Throughout the pandemic years of 2020 and 2021, Chicago has faced various restrictions that have not only affected our personal lives but our social lives as well. With our city beginning to regress to a more normal and recognizable way of life, many classic Chicago events, along with some new additions, are making their return this summer. Chicago, it’s time to get out of your house and start enjoying what the city has to offer! Here are some of the events that you should be looking out for.
Taste of Chicago (Jun 11th-Jul 10th)
Although many are aware, the Taste of Chicago is a Chicago summer staple. Doubling as the world's largest food fair with 30-40 eateries and 3 MainStage musical performances, it's guaranteed that you’ll find something to enjoy. Indulge in the Chicago classics like our ever so controversial deep dish pizza or step outside your comfort zone with one of the many new innovations and creations you’re sure to find there. The Taste will be visiting 3 different Chicago neighborhoods on June 11th, 18th, and 25th and returning on July 8th-10th in Grant Park for a bite-sized version of the event. Though performances were hosted virtually in both 2020 and 2021, the event will be returning to its original format with live performances and fewer restrictions.
Grant Park Music Festival (Jun 15th-Aug 20th)
Are mainstream performers and artists not your thing? Maybe you dread the idea of standing shoulder to shoulder with strangers in the 90 degree midwestern heat? Why not take the time to experiment with the Grant Park Music Festival! The 2022 schedule consists of a mix of contemporary and classical orchestral compositions that will be sure to impress. Although a payment of $100-$200 will guarantee you a spot in the bowl, general admission and seating in the grass is completely free. Get there early and you can even secure a spot close to the stage without spending a dime. It’s understandable that classical music isn’t everyone’s idea of a fun time considering the boring connotations it conveys, however, there’s no better time to form your own opinions and experience it yourself in Grant Park.
The Chicago Field Museum- Jurassic Oceans: Monsters of the Deep (Until Sep, 5th)
If you’re looking to escape the never ending limbo of rain and heat that we call early summer here in Chicago, there’s no better place to go than the Chicago Field Museum. This year's seasonal exhibit, Jurassic Oceans: Monsters of the Deep, is one of 4 ticked exhibits you can choose to visit. It focuses on the oceans of the Jurassic period over 200 million years ago and includes fossils and specimeine from some of the most ruthless underwater predators. Understand what it's like to stand next to a plesiosaur or educate your friend that still thinks the megalodon still exists today. General admission for Chicago residents is $18, however, if you’re looking to get into at least one of the ticketed attractions such as this, you’ll be spending about $26 minimum per ticket.
The Lincoln Lodge (Until Sep 8th)
Located on Milwaukee Avenue, The Lincoln Lodge hosts an approximately 80 minute variety show every Friday and Saturday. These shows include up and coming comedians and has even hosted comedians such as Hannibal Burris or as some of less cultured might say “The other guy on the Eric Andre Show”. For fairly inexpensive tickets going for about $5-$15 and a full drink menu, the Lincoln Lodge is an exceptional venue for a summer date night or even just a night out with friends as long as you don’t bring the one friend that tries to heckle the performers. No one likes them. Leave them at home.
360 Sky Yoga (Until Aug 28th)
Yoga is always a great way to start your day or even just a perfect leisure activity to help relax and realign yourself. With 360 sky yoga you can do just that 1,000 feet from the ground. Taking place on the 94th floor observation deck of the John Hancock, instructor Brittany Eumann leads two yoga sessions every Sunday from 9-11 am. For those of you who are about as flexible as a tire or are less athletically inclined, there is no need to worry. Eumann works to create a positive and safe environment as well as instructing a set of exercises to accommodate every participant's individual needs. There is a fee of $25 per class and all you need to bring is yourself and your own mat. Once the class has ended you can even stay to enjoy the view as general admission to the observation deck is included with the original fee.
