Bike the Drive, Chicago!

Join thousands of other bikers on Lake Shore Drive as they enjoy up to five hours of car-less riding.

Have any plans for Memorial Day weekend? If you’re a biking enthusiast and love a serene sunrise, consider riding the MB Financial Bank Bike the Drive, produced by the nonprofit Active Transportation Alliance. Join 20,000 riders as they enjoy a car-free Lake Shore Drive on Sunday, May 26.

Active Transportation Alliance started this annual fundraising event in 2002; proceeds raised go toward improving biking, walking and transit in Chicagoland.

The 15 mile (full loop-30 miles) ride route extends from the Museum of Science and Industry on the south end to Bryn Mawr Avenue on the north end. Riders are encouraged to dress in layers as the weather gets progressively warmer throughout the morning. For more information visit: www.bikethedrive.org.

Parking

MB Financial Bank Bike the Drive participants get a discounted parking rate at Soldier Field’s North Garage and the Adler Lot. Purchase and reserve your parking ahead of time to avoid the trouble of looking for an empty spot on the day of the event. Additionally, pre-paid parking will give you access to the garage any time during the day of the event – no need to worry about entering before a certain hour.

LOCATION	DEALS
Soldier Field – North Garage 425 E. McFetridge, Chicago IL 60605	Pre-paid – $13.00 plus $3.00 service fee, all-day parking Day of Event – $13.00 (must enter garage between 4am -10am), rate is good for 12 hours only.
Adler Lot 1300 S Linn White Dr, Chicago IL 60605	Pre-paid – $11.00 plus $3.00 service fee (must enter garage before 9:30am), all day parking. Day of event – $11.00 (must enter lot before 9:30am) good for 12 hours – $19.00 (rate for entry into lot after 9:30am)

If you’re starting the ride at the route’s south or north end points below are some alternative parking options.

LOCATION	DEALS
Leonard Lot 901 S. Michigan, Chicago IL 60605	Pre-paid only -$10.00 plus $3.00 service fee. Day of event posted rates apply.
55 E. Monroe Garage 55 E. Monroe St., Chicago IL 60603	Pre-paid only – $21 plus the $4 service fee ( up to 8 hours ). Day of event posted rates apply.
55th Street & South Lake Shore Drive 5501 S. South Shore Drive, Chicago IL 60649 (Lot opens at 6AM)	$0.25 per hour from 6am-9am $1.00 per hour from 9am-9pm $0.25 per hour from 9pm-11pm
Broadway & Armory 5853 N. Broadway, Chicago IL 60626 (Lot south of the Armory Building at Broadway St. and Thorndale Ave.) (Lot opens at 6AM)	$0.25 per hour from 6am-9am $1.00 per hour from 9am-9pm $0.25 per hour from 9pm-11pm

Street Closures

Lake Shore Drive is closed for the event from 5:00 AM to 11:00 AM.

Kicking off the Running Season – Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K.

More than 40,000 runners are expected to participate in this year’s Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K on Sunday, April 7. This very green 8K unofficially kicks-off the running season in Chicago. Last year’s unseasonably warm weather allowed the runners to comfortably race in shorts. Hopefully, the Chicago weather is just as cooperative this year.

Street Closures

Street closures along the course will begin at 8:30 a.m. and end at 11:15 a.m. Note, roads near Grant Park will be closed for an extended amount of time. The Chicago Police Department will close and re-open streets.

Parking

No Parking zones along the course will go into effect beginning at 6:00 a.m. on Sunday, April 7. Vehicles parked along the course may be ticketed and towed. Whether you’re participating in the race, watching the race, or volunteering, below are nearby and convenient parking options for you.

Participant Nearby Parking – Shamrock Shuffle 8K:

LOCATION	DEALS
55 E. Monroe 55 E. Monroe, Chicago IL 60603	2-9 Hours $21
Greenway Self Park 60 W Kinzie St., Chicago IL 60654	$14.70
Huron Superior Garage 222. E. Huron St. Chicago, IL 60611	$13.25
Leonard Lot 901 S. Wabash, IL 60605	$10.00 for twelve hours
Poetry Garage 201 W. Madison Chicago, IL 60606	$14 up to 12 hours
Soldier Field – North Garage 425 E. McFetridge, Chicago IL 60605	$16 Discount available by advance purchase only, regular rates apply on race day.
131 S Dearborn St – Citadel 33 W. Marble Place, Chicago, IL 60603	$14
Aon Center 200 E Randolph Chicago, IL 60601	$6.00 Weekend Special (in by 10 AM out by 10 PM)
Ogden Plaza Self Park 300 E North Water St, Chicago, IL 60611	$10
Shoreham 400 E South Water St Chicago, IL 60601	$15 for 5 hours
SKW Self Park 401 N. State St. Chicago, IL 60654	$19 up to 3 hours
Streeter Place 355 E Ohio St Chicago, IL 60611	12 Hour Average Rate: $34

Kicking off the Running Season – Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K.

With 40,000 runners expected to participate this year, volunteers are especially crucial to the success of this event. Waking up early to reach the course on time may be challenging, but below are a some convenient parking options and driving information to make your morning a little easier.

Street Closures

Street closures along the course will begin at 8:30 a.m. and end at 11:15 a.m. Note, roads near Grant Park will be closed for an extended amount of time. The Chicago Police Department will close and re-open streets.

Parking

No Parking zones along the course will go into effect beginning at 6:00 a.m. on Sunday, April 7. Vehicles parked along the course may be ticketed and towed. Whether you’re participating in the race, watching the race, or volunteering, below are nearby and convenient parking options for you.

Volunteer/Staff Nearby Parking – Shamrock Shuffle 8K:

LOCATION	DEALS
55 E. Monroe 55 E. Monroe, Chicago IL 60603	2-9 Hours $21
Leonard Lot 901 S. Wabash, Chicago IL 60605	$10.00 for twelve hours
Poetry Garage 201 W. Madison Chicago, IL 60606	$14 up to 12 hours
Soldier Field – North Garage 425 E. McFetridge, Chicago IL 60605	$16 Discount available by advance purchase only, regular rates apply on race day.
131 S Dearborn St – Citadel 33 W. Marble Place, Chicago, IL 60603	$14
800 S. Wells St 800 S. Wells St, Chicago, IL 60605	1 hour or less: $7 1-2 hours: $9 2-4 hours: $10 4-12 hours: $13 12-24 hours: $19

Kicking off the Running Season – Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K.

Better get out early to the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K course to snatch a prime viewing seat to cheer on your friends, significant other or a family member. As you decide where along the course you want to set up camp, consider these nearby parking options and driving information.

Street Closures

Street closures along the course will begin at 8:30 a.m. and end at 11:15 a.m. Note, roads near Grant Park will be closed for an extended amount of time. The Chicago Police Department will close and re-open streets.

Parking

No Parking zones along the course will go into effect beginning at 6:00 a.m. on Sunday, April 7. Vehicles parked along the course may be ticketed and towed. Whether you’re participating in the race, watching the race, or volunteering, below are nearby and convenient parking options for you.

Spectator Nearby Parking – Shamrock Shuffle 8K:

LOCATION	DEALS
55 E. Monroe 55 E. Monroe, Chicago IL 60603	2-9 Hours $21
Greenway Self Park 60 W Kinzie St., Chicago IL 60654	$14.70
Huron Superior Garage 222. E. Huron St. Chicago, IL 60611	$13.25
Leonard Lot 901 S. Wabash, IL 60605	$10.00 for twelve hours
Poetry Garage 201 W. Madison Chicago, IL 60606	$14 up to 12 hours
Soldier Field – North Garage 425 E. McFetridge, Chicago IL 60605	$16 Discount available by advance purchase only, regular rates apply on race day.
131 S Dearborn St – Citadel 33 W. Marble Place, Chicago, IL 60603	$14
Aon Center 200 E Randolph Chicago, IL 60601	$6.00 Weekend Special (in by 10 AM out by 10 PM)
Leonard Lot 901 S. Wabash, IL 60605	$10.00 for twelve hours
Ogden Plaza Self Park 300 E North Water St, Chicago, IL 60611	$10
Shoreham 400 E South Water St Chicago, IL 60601	$15 for 5 hours
SKW Self Park 401 N. State St. Chicago, IL 60654	$19 up to 3 hours
Streeter Place 355 E Ohio St Chicago, IL 60611	12 Hour Average Rate: $34

Fully decked in millions of bright lights, Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo transforms itself into a colorful celebration for the holidays. ZooLights, presented by ComEd and Charter One, is a free family-friendly event and is open to the general public. The festivities begin the weekend after Thanksgiving, taking place every weekend until December 26 and will then occur nightly until January 6 (see a full schedule below).

ZooLights Schedule

ZooLights shine from 5-9 p.m. on the following days:

• November 23-25
• November 30-December 2
• December 7-9
• December 14-16
• December 21-23
• December 26-January 6

ZooLights Activities

As if being in the zoo after hours isn’t fun enough, visitors will also be able to enjoy many festive activities, like:

• Photo opportunity with Santa (Santa leaves on December 23)
• Musical light shows
• Ice carving demonstrations
• Carousel and train rides
• Holiday crafts and much more

Lincoln Park Zoo Parking

Convenient parking is available just minutes away from Lincoln Park Zoo at Diversey Harbor South Parking Lot (2601 North Cannon Drive) and the Lincoln Park Conservatory (2391 North Stockton Drive) for just $13.00/day.

For more information on Zoo Lights, visit: http://www.lpzoo.org/events/calendar/zoolights.

• Dave Matthews Band: December 5, 2012
• Carrie Underwood: December 12, 2012
• Disney on Ice – Rockin’ Ever After: January 30-February 10, 2013
• Lady Gaga: February, 13, 2013

To see a full list of United Center events visit: http://www.unitedcenter.com/calendar/.

Buy Daily Parking Now

With the holiday season upon us, Downtown Chicago is sure to be a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. Fully decked with lights and festive decorations, the Downtown streets and store fronts are a sight to see, especially during the BMO Harris Bank Magnificent Mile Lights Festival scheduled to take place on Saturday, November 17th.

Come watch as Mickey and Minnie Mouse lead the lighting parade down Michigan Avenue ending with grand finale fireworks over the Chicago River. With more than 600 volunteers and 1.2 million expected attendees, Michigan Avenue will be filled with excitement.

Whether you’re going to the Lights Festival or looking to do some shopping at 900 N. Michigan, Water Tower Place or the many shops along Michigan Avenue, we’ve got the scoop on where to park and what street closures to be mindful of. Note, that several parking facilities offer deals and discounted parking for shoppers.

Magnificent Mile Nearby Parking:

STREET CLOSURES, November 17th

Closed from 4:45pm – 8pm

• Oak Street (State to Michigan Avenue)
• North Michigan Avenue (Oak to Wacker)
• Upper Wacker Drive (Michigan Avenue to east turnaround)

Closed from 4:30 pm – 11 pm

• Columbus Drive (Wacker to South Water)

Closed from 7am – 4pm

• Upper Illinois Street (Michigan Avenue east to Hotel Inter-Continental side entrance)

 Closed from 10am – 6pm

• Clark Street (East curb lane only Oak to Delaware)
• Delaware Street (Dearborn to Clark north curb lane only)
• Oak Street (Clark to State)
• Dearborn Street (Delaware to Maple)
• Walton Street (State to Clark)

Whether you’re one of the brave 45,000 runners or one of the 1.7 million spectators expected to attend, it’s time to plan for the event. With so many street closures and parking bans, be sure to plan ahead and give yourself plenty of time to get to the event.

Street Closures

Street closures along the race route will begin around 6:00am on the day of the race, Sunday, October 7, 2012. The Chicago Police Department will start to reopen streets as runners make their way through the course and it is safe to reopen to the general public. To view a full list of street closures, visit: www.chicagomarathon.com/streetclosures.

Parking

No Parking zones will go into effect on Sunday, October 7 at 1:00am. Be sure to look for No Parking signs as they will be strictly enforced. If you’re planning on driving to the race, there are plenty of nearby parking facilities along the route, see the list below (click the tabs to see recommended garages based on your marathon involvement: Participant, Spectator or Volunteer).

Locations which have the “Buy Now” button allow participants to pre-register and have a guaranteed parking spot at the garage on the day of the event. You can use this pass all day at any time during the day.

You can also just go to the garage on race day, but availability cannot be guaranteed without advance purchase. Cash or credit cards are accepted.

Designed to be Magnificent
If you know your Chicago history, you’ll know the name Daniel Burnham. He was the progressive city planner whose vision for Chicago’s development is contained in the 1909 Plan of Chicago. Burnham was so taken and inspired by the grand boulevards of Europe, he wanted to recreate and outdo them in Chicago. He’d like what this avenue has become.

The Magnificent Mile brims with impressive architecture — several of the tallest buildings in the city, augmented by beautiful seasonal gardens and mature trees, and magnificent commercial and hospitality outlets. In addition to more than 3 million square feet of retail options, the Mile is also home to theaters, hotels and hundreds of excellent restaurants.

Michigan Avenue Shopping
The Magnificent Mile is lined with upscale boutiques like Armani, Bulgari, Cartier, Channel, Givenchy, Gucci, Harry Winston, Kate Spade, Louis Vuitton, Ralph Lauren, and Vera Wang. It’s also home to the grand dame department stores: Bloomingdale’s, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, and Barneys New York.

Magnificent Dining and Accommodations
When all of that shopping makes you hungry, there are restaurants like Lawry’s, The Prime Rib, The Pump Room, Spago, Spiaggia and Tru, to name a few of the more renowned. Add to that ultra-luxury hotels like The Peninsula, Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton, Intercontinental and the Drake, and you have a combination that makes people watching on the Mile an attraction in itself.

Planning Your Visit
The Magnificent Mile draws more than 20 million visitors a years—made up of tourists and locals alike. Its very popularity might give some people — especially those who want to drive in for a day of shopping and dining — pause. Will it be too crowded? Can I find a place to park?

The good news for anyone planning a drive in to the Mile is that parking will not be a problem. Even on the busiest shopping days of the year, you can find convenient parking up and down Michigan. Take a spot like Water Tower Place —50 of 52 Saturdays a year, parking will be simple. But even if that garage is busy, you’ll find spots at 900 N. Michigan Avenue or the Hancock Building.

True, the retail oriented lots will be busier on the weekends—this makes weekends a good time to park in the commercial garages, which tend to be busier on business days. There’s parking a block or two east and west off the Mile too. It tends to be less expensive, but it’s more of a hike.

If you know when to arrive, you can save a bit on parking in the prime areas too. For example, Water Tower Place has special evening parking rates to attract restaurant diners. Many garages also have early bird parking, which enables you to take advantage of lower parking rates if you arrive before a certain hour — usually 10 AM.

After you park, be sure to take your parking stub with you. Several of the larger retailers will validate parking at a shopping discount rate if you spend a certain amount of money there.

Don’t let misconceptions about parking keep you away from this remarkable stretch of Michigan Avenue.