Hello,
I looked on Metromix.com to see if there were any festivals, etc. in Chicago on Memorial weekend and I didn't find anything. Is anyone aware of any activities that weekend aside from the parade? I will be in town from the Thursday prior to Memorial weekend to Monday.

Thanks!

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The last two years there have been fireworks displays at Navy Pier. Probably will be again, I would think.

Actually on Monday the Anaheim Angels are in town at the Cell- maybe too late for you- or you're not a baseball person. And because the two weekends before that are just packed with events like the Sox/Cubs series etc. and bunches of conventions, I would think that the Mem. day one would be a very big tourist weekend, as well.

By that time the trolley system (free) and all the other tourist attractions and outdoor dining will probably be fully "up". Also the Chicago Architectural F. should have all the walking tours full schedule and the "greeter" system going full boat.

Whatever your special interests are- I would google that with Chicago and look at dates.

Oh yes, just a thought.

Brookfield had a birth this week. If you are a zoo person -check the website.
You would be able to see the baby gorilla and mom in the group. It's amazing as I have seen this before.

It's a huge habitat and you are the caged individual. We have been in that area/house for hours at a time. They aren't ever separated. Dad and all others are there as well. In fact this gorilla mom's firstborn is 9 and she just had her own baby last year.

We don't even know what the sex is yet. Mom /babe are happy and eating and everything is way too good to check.
Brookfield is west of the downtown area.

And these are all animals in special programs that mesh with many other zoos for these breedings. Many of the female gorillas get birth control pills in their special treats.

Rent a bike and Bike the Drive on Sunday, May 29.

This is a lovely event where Lake Shore Drive is closed down to vehicular traffic and bicyclists have the road all to themselves. You cannot ask for a more marvelous view in Chicago.

NOTE: You have to pre-register for this. Go to their website for details.

The big festivals don't start until the next weekend (Gospel Fest kicks it off). You can check www.cityofchicago.org/specialevents to see if there are any neighborhood festivals. You can also check www.877chicago.com which has good special event info

Exiled Princess, that's a great idea to join Bike the Drive! We did it the first year they had it and it was a blast taking over Lake Shore Drive! And you do get fabulous views of the city

Bike the Drive might seem a bit unorthodox for a tourist, but I assure you, it is a blast! The views are incredible as others have pointed out. I have taken my brother and other visitors biking along the lake while in Chicago and they rank it as one of the top activities. You can rent bikes at Millennium Park.

Hi - I'm in the same boat!

Nothing specific going on downtown on Memorial weekend. We actually live in Glenview (Chi suburb), but my b/f and myself used to live in a city and we've been missing downtown over past 2 years.
So we're booked into the Swissotel to play tourists for the weekend; and yes, Metromix offers nothing exciting. However, just in itself Chicago is wonderful - so maybe it's for the best, no special events, less crowds and traffic.

To my opinion, the worst time to visit Chicago is between Jun. 24 - Jul. 4 - when the "Taste of Chicago" takes place. There is one good thing about it - outdoor public concerts. Otherwise, the city becomes and invasion of junk food junkies, the walkways and lawns sport empty pizza boxes and you may suffer temporary blindness caused by the amount of neon colored XXXL spandex products around you.

Good thing you picked Memorial Day - whether you're a couple, single, or have kids in tow. Also, where are you staying and have you rented a car (if not, strongly discourage - downtown holiday traffic is hell, and hotel/other parking city are something between 30-60 bucks a day) - I imagine that will drive your itinerary.
If you're staying in one of hotels downtown, cabs are plentiful and most things are within walking distance anyway.
The following things are worth to check out - Millennium Park, very large and unique. If you like shopping (I'll pass), Mag Mile is a must. Also, there is Art Institute, Fields Museum, and Science and Industry Museum - do not miss the Human Body exhibit, very cool.
Navy Pier will have fireworks on Saturday, I believe between 9:30 and 10pm.
Also - see the new Sharks 3D movie at the Pier's Imax - go to their website, click on Attractions ->Imax, and you can book tix online to escape the hated lines.
Shedd Aquarium is fun - go there at night, additionally - the best view of city skyline, hands down.
I don't know about biking the drive tour... hmm. don't like biking, personally, and it is crowded. But if the weather permits, walking and hanging out on the beach - Oak Street especially, is fun.
If you like great steak - check out Ruth Chris on Rush, Wildfire on Erie, or Gibson's on Rush (we're going to Gibson's).
Want to go dancing? White Star Lounge, Buzz, and Vision are all nearby.
Want to combine dinner and dancing? Provided you like salsa and Latin beats - Nacional 27 (upscale, not a tacos/tequila place) has a great Latin fusion food, awesome drinks - and dancing after 11pm. It's a beaut, one of my all-time favorites.
Also, if you are staying at the hotel - ask lobby lounge bartender or front desk as to where to go nearby/what's happening at the moment.

Have fun in the city (we will

N.