The Chicago Traveler

Tomorrow, the United States will celebrate Independence Day, commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. There are several fireworks displays all across the city of Chicago and surrounding suburbs:
• At Navy Pier, the Fourth of July Fireworks are a ten-minute display accompanied with inspirational music. (9:30 p.m. – 9:40 p.m.)
• Partygoers will meet at Lumen before buses will take them to the DayRa Fourth of July Boat Cruise, a three-hour cruise with dancing, cocktails, food, and a great view of the Navy Pier fireworks. After the display, an after-party will be held at Lumen. ($75-$95, …read more

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The United States celebrates Independence Day tomorrow, but many fireworks displays will be going on tonight…
More than a million people gather along the lakefront to catch the Independence Eve Fireworks, accompanied by music from 101.9 WTMX-FM. Although technically a part of the Taste of Chicago, these fireworks can be seen for miles around. Get to Grant Park and/or Lake Michigan early to claim your spot. (9:30 p.m.)
Don’t want to fight the crowds at the Lake? Join the Fourth of July Celebration at Citizen Bar on Thursday, and watch the fireworks from the rooftop patio. (5:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.)
You can …read more

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I’ll be heading out of town this weekend, but for those of you staying here in Chicago, you’ve got lots to look forward to.
• The 11th Annual Chicago Improv Festival takes place at various locations and includes performances by Paul Scheer, Jack McBrayer, and John Lutz. (ends June
• The largest free outdoor blues event in the world, the 25th Annual Chicago Blues Festival, features local, national, and international entertainment on six stages in Grant Park with more than 90 performances. (ends June
• More than 170 current and classic films will be shown this summer in neighborhood parks throughout …read more

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• Alinea: Chef Grant Achataz is the frontrunner of progressive cuisine. The word “unique” doesn’t even begin to describe his dishes… many of which don’t even come on a dish! He’ll be presenting his cuisine at two seatings. The first seating offers a ten-course meal; the second offers 15 courses and a champagne toast. Wine pairings are also available. Reservations required. Jackets recommended, jeans not allowed. (5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., 8 p.m. – 9:30 p.m., $175-$250) (map) (link)
• Salud Tequila Lounge: This popular spot has about 85 different tequilas to choose from, available straight or in a margarita. They’ll …read more

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This Saturday is the 50th Annual Venetian Night. Approximately 30 boats are decked out with lights and other decorations in some way that reflects this year’s theme, “Chicago’s Finest Moments.” This aquatic parade takes place along Lake Michigan’s shore line between the Shedd Aquarium at Roosevelt Road and the Chicago Yacht Club at Monroe Street. The parade begins at 8:30 p.m., but be sure to get there early. This free event attracts hundreds of thousands of people every year. With a crowd like this, public transportation or biking is your best bet. The evening ends with an amazing fireworks display …read more

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What would Independence Day be without fireworks? “Celebrate the independence of your nation by blowing up a small part of it.” (The Simpsons, “Summer of 4 Ft. 2″) So where is there to go to see some bright lights and loud booms?
A grand display complete with great music can be found at the Taste of Chicago tonight, but you don’t necessarily have to be at the Taste to enjoy it. In fact, many spectators enjoy the colorful explosions from Navy Pier, and some Chicagoans will even be witnessing the spectacle from the Chicago River on cruise ships and private boats.
Of …read more

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