There’s food for everybody’s taste at the annual Taste of Chicago where you’ll find more thanTaste of Chicago logo 300 menu items at over 70 restaurants. Plenty of free entertainment is available to amuse you before, during and after your dining experience. Music from internationally known talent such as Stevie Wonder and Bonnie Raitt is at the Petrillo Music Shell. See cooking demonstrations from renowned chefs such as Rick Tramonto, Art Smith and so many more. The Family Village offers activities, entertainment and amusement rides just for kids. Be sure to take advantage of fun and fit things to do at Taste Sports! including days devoted to our Chicago teams. Local musicians take centerstage at the Taste Stage located at the south end of Taste and international fare performs at the Buckingham Fountain where you’ll also find a market selling wares from around the world.

The mission of Chicago Black GLBT pride is to develop, implement and sponsor programs, activities, and special events to promote unity, cultivate pride and help improve the quality of life for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons of African descent.

Recapture the fun of the Drive-In movie with Chicago's magnificent skyline as your backdrop. Classic American films are shown on a gigantic screen plus a state-of-the-art sound system. Films are shown on seven consecutive evenings in the summer at dusk.

Four days of speakers, workshops, panels and more with more than 400 folks from around the country.

The Chicago Air & Water Show is the largest spectator event in the United States and the longest ongoing show of its kind in North America.

EXACT DATES FOR 2009 TO BE ANNOUNCED

This vibrant Latin music festival showcases local, national and international talent in the various Latin music genres that include salsa, reggaeton, mariachi, norteña, Spanish pop y más. Many artists are Grammy award winners and nominees.

The Chicago Jazz Festival is the oldest of the City's lake front music festivals and has become a Labor Day weekend tradition attracting music lovers from around the world. The Jazz Festival features four days of the very best traditional and contemporary jazz on multiple stages, an art fair showcasing original works and several local restaurant vendors.

The Chicago International Film Festival is a competitive event with categories for feature films, first and second time directors, documentaries and short films (including animation and student productions). As the oldest competitive international film festival in North America, it prides itself on the impressive caliber of its jury members. The International Feature Film Jury consists of world-renowned film professionals that often include critics, directors and actors. Chicago is also the first film festival in the United States chosen to organize the FIPRESCI (Federation Internationale de la Presse Cinematographe) jury. This distinguished group of international film critics presents their award to the best feature film made by a first or second time director.

Reeling: The Chicago Lesbian & Gay International Film Festival is the second oldest film festival of its kind in the US and prides itself on showcasing the best LGBT films and videos each and every year. From award-winning international feature films to social documentaries to experimental shorts, Reeling has always presented a range of genres that demonstrate the rich diversity of work being produced. Not only has Reeling become one of the most important cultural events for Chicagoans, it also attracts LGBT people from throughout the Midwest who consider the festival to be the highlight of their cinematic year.

The Annual gala draws over 800 GLBT supporters in the Midwest and is one of HRC's largest fundraisers. It consists of a silent auction, dinner with celebrity speakers & after party.

An evening of elegance, and decadence in the name of raising funds and awareness. Hors d'oeuvres, Combination Open Bar and Cash Bar, and entertainment, follow, leading up to the main event...the chocolate! The areas finest chocolateirs showcase their creations and seduce your palate. A silent auction tugs at others competitive natures. Bidding on donated treasures: fine art, dining at upscale area restaurants, theatre and sporting event tickets, the latest in electronics, themed baskets and more, usually results in a steal for the highest bidder. Thus, good-natured bidding wars are common.