The Chicago Traveler

• At the Newberry Library’s 24^th annual Book Fair, you can browse through more than 100,000 books in 60 categories, most of which cost $2 or less. (July 24-27)

• In honor of Jimmy Buffet’s concerts at Toyota Park (July 24, 26), Lizzy McNeill’s Irish Pub is holding a Luau on the Chicago River. This Hawaiian-themed barbecue will be held outside the bar and includes live music, games, beer samples, and a cruise raffle. Food and drink sales benefit the Special Olympics and Misericordia. (July 25-27)

• You can compete in a Neil Diamond look-alike contest at the Neil Diamond Extravaganza, hosted by Mahoney’s Pub & Grille, for a chance to win concert tickets. Camp out with other fans all night long, then wake up to brunch before heading to the concert at the United Center. (July 25)

• In honor of the American Cheese Society’s 25^th Anniversary Conference, Pastoral will be hosting John Loomis from Zingerman’s Creamery of Ann Arbor, Michigan. (July 25)

• The fifth annual Wicker Park Fest features live indie music, local cuisine, and more than 70 arts and crafts vendors. (July 26-27)

• Covering six blocks, the 25^th annual Taste of Lincoln Avenue features more than 40 music acts on five stages, a wine garden, and plenty of food, beer, and arts and crafts. (July 26-27)

• More than 30 illuminated and decorated boats will participate in the 51^st annual Venetian Night, which attracts more than half a million spectators every year. Watch along the lakefront anywhere between Roosevelt Road and Monroe Drive. (Get there early.) (July 26)

• The Disability Pride Parade celebrates the strength of people with disabilities and their families. It begins at Plymouth Court and Van Buren Street and ends at Daley Plaza. Post-parade festivities include speakers, performers, and live music. (July 26)

• Sample more than 1200 cheeses at the Festival of Cheese in the Hilton Chicago. The event includes a marketplace with food, wines, and beers to complement the tasting. (July 26)

• Professional cyclists compete in the inaugural Chicago Criterium. This race consists of several laps on a closed circuit loop that is approximately 1.1 miles (1.8 km) in length. Spectators can watch on jumbotrons in the park or from several route locations including the start/finish line at Buckingham Fountain. (course map PDF) (July 27)

Photo credit: Konrad Mostert (c/o SXC), sierraromeo (c/o Flickr), clambert (c/o SXC)

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