Top Summer Picks in Chicago (for free!)

    Summertime is back in the Chi…and that means an amazing 
    line-up of outdoor activities from cultural festivals to classic
    films in the park to exploring a new neighborhood! Of course, I
    can only afford so many concert tix and drinks on the patio, so
    here are some top picks in Chicago (for free!) that are on my list
    for Summer 2014…

For the Fine Arts Buff

Millennium Park Concerts

A bottle of wine. Some cheese and crackers. Live classical music. A blanket to lie down on and watch the Chicago skyline as the sun sets behind the skyscrapers. The slight chill of the lakefront breeze as night rolls in. Indescribable. (Concert schedule here)

Dance in the Park

Do you Tango? Cha Cha? Think you still have two left feet? No worries-Chicago has you covered with free dance lessons and live bands every weekend in Grant Park! Bring some friends, or a dancing partner, and get ready to spin, step and salsa your night away! (Fill your dance card here)

Films in the Park

This always brings back memories of a young Jennifer Lopez and Matthew McConaughey eating chocolate M&Ms in the park…pro tip: bring your own M&Ms and the cute doctor will come :) No matter your neighborhood, there is a park in your area that has some films on the green this season. (Find your favorite films here)

For the Explorer

Neighborhood Tours

There is always a new neighborhood to discover, some new restaurants to try, or new architecture to marvel at. AND these walking tours are free! Just sign-up 10 days in advance and pick what area of Chicago you want to explore. Or, you can show-up on weekends at the Chicago Cultural Center Visitor Information desk and tours leave every half-hour from 10:00am-3:00pm. Nothing better than finding some new favorite bar patios and parks to spend the sunshine in this summer! (Pick your neighborhood to explore here)

For the Adventurist

Festivals

Neighborhood fest? Arts fair? Tatoo expo? And those are just the line-up for June! Check-out the monthly schedule of festivals and add them to your cal. (Choose your festivals to frequent here)
Chicago Magazine also highlighted their favorites of the neighborhood variety here.

For the Outdoorsman

The Beach
For those who just want to get outside after this bitter and drawn-out winter, nothing beats a day at the beach. Whether you frequent Montrose and North Avenue, or prefer to be in the heart of things at Oak Street, nothing can beat the cool Lake breeze and suntanning possibilities with a good book and the Chicago skyline in the background. Perfect any day of the week.

Lake Front
If you want more than just basking in the sun all day, grab your bike, jogging partner, or favorite walking shoes and hit-up the Lake Front Trail! Stretching all along the city's perimeter, the trail is frequented by strolling couples and tourists, bike enthusiasts, and a regular stream of runners. Join the crowd and enjoy the views! My favorite spot is down by the Adler. If you sit on those steps, you have the best view of the city from any vantage point!

What plans do you have for Summer 2014? Would love to hear of any places you'd recommend to grab some rays and enjoy the city!