Navy Pier Fireworks
Now I'm not into touristy areas or big throngs of people, but Chicago's Navy Pier tourist trap does offer FREE fireworks every Wednesday at 9:30 and Saturday at 10:15.
The best part is that you don't have to go onto Navy Pier to see them, you can watch them from one of the many Chicago beaches or rooftops in the area. I personally recommend Oak St. Beach.
Local Chicago Radio Stations will also synchronize their music to the fireworks. I don't know any
better way to end an evening than hearing Bruce Springsteen's 80's driving music to giant explosions over Lake Michigan.
Movies in The Park
- July 15: “All About Eve” (1950)
- July 22: “The Odd Couple” (1968)
- July 29: “The Blues Brothers” (1980)
- Aug. 5: “The Day the Earth Stood Still” (1951)
- Aug. 12: “Touch of Evil” (1958)
- Aug. 19: “An Affair to Remember” (1957)
- Aug. 26: “Grease” (1978)
Every tuesday in Grant Park the Chicago Park district projects some great movies... FOR FREE! Were not talking about lackluster B films that your friends enjoyed five years ago.
Heres a rundown of the lineup for this summer. All films start when the sun goes down, don't forget a blanket and a cooler of beer!
The 2008 Movies in the Park lineup:
Museum Of Contemporary Art
The museum of Contemporary Art isn't chock full of hoity-toity tourist thinking they're cultured (well maybe some.) The MCA is full of abstract displays, interactive art, video projections, audio rooms and a plethora of stimulation. This summer don't miss the Jeff Koons Exhibit, which runs until the 21st of September.
Best thing about the MCA and the reason it made this list, is that it is ABSOLUTELY FREE every Tuesday, all day, all summer long.
So weather you're into a string of christmas lights laying on the ground where the name placard seems to have more thought, or a giant room covered floor to ceiling with Vinyl records, the MCA is for you.
Just Walk east on Chicago Avenue until you see the car that appears to be wrecked into the building.
Visit the Beach
The Good Chicago Beach
The beaches around Chicago are great. The best part about them is that they are also free!
Many beaches are extremely overcrowded, such as North Avenue Beach. To find some better spots, and a place to actually lay out, try the north side of Montrose Beach or Foster Beach. These beaches are bigger than North Avenue and generally have about a quarter of the number of people.
Bring a cooler and make some sandwiches, or find some local vendors for a tasty regional treat.
Be careful of the water as well, Lake Michigan is known to have had incidents of high levels of mercury. So look out for three eyed fish and mermaids, but if your the adventurous type paddle on out and enjoy a dip. The lake is warmest in Late July and August.
Visit the Baha'i Temple
The Baha'i Temple is in Cook County, but north of Chicago in the neighboring suburb of Wilmette. Hop on a bike and enjoy a day trip north along Lake Michigan's biking trail then spend some time at the temple.
The Temple and grounds are gorgeous, standing 140 ft tall and made of white concrete and exquisitely adorned. Spend some
time walking around and don't forget a camera.
You can visit the Baha'i Temple any day of the year, until around 7pm.
So get out there and enjoy summer, because activities are best when they're free. And as Chicagoans know, nothing beats a Chicago Summer, but you sure pay for it in February with the cold.
