A Guide to Great Parks And Summer Concerts In Chicago, IL

One of the best parts about Chicago, Illinois is the park system that has been developed all over the large city. Chicago Park District states that there are more than 7,300 acres of parkland, 552 parks, 33 beaches, nine museums, two world-class conservatories, 16 historic lagoons and if that were not enough 10 bird and wildlife gardens. Chicago is definitely the place to go if you are looking for a little outdoors fun.

One of my favorite things to do in the summer is relax, listen to live music and be outdoors. During the winter months, which happen to amount to eight months out of the year, everyone is looking for a little sunshine and multi-colored gardens to view. With all these parks, why not take a break from the busy life, grab the hand of your loved ones and enter a park for a little relaxation. These events have been going on for as long as I have been alive, that is just how entertaining these events are in the summer. If you are in Chicago, you have to go and see a concert to get the real summer in Chicago experience.

Here are some events that are great to attend during the summer in Chicago:

1. Jazz City: This event starts around 1997 with the collaboration of Chicago Jazz and Heritage Program, Chicago Park District and the Jazz Institute of Chicago. It basically is a large concert outside in Columbus Park that features Bebop, Big Band, and Latin Jazz and Free Jazz artists. The best part: it is free! This year, the concert series is showcasing Dee Alexander: Homage to Light Henry Huff.

2. Theater on the Lake: This is a great event that features 9 plays in 9 weeks at the Theater on the Lake. All plays run from Wednesday to Sundays throughout the entire summer. The cost of each play is usually only around $17.50 per ticket. Each one starts around 7:30 and ends around 9:30. It is wise to get there around 6:30p.m. though since parking is a little bit of an issue. For more information about tickets: contact the Box Office at 312-742-7994.

3. Movies in the Park: This is a great event for families that have kids. On different days throughout the entire summer, the park district showcases movies such as Flushed Away, Monster House, Arthur and the Invisibles and so many more in the parks. The price, absolutely free! Since the park allows all to see the movies, remember to take some blankets or chairs to sit in while watching the movies. For more information about the show times and which park the movie will be located at for that movie click here.

4. The Jamaican 1 Man Band (Reggae) Concert: This is a great concert to learn about Jamaica music while taking in the park scenes. The concert starts at 6:30P.M and will go until well after dusk. It is on June 15^th and is absolutely free! Remember to take your blankets and chairs to sit upon during this concert.

5. Kids Fest (ideal for ages 2-10): This is a great event if you wish your kids to get more involved in the summer programs that Chicago offers. At this event, local kids perform things that were taught right in Chicago. It also offers food vendors, dance contests, raffles and other demonstrations. It is on June 20^th and is from 6:00 to 8:30P.M. The best part, it is free! It is located in Gladstone Park.

There are so many events in the summer in the park in Chicago, Illinois that are free to all people, even if you are not a Chicago resident. My family enjoys the free concerts while having a great picnic while outside. We usually grab an Italian style dinner full of bread, prosciutto, cheese and a good bottle of wine and take it along in a backpack. We then jump on the public transportation system and go around town to the free concerts which are hosted by the Chicago Park District. We try to also take along a blanket instead of chairs since the events can get very crowded and fast. Try to get there early to beat the rush, there are always plenty of things to do before the actual event starts. In addition, remember to take cash, instead of relying on credit cards as many vendors only take cash. Gather as many friends and family members as possible and make it a big event! Just have fun and enjoy Chicago in the summer!