Chicago Memorial Day Wreath Laying Ceremony and Parade
The Wreath Laying Ceremony meant to honor all men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice by choosing to defend our country, will commence an hour before the annual parade. The ceremony is scheduled to take place at 11 a.m., Sat. May 26 at the Daley Plaza (between Dearborn and Washington streets) and the parade will begin at noon on State Street from Lake Street to Van Buren Street.
Norwood Park Memorial Day Parade
The parade will take place at 11 a.m., Mon. May 28, at Onahan School, 6634 W. Raven Street and will shortly be followed by a tribute ceremony at 12:15 p.m.
Lincolnwood Memorial Day Parade
The parade is scheduled to begin at 10:20 a.m. on Mon. May 28 and will start at the corner of Cicero and Pratt Avenues in Lincolnwood. Children ages eight and under are invited to participate on bikes, trikes, wagons or scooters. All children riding in the parade must be accompanied by an adult participant, 18 years or older, and riders must wear a bike helmet. A ceremony will take place afterward in Madeleine’s Garden.
Address: Varies; Price: Free; Hours: Swimming is permitted when lifeguards are on duty
Reason to go: Bathing suit season is here! The weather is expected to be partly sunny with highs being in the low to mid 80s. To celebrate, head out to one of Chicago's many beaches and kick off the start of summer -- whether you’re out to tan, swim, play in the sand or party with friends.
Address: State Street from Lake Street to Van Buren; Price: Free; Hours: Wreath Laying Ceremony begins at 11 a.m.; Parade begins at 12 p.m.
Reason to go: Honor the men and women who sacrificed their life in defense of our country. The city will recognize fallen heroes at the annual Wreath Laying Ceremony prior to the parade. The Chicago Memorial Day parade is considered one of the largest Memorial Day parades in the nation.
Address: Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave.; Price: Free; Time: 10:15 p.m.
Reason to go: Navy Pier's bi-weekly Aon Summer Fireworks series returns. Fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m. on Wednesdays and 10:15 p.m. on Saturdays.
Address: Ty Warner Park, 700 Blackhawk Dr., Westmont; Admission: Free; Hours: Fri. 4-10:30 p.m.; Sat. Noon-10:30 p.m.; Sun. Noon-9 p.m.
Reason to go: Come out for three days of free live music, the best BBQ vendors in the Midwest, craft and commercial vendors, a carnival and more.
Address: Plumbers Hall, 1341 W Randolph St; Price: $10; Hours: 10 a.m-5 p.m.
Reason to go: This unique indoor-outdoor antique market features 300 vendors for shoppers to find furnishings, vintage clothing, jewelry, collectibles and more.
Address: Three Sisters Park, 17201 Illinois 29, 3 Sisters Park, Chillicothe, Illinois; Price: $45+; Hours: 10 a.m.-4 a.m.
Reason to go: With thousands of attendees and dozens bands on multiple stages over three days, Summer Camp Music Festival welcomes music lovers to enjoy a wide range of bluegrass, electronic and jam bands.
Address: Chicago Gaelic Park, 6119 147th St, Oak Forest; Price: $10; Hours: Varies
Reason to go: Enjoy a weekend filled with food, entertainment and an array of attractions, from tunes by American English and dance performances to petting zoos and sports contests.
Address: Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave.; Price: Varies; Hours: Varies
Reason to go: Celebrate the beginning of summer aboard a two- to three-hour cruise on Lake Michigan. The Spirit of Chicago and the Odyssey ships set sail all weekend long with food, entertainment and views of the skyline.
Address: Ashland Avenue & 18th Street, Chicago; Price: $5 suggested donation and $10 for families; Hours: Friday 5-10 p.m.; Sat. 12-10 p.m.; Sun. 12-10 p.m.
Reason to go: Find out which local chef or restaurant makes the best mole. The festival features some of the city’s finest food vendors and a market filled with local Pilsen businesses and crafters.
Address: 3200 N. Sheffield Ave.; Price: $5 suggested donation; Hours: Noon-10 p.m.
Reason to go: Celebrate the start of summer festival season with one of Chicago’s most popular street parties featuring some of the region’s favorite tribute bands, as well as food, drinks and artisans.
Address: Columbus Drive and Jackson Drive (starting line); Price: $61 (Active Trans Member) or $66 (Active Trans Non-Member); Hours: 5:30 a.m.-11 a.m. ("the earlier you start, the longer your ride")
Reason to go: Bike the open roads of Lake Shore Drive for this one-day-a-year unique riding experience. Enjoy the five-hour, car-free ride while you take in the views of the city and the lake.
Address: Arlington Park Race Track, 2200 W Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights; Price: $8 adults, $4 children; Active military and veterans receive free general admission; Hours: Gates open at 12 p.m. and for VIP at 10:45 a.m., first post 1:20 p.m.
Reason to go: Enjoy a day at the race track with entertainment featuring a live band, games and activities for kids, petting zoo, pony rides, and food and drink specials. The day will also feature a tribute to fallen heroes and a live national anthem with a Presentation of Colors.
Address: Riverside Avenue between Route 64 and Illinois Avenue, Saint Charles; Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun.
Reason to go: Browse watercolor, oil, photography, jewelry, sculpture, ceramics and more at this 20th annual award-winning outdoor show and take the historic downtown trolley tour for free.
Address: Soldier Field, 1600 S. Museum Campus Dr.; Price: $89+; Hours: 7 a.m. start
Reason to go: Run straight into summer like a Chicago Bear, taking in the city on a vehicle-free Lake Shore Drive and a memorable finish at Soldier Field's 50-yard line.
Local
Naperville Memorial Day Parade
Featuring 17 marching bands, this parade will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Mon. May 28, starting off from Jackson and West streets, on to Washington, then north to Benton, following east to Saints Peter & Paul church parking lot.
Beverly Area Memorial Day Parade
Entertainment, food, a beer truck, children’s activities and special guests are expected starting at 10 a.m., Mon. May 28 at 110 and Longwood Drive.
Homewood Memorial Day Parade
This parade starts at 10:30 a.m., Mon. May 28, on Dixie Highway from Chestnut Road to Olive Road and west to Harwood Avenue, stopping at Veterans Park for a ceremony.
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