Summertime in Chicago – the 100 days that locals look forward to every year. The city is alive with patio seating, the bustling lakefront, packed rooftops and of course street fests. Cheers echo from the “Friendly Confines” in Wrigleyville throughout Lakeview, beer gardens are filled with crowds desperate to have the token patio seat and scents from delicious outdoor dining waft through each neighborhood.
If you’re lucky enough to get a prime spot on a rooftop in the city, it’s definitely the place to be. Guests are lined up outside of The Chicago Athletic Association to grab a refreshment at the hotel’s crown jewel – Cindy’s. Here guests enjoy impeccable views, an airy vibe from the glass paned ceiling and the one of the best views in the city overlooking Millennium Park.
After catching a drink on a patio or rooftop, cool off with a trip down the Chicago River. Chicago’s Architectural River Cruise is a year-round activity that is not to be missed for visitors or locals. Noted as one of the “top ten tours in the US” by Tripadvisor, the architectural river cruise gives a completely different perspective of the city.
Every local and tourist looks forward to Chicago’s renowned street fests. Check out some of the city’s best restaurants and hottest bands at Taste of Chicago. Grab a bite of a local celebrity chef’s famous fare at Chicago Gourmet at Millennium Park, and who can forget Chicago’s long-standing music festival at Grant Park – Lollapalooza.
Considering summertime in Chicago for your next group program? Outdoor venues are your ideal location for evening events. For example, in May, our team at Hosts Chicago executed a 400-person event at the picturesque Harris Rooftop at Millennium Park. Guests were chauffered to the park on city trolleys and were welcomed to the Harris Roof with sounds of rhythmic drums from the iconic Chicago Bucket Boys. Aroma of Chicago style hot dogs and deep-dish pizzas wafted from the rooftop tent as notes of authentic Chicago Blues echoed through the park. It was the quintessential Chicago summertime experience and guests danced the night away with the backdrop of the city skyline twinkling in the distance.
For more information about must-do activities and unique venues for summertime group programs in Chicago, contact us. Better yet, come join us on the beach or rooftop for a refreshing cocktail, catch a game or a concert under the sparking city lights. No city does summer quite like Chicago.
Insider tip from the Windy City’s sports fanatics: Now that the curse is broken for the 2016 World Champions the Chicago Cubs, keep an eye out for ballpark improvements in 2018 – Wrigley’s Premier Club and Hosts Chicago will take corporate events to the next level.
