, September 20 and Sunday, September 21 from noon until 9 p.m. both days. Last year, the City Made Fest was given the Editor's Choice Award by ChicagoTraveler.com.
7) Bike Tour
For the visitors who feel as if a walking tour just can't cover enough ground, a bike tour may be the perfect solution. Work up an appetite on the Food Biking Tour, or see the neighborhoods that Chicagoans call home in the Lakeside Neighborhoods Tour. Bike by Al Capone's old hangouts and learn about the city's storied crime bosses on the Southside Gangster Tour. For visitors who would rather explore at their own pace, bicycle rentals are available hourly or the by the half– or full–day. The beautiful late summer weather provides an excellent backdrop for a spin around town.
8) Work Music Festival
Presented by the City of Chicago and produced by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, this world music festival boasts over 650,000 attendees since its inception in 1999; it is currently the largest world music festival in America. This year's festival will be held Thursday, September 11 to Sunday, September 21, 2014.
9) Navy Pier
Explore Navy Pier, one of Chicago's most popular venues for shopping and dining. The Chicago Children's Museum, Cirque Shanghai, and Amazing Chicago's Funhouse Maze are among the attractions at Navy Pier. The area also offers seasonal events, including this September's International Exposition of Contemporary and Modern Art. The exposition brings together the works of over 140 galleries from 17 countries and is considered one of the world's major international art fairs. The 2014 event will be held September 18– 21.
10) Use the Go Card
For the smart traveler who wants to experience as much of Chicago as possible, the Go Card provides access to 25 attractions, tours and museums at up to 55% off regular walk–up prices. The card also allows holders to skip the stand–by line and enter the attraction ahead of the crowds. In addition to reduced discounts at Shedd Aquarium, the Sky Deck, the Field Museum, Navy Pier, and the Art Institute of Chicago, the Go Card provides discounts at popular dining and shopping facilities such as Hershey's and Bloomingdale's.
Hotel Hint: For travelers on a budget who still want a safe, quiet place to relax at the end of their days in Chicago, Getaway Hostel is an excellent choice. Located in Lincoln Park, this hostel offers both private rooms and shared dormitories. In addition to clean, fresh sheets, each guest also receives complimentary breakfast, luggage storage, lockers (for shared dorms), and access to the music room, weekly social events and gourmet kitchen.
For more things to do in September read this article about 15 things to do before summer ends in Chicago: http://www.chicagotraveler.com/15–things–to–do–end–summer–chicago
About ChicagoTraveler.com:
Navigating a major metropolitan area such as Chicago can be daunting even for a veteran traveler. With reviews on dining, hotels, and attractions, ChicagoTraveler.com confidently guides visitors to the best that the city has to offer.