Page 36 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Chicago

34  INTRODUCING CHIC A GO

CHICAGO THROUGH
THE YEAR

Chicago’s nickname “The Windy City” originally “City in a garden.” In summer, Chicago’s
referred to its blustery politicians who lobbied beaches offer cooling breezes and the sun-
to host the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition, warmed waters of Lake Michigan. These same
but, Downtown Chicago or anywhere else by waters keep the city temperate during fall.
the lakefront is windy whatever the season – In winter, they lead to “lake effect” storms:
although it ranks only 14th for wind velocity in plenty of snow and chilling breezes. Intrepid
the country. locals bundle up and take advantage of winter
Springtime in Chicago begins in late March. attractions such as the Winter Delights festival.
The city bursts into bloom after a long winter, City Visitor Centers and the mayor’s office
living up to its official motto, Urbs in Horto, or (see p165) provide event information.

April
Chicago Park District Summer
Spring Flower Show (early Chicagoans throng to art fairs
Apr–mid-May), Lincoln Park and outdoor concerts during
and Garfield Park conservatories. the summer. A long-standing
An exuberant display of Chicago tradition is the free
colorful flowers. evening concerts – from opera
Chicago Cubs and to blues, from country to pop –
Chicago White Sox Home at Millennium Park’s (see p55)
Openers (early Apr). See Pritzker Pavilion. Neighborhood
both Major League Baseball festivals take place around the
teams start the season on city virtually every weekend
their home turf. from May to September, and
range from market days to
Irish reveler at Chicago’s annual St. Patrick’s May street festivals.
Day Parade Greek National Parade
(first Sun), Greektown. Annual June
parade commemorating the Chicago Blues Festival (early
Spring anniversary of the Greek Jun), Grant Park. A three-day
Chicagoans welcome the Declaration of Independence. extravaganza of local blues
arrival of spring by jogging Chicago Kids and Kites Fest musicians and southern artists.
through Grant Park, enjoying (early May), Montrose Harbor. Printer’s Row Lit Fest (early
Lincoln Park’s magnificent All Wright (mid- or late May), Jun), Dearborn Ave.
flower displays, and cheering Oak Park (p116). Tour Frank between Congress Pkwy
on the city’s two baseball Lloyd Wright-designed and Polk St (p84). Book
teams, the Chicago Cubs private residences and dealers, along-side
and the White Sox, whose national historic landmarks papermaking and book-
seasons begin in April in this annual housewalk. binding demonstrations.
(see pp166–7). Mayfest (end May), Lakeside. Old Town Art Fair (second
This three-day community weekend), N Lincoln Ave. and
March festival kicks off summer and W Wisconsin. Artists from
Pulaski Day Reception (1st includes local food vendors, around the world display and
Mon in Mar), Polish Museum of live music, and games for kids. sell their work.
America, 984 N Milwaukee Ave.
Celebrations in honor of Polish
freedom fighter and later US
Civil War hero Casimir Pulaski.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
(Sat before Mar 17), the Loop.
The Chicago River is dyed
green in celebration.
South Side Irish Parade (Sun
before Mar 17), Western Ave.
from 103rd to 114th streets.
One of the largest Irish
parades outside Dublin. Navy Pier, Chicago’s amusement park for the entire family (see p65)

034-035_EW_Chicago.indd 34 13/07/16 2:59 pm
Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Seasonal template “UK” LAYER
(SourceReport v1.8)
Date 30th September 2013
Size 125mm x 217mm