About Chicago
Chicago is a vibrant and dynamic city located on the banks of Lake Michigan. It offers visitors plenty of activities, attractions, and events to experience throughout the year. The Windy City has something for everyone, from beach volleyball tournaments to outdoor music festivals. There's no shortage of activities available during the warmer months for those looking to enjoy some summertime fun in Chicago.
The city’s beach locations offer an endless list of recreational activities, such as kayaking, paddle boarding, sailing, swimming, and beach volleyball. In addition to these water sports, beachgoers can take in some sun-soaked relaxation or check out some beachside eateries and bars offering spectacular views of Lake Michigan's waves crashing against the shoreline.
Throughout the summer months, countless other beach events also take place around Chicago, including concerts featuring local and international bands and DJs alongside delicious food vendors selling dishes from all over the world.
Beach Options in Chicago
- Event Rentals
In terms of event rentals, you want to access everything needed to transform the sandy environment into a suitable space for your specific occasion. From tables and chairs to canopies and staging, the event rental companies in Chicago have catalogs of items needed for your specific occasion.
- Entertainment
The beach screams sun, sand, and fun, and a DJ is who you need to get the party started. Chicago’s entertainment companies exist to connect you with the right professional alongside the equipment needed for your event. Perhaps the occasion could use a fire eater, flame thrower, or magician; the local entertainment firms have you covered.
- Decor
Create a memorable atmosphere with lanterns and lights alongside thoughtfully curated floral arrangements. It doesn’t hurt to lean more towards beach-themed decorations, such as palm trees, tiki torches, and beach umbrellas. Consider hiring a professional event decorator who can skillfully dress up the venue for your event.
- Bartenders
When partying at a beach venue in Chicago, you might need an experienced and diverse team of bartenders to make your beach party a success. They should be able to make classics like piña coladas and margaritas, as well as other tropical drinks for your guests. With the right team, you can sit back and enjoy the party, knowing everything is taken care of.
- Photography
A photographer can assist you in preserving the memories of your event so that you may look back on them later. They can also double up as a party mood accelerator by taking pictures of everyone before the party begins.
Beach Vendors in Chicago
- Cleo's Southern Cuisine
When it comes to Southern cuisine, nobody does it better than Cleo's Southern Cuisine. They specialize in custom menu items sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. No matter what type of event you're hosting, they can create a menu that will fit your needs. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner options are all available, and each dish is made with the freshest ingredients. Cleo's Southern Cuisine will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on your guests.
- Mary Rafferty Photography
With over fifteen years of professional photography experience, Mary is an expert in taking corporate headshots and event coverage, branding, lifestyle photo shoots, and storytelling. Whether you want stunning portraits or need imagery to represent your brand — Mary will capture the best version of you or your brand with authentic photographs.
- Urban Allure Events
Urban Allure Events understand that planning a wedding or other special event can be an overwhelming task. That's why they offer a range of services to help clients every step of the way. They can assist with budgeting, finding and managing vendors, creating a detailed timeline for your event, and so much more. Their goal is to ensure that everything runs smoothly and just as you imagined.
Pros and Cons of Beach Venues in Chicago
With the city's bustling downtown, expansive shoreline, and various attractions, planning a successful beach event requires creativity and expertise. There are numerous advantages and disadvantages to organizing a beach event in Chicago:
Advantages
- Located on Lake Michigan, Chicago experiences warm weather during the summer months, making it an ideal location for outdoor events.
- With miles of beaches along Lake Michigan's shoreline and numerous parks throughout the city limits, there is ample space to accommodate large crowds when planning events at beach locations in Chicago.
- Beach events in Chicago offer a variety of amenities that make hosting large gatherings easier, including electricity outlets for sound systems and lighting setups; access to snack bars and restaurants nearby; restroom facilities; garbage disposal services; and potential access to special equipment such as fire pits or stages.
Disadvantages
- It can become crowded with visitors on any given day, resulting in overcrowding for your special event if not well managed.
- Beach events will depend heavily on the weather conditions since activities will only be possible if it remains sunny with little wind and rain throughout your scheduled date(s).
- Many beach locations within city limits have strict noise regulations due to proximity to homes or other private property.
Tips on How to Organize Beach Events in Chicago
The city is known for its wide range of activities, venues, and attractions, making it difficult to narrow down the choices available. But with the right tips and tricks, you can create an unforgettable experience for your guests. Here are some tips on how to organize beach events in Chicago:
- Make sure your event has something unique to offer: Whether it’s the location, food, or entertainment options, you want your event to stand out from the others and provide a unique experience for your guests. Consider renting out exclusive venues like North Avenue Beach or offering catering options that aren’t easily accessible elsewhere.
- Research local laws: Different beaches have different regulations regarding sound systems, alcohol consumption, and other activities. Ensure you’re familiar with all the relevant rules to avoid any legal issues during the event.
- Hire professionals for added safety measures: Depending on how large your group will be and what activities are planned, hiring professionals who specialize in beach events for extra security and safety measures may make sense. They can help ensure everyone enjoys their time at the beach without any issues arising.
- Create creative with decorations: Decorations can make any ordinary beach day extraordinary! Add some flair with colorful umbrellas, string lights, or even inflatable furniture – anything goes as long as you follow local regulations!
Famous Locations in Chicago
- Canalport River Park
Canalport River Park is a fantastic location to enjoy the outdoors while learning history. The park is adjacent to the Chicago Sun-Times printing plant, and there are fishing stations and river vistas accessible by anyone, even those with mobility issues. Rainfall from loading docks and parking lots is collected in a retention pond next to the walkway, where it is filtered before flowing into the waterway. The park and pond are cooperatively managed, providing a rare opportunity to explore nature in an otherwise heavily industrialized area. The park also connects to Canal Origins Park, making it the perfect place to learn about the area's history.
- The North Branch Canal Wetland
The North Branch Canal Wetland came about out of an attempt to upgrade habitat along one of the most highly populated sections of the river. The City and Metropolitan Water Reclamation District are looking into methods to fix river sediments and boost water quality by developing wetlands to strain impurities and oxygenate the water. This is a fantastic chance to turn the riverwalk into wetlands by connecting it with a series of boardwalks. Residents of the city would benefit significantly from access to nature, which would be an excellent method to enhance water quality in the region.
- Humboldt Park
Humboldt Park is a Nature Oasis located in the Chicago Park District, and it houses a range of native vegetation and wildlife. The lagoon's shoreline has been restored and now includes native grasses and wildflowers, creating a stunning autumn image with the purple and white asters. It is a wonderful location to get a feel for nature in the city because the line between land and water is frequently and deliberately blurred. There is also an area of wetland vegetation (predominantly cattails and broad-leaved arrowheads) along the way to the lake.