Before you start searching for water events in Chicago, you must consider your budget. There are a variety of water events available in Chicago; however, some of the events cost money and others are free to the public. Considering your budget will ultimately help you plan according to your financial situation. For instance, if you have a family of three, it is prudent to take into consideration cost per person, food, parking or any other fees that may apply for any given event.
Water events in Chicago vary depending on the season because of the extreme weather changes that take place between the summer and winter. Most events take place during the summer because Chicago's winters are both cold and windy. Also, the water events that take place in Chi Town cater both to people who just want to be spectators, and people who want to participate in the event itself. At the end of the day, you can select a water event that fits your personal agenda.
Water events in Chicago don't take place on a daily basis, nor do they occur every weekend. However, if you can't find a water event on a given date, there are various fun water activities that you can share with the family. For instance, you can rent a jet ski, take kayaking lessons or go kayaking, take a sailboat charter, enjoy a high-speed ferry tour on Lake Michigan, or go to the historic Navy Pier and take a leisure boat or cruise trip.
There are several popular annual water events that take place in Chicago. For example, the Chicago Air and Water Show is a free event and the largest of its kind in the United States. This event can be appreciated along the lakefront with North Avenue Beach being the focal point. You can also enjoy the show from a private charter if your budget allows it. The 4th of July fireworks show is another event that can be appreciated from Chicago's lakefront. It showcases three fireworks shows. The fireworks show can also be viewed from private cruises and yachts for a fee. The Flatwater Classic is an event that occurs annually on the Chicago River. It is a 7.25-mile paddle and peddle event that boasts hundreds of participants. The U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights is a free event that consists of precision parachute demonstrations and can be observed from the waterfront. The Parade of Tall Ships is an annual event where 20 historic ships parade over Lake Michigan, with Navy Pier being the spot to catch the best views.
