WANTED: The Best Chicago Summer

Renting in downtown Chicago is all about experiencing the best of everything, from the hot new restaurants on West Randolph Street and the fantastic music festivals at Union Square Park to the world class shopping along the Magnificent Mile. In a city infamous for its blustery winter weather, summertime is by far the most highly anticipated season. After Winter 2013-2014, which saw the term “Chiberia” coined, Chicagoans are salivating over the outing opportunities presented by recent rising temperatures. As the balmy weather approaches, we’re all thinking about how to make the most of it. The hardest part is planning your schedule to fit it all in! Fear not, Chiberians, consider this your guide to having the BEST SUMMER EVER.

What’s your jam? Whether your favorite artist is slated to perform at the Cadillac Palace Theater, or you’re into exploring cutting-edge bands that come through the MID, one of the best parts about June through August in Chicago is the spectacular lineup of concerts. Pro Tip: Check out “Downtown Sound”, Millennium Park’s critically-acclaimed music series. Not only does the program typically feature something to suit every music lover’s taste, but these concerts are 100% free.

There are a number of other outdoor activities unique to Chicago that should make it on every downtown renter’s “must see” list this summer. Some of my personal favorites include the Architecture Boat Tour, the Air and Water Show, and The Taste of Chicago, the world’s largest food festival, held annually in Grant Park. Many neighborhoods also offer Farmers Markets, including the Gold Coast, whose market is located on Division Street between State and Clark and the recently added Fulton Market Pop-Up located on Fulton Street between Peoria and Green.