Chicago Top 100 Events is an archive of the best events from Event Planners at recent past Benefit Galas, Public Promos, Launch Parties, Movie Premieres, Fashion Shows and New Releases by BizBash

Chicago Top 100 Events Archive provides Event Planning organizations an archive of the best Party Events, Junkets, PR and Press Releases by BizBash

Chicago event planning resource directory

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BIG-NAME BRANDS Horseshoe Casino Builds Buzz With Pre-Opening Party in Vacant Retail Space Chicago Magazine Mixes Singles and Sponsors eBay Live Draws 10,000 to McCormick Place West Teknion Treats Clients to Comfort Food and Confetti Drops Global Woos Customers With Chocolate During NeoCon Show NetJets Targets Potential Clients at MCA Event Absolut and Kanye Collaborate on Neon-Hued Postconcert Party   BENEFITS O'Hare Airstrip Becomes Art Gallery and Stage for After School Matters Gala Northern Lights Inspire Symphony's Opening Night Gala 60,000 Butterflies Decorate Harris Theater for Music and Dance Gala Green Tie Ball Channels Rio With a Carnivale Theme (and Steamy Conditions) Galapalooza Benefit Offers Outdoor Lounges, Roving Dim Sum Carts Shedd Aquarium Blu Party Offers Unhindered Views of Venetian Night Campaign Logo Inspires Look of Children's Memorial Hospital Event   FASHION FOCUSED Rush Medical Center Reels in 175 Models for 82nd Fashion Show Macy's Gets Totally '80s for Glamorama's 10th Anniversary Blowouts and Botox on Offer at Glossed and Found Launch Party Local Designer Stages Buzz-Garnering Boutique Opening Nordstrom Previews Fall Fashions at History Museum CS Magazine Produces Green Fashion Show Zac Posen Shows Off Wares for Steppenwolf     Top 100 Events Archive 07.07.09 2:47 PM Chicago's Top 100 Events The Chicago Air and Water Show over Lake Michigan Photo: City of Chicago/Mayor's Office of Special Events Last year, election night thrust Grant Park into the international spotlight. And in 2016 the Summer Olympics may call Chicago home. But between all the once-in-a-lifetime happenings, the city hosts a slew of noteworthy annual events. These are the parties, trade shows, benefits, and parades that draw media attention, tourism dollars, and top players in their fields. Here are our picks for the city’s biggest events, from Lollapalooza and the world’s largest international medical meeting to opening night at the Lyric Opera and the Arlington Million. MORE >> RELATED TOPICS Chicago's Top 100 Events 07.07.09 2:40 PM Chicago's Top Festivals 2009 Taylor Swift at the Chicago Country Music Festival Photo: City of Chicago/Mayor's Office of Special Events 1. Taste of Chicago Now in its 28th year, Taste of Chicago took place June 26 to July 5 and welcomed around 3.5 million visitors. The 10-day festival, held in Grant Park, allows guests to sample dishes from more than 70 area restaurants. 2. Chicago Air and Water Show The 51-year-old show is billed as the largest spectator event in the United States. The 2009 incarnation will take place August 15 and 16 and will draw an estimated 2.2 million spectators. 3. Lollapalooza The 2009 Lollapalooza will bring more than 100 musical acts and an estimated 150,000 fans to Grant Park from August 7 to 9. The event lures a bevy of tourists, celebrities, and national press, and companies such as PlayStation, MySpace, and Dell sponsor areas on the festival grounds. MORE >> RELATED TOPICS Chicago's Top 100 Events, Taste of Chicago, Chicago Air & Water Show, Lollapalooza, Chicago Blues Festival, Chicago Jazz Festival, Grant Park Music Festival, Chicago SummerDance, Northalsted Market Days, Outdoor Film Festival, Printers Row Book Fair, Chicago Country Music Festival, Pitchfork Music Festival 07.07.09 2:39 PM Chicago's Top Art & Architecture Events 2009 SOFA at Navy Pier Photo: David Burns 1. Art Chicago/Artropolis The three-day Art Chicago exhibition takes place at the Merchandise Mart and showcases works from approximately 180 international art galleries. The 2009 event took place May 1 to 4, and drew more than 50,000 attendees. 2. NeoCon World’s Trade Fair  More than 50,000 guests descended on the Merchandise Mart in 2008 for the NeoCon World’s Trade Fair. Some 1,200 showrooms participate in the event, which showcases products for corporate hospitality and residential design. This year’s fair took place June 15 to 17. 3. SOFA An acronym for “sculptural objects and functional art,” SOFA is Chicago’s longest continuously running art fair. Around 34,000 guests attended the 2008 event, which featured work from some 100 galleries. This year, the show returns to Navy Pier from November 6 to 8. MORE >> RELATED TOPICS Chicago's Top 100 Events, Art Chicago, NeoCon, SOFA, Diffa's Dining by Design, Diffa, American Institute of Architects, International Interior Design Association 07.07.09 2:39 PM Chicago's Top Sports Events 2009 Run for Their Lives' pet-friendly event Photo: Jennifer Girard 1. Chicago Marathon The marathon will take place this year on October 11. Presented by Bank of America, the event typically draws 1 million spectators, more than 33,000 runners, and $10 million for various causes. 2. Arlington Million The annual Arlington Million—acknowledged as one of the world’s most prestigious horse races—draws around 32,000 visitors to the suburban racetrack each year. The event is broadcast on national television. This year’s race will be held in August. 3. Race to Mackinac Now in its 101st year, the Race to Mackinac sees approximately 500 boats race from Navy Pier to Mackinac Island, Michigan. The Chicago Yacht Club presents the event, which it bills as the world’s longest freshwater race at 289.4 nautical miles. This year’s happening takes place July 18. MORE >> RELATED TOPICS Chicago's Top 100 Events, Chicago Marathon, Arlington Million, Race to Mackinac, Bike the Drive, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, AIDS Run & Walk Chicago, Run for Their Lives, Law Enforcement Torch Run's Polar Plunge, Chicago Criterium, Mayor Daley’s Holiday Sports Festival 07.07.09 2:39 PM Chicago's Top Parades 2009 The Columbus Day Parade Photo: City of Chicago/Mayor's Office of Special Events 1. Bud Billiken Parade and Picnic America’s largest African-American parade, this gathering sees 75,000 marchers proceed down Martin Luther King Drive. The event celebrates its 80th anniversary on August 8 this year, when organizers expect more than 1.2 million spectators. 2. Magnificent Mile Lights Festival The Greater North Michigan Avenue Association presents this kid-friendly holiday parade, scheduled for November 21 this year. The event typically draws around 900,000 spectators, is nationally televised, and culminates with a fireworks display over the Chicago River. 3. Venetian Night Venetian Night, Chicago’s oldest city-sponsored event, will take place this year on July 25. The parade is expected to draw 675,000 spectators, who will watch a procession of 35 decorated boats cruise between Lake Michigan and the intersection of Lake Shore Drive and Congress Parkway. MORE >> RELATED TOPICS Chicago's Top 100 Events, Bud Billiken Parade and Picnic, Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, Venetian Night, McDonald's Thanksgiving Parade, Gay and Lesbian Pride Parade, St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Puerto Rican Parade, South Side St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Memorial Day Parade, Columbus Day Parade, Chicagoland Toys for Tots Motorcycle Parade 07.07.09 2:39 PM Chicago's Top Trade Shows & Conventions 2009 The Chicago Auto Show Photo: Courtesy of the Chicago Auto Show 1. The Chicago Auto Show Each year, the Chicago Auto Show—the nation’s largest—occupies roughly 1.3 million square feet of exhibit space in McCormick Place. The 2009 event took place from February 13 to 22. On February 12, the First Look for Charity gala kicked off the show, offering a sneak peek of the vehicles to a crowd of 9,000. 2. National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show The world’s largest gathering of restaurant, food-service, and lodging professionals, this event typically boasts 1,800 exhibitors and 70,000 attendees. The 2009 show hit McCormick Place from May 16 to 19 and offered sessions such as “How to Stand Out in a Tough Economy.” 3. Radiological Society of North America Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting Billed as the world’s largest international medical meeting, the Radiological Society’s annual gathering will take over McCormick Place this year from November 29 to December 4. In 2008, the event drew 59,181 guests; similar attendance is expected in 2009. MORE >> RELATED TOPICS Chicago's Top 100 Events, Chicago Auto Show, National Restaurant Association Convention, Radiological Society of North America, International Home Show, Chicago Boat RV & Outdoors Show, Graph Expo 07.07.09 2:39 PM Chicago's Top Theater, Dance & Music Events 2009 1. Steppenwolf Theatre Gala Some 650 guests attended the 2009 gala for Chicago’s famed theater. The high-profile evening—which has drawn guests such as Mayor Richard Daley and company member John Malkovich—took place April 18 and included a performance of The Tempest. The gala raised roughly $1.3 million. 2. Lyric Opera’s Opening Night Gala Benefit and Opera Ball In 2008, this event raised $500,000. Around 3,500 guests attended a performance of French opera Manon; afterward, 700 headed to the Hilton Chicago, where costumed brass musicians heralded each arrival and soprano Natalie Dessay joined guests on the dance floor. This year’s gala will take place September 26. 3. Chicago Symphony Orchestra Opening Night Gala Star soprano Renée Fleming will perform at the 2009 Chicago Symphony Orchestra gala on October 3, which is expected to raise more than $850,000. After the Symphony Center concert, dinner and dancing will take place at the Chicago Hilton and Towers. Event organizers expect 2,400 guests at the concert and 630 at the ensuing festivities. 4. Ravinia Festival Gala In 2008, this gala drew 1,000 guests and raised $1.2 million for the oldest summer music festival in North America. The 2009 event will take place July 18. With a “Bicentennial Ball” theme, the evening will feature the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s performance of Aaron Copland’s “Lincoln Portrait.” 5. Joffrey Ballet Spring Gala The Joffrey Ballet’s 2009 spring gala on April 24 drew around 1,000 guests and raised $1.3 million. The event began at the Auditorium Theatre, where Joffrey dancers presented the premiere of Carousel (A Dance). Dinner and dancing at the Chicago Hilton followed. MORE >> RELATED TOPICS Chicago's Top 100 Events, Steppenwolf Theatre, Lyric Opera, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Ravinia Festival, Joffrey Ballet, Goodman Theatre, Redmoon Theatre, About Face Theatre, Hubbard Street Dance, David Schwimmer, Lookingglass Theatre, League of Chicago Theatres, Chicago Opera Theatre 07.07.09 2:39 PM Chicago's Top Benefits 2009 Ellen DeGeneres and a Make-a-Wish recipient Photo: Make-A-Wish Foundation of Illinois 1. Green Tie Ball Held in support of Chicago Gateway Green’s mission of beautifying area roadways, this ball draws the largest crowd of the season. Around 3,000 guests take part in charitable gaming, live entertainment, and tastings from dozens of area restaurants. Last year’s event raked in $500,000. 2. After School Matters Gala The 2008 gala made a splash with its unconventional venue: an under-construction runway at O’Hare airport. Some 2,400 guests browsed a youth art auction and raised $3.5 million for after-school programs. The 2009 fund-raiser for Maggie Daley’s pet charity will take place in September. 3. Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation’s Chance of a Lifetime Gala The most extensive silent auction in Chicago (500 lots, with everything from restaurant packages to trips) is the focus of this 2,000-guest event, which in 2008 raised $2.6 million and featured singer Steve Winwood. The 2009 incarnation is set for December 12. 4. Chicago Urban League Golden Fellowship Dinner Major players in the city’s political, corporate, and social circles attend this annual event, where past guests have included Barack Obama and Johnson Publishing Company’s Linda Johnson Rice. In 2008, the evening drew 2,000 guests and raised $1.9 million for the civil-rights organization. This year’s dinner is set for November 7. 5. American Cancer Society Discovery Ball Charlie Trotter designed the cocktails for the 2008 ball, which raised $2.1 million and featured acrobats and a performance by jazz icon Herbie Hancock. This year’s event took place at the Civic Opera House on April 25; some 1,000 guests attended. 6. Children’s Memorial Hospital Children’s Ball In 2008, the 50th anniversary ball for 1,200 was held at the Hilton Chicago. The Medical Research Institute Council’s 2009 event on December 12 will build on the momentum of excitement generated by a new hospital building currently under construction in Streeterville. MORE >> RELATED TOPICS Chicago's Top 100 Events, Chicago Gateway Green, Maggie Daley, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Steve Winwood, Chicago Urban League, American Cancer Society, Herbie Hancock, Children's Memorial Hospital, Lincoln Park Zoo, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Ellen DeGeneres, Breast Cancer Network of Strength, Shedd Aquarium, Ronald Mcdonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana, Museum of Science and Insutry 07.07.09 2:39 PM Chicago's Top Fashion & Retail Industry Events 2009 Vatit Itthi's runway show during Fashion Focus Photo: Patrick Pyszka/City of Chicago 1. Fashion Focus Presented by Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs, Fashion Focus draws an average 35,000 guests each year. The four-day event promotes local designers through runway shows, shopping tours, fashion installations, and seminars. The 2009 Fashion Focus will take place this fall. 2. StyleMax This trade show caters to buyers of women’s apparel and accessories, setting up shop at the Merchandise Mart for four weekend-long events each year. The shows typically display lines from some 4,000 designers, and opening-night festivities feature fashion shows and cocktails. 3. Macy’s Glamorama Cyndi Lauper headlined last year’s ’80s-themed Glamorama. Some 3,000 guests attended the event, which features a fashion show at the Chicago Theatre and an over-the-top after-party at Macy’s on State Street. The 2009 Glamorama is scheduled for fall. 4. Shop Chicago Gen Art Chicago presents Shop Chicago, an event that brings 60 to 75 accessory and apparel vendors to Union Station. The daylong shopping fest, which typically draws 3,000 attendees took place March 21. MORE >> RELATED TOPICS Chicago's Top 100 Events, Fashion Focus 2008, Stylemax, Macy's Glamorama, Shop Chicago, Rush University Medical Center, Gold Coast Fashion Awards Show, McCormick Boys & Girls Club Fashion Show, A Day on the Terrace Fashion Show, Night of Stars Gala, Nordstrom 07.07.08 10:11 AM Chicago's Top 100 Annual Events The Children's Place Association's "Once Upon a Time" gala Photo: Courtesy of the Children's Place Association Chicago may be synonymous with certain high-profile events, such as the Taste, the auto show, and the marathon, but the city also plays host to various big ticket benefits, industry-leading trade shows, and trendsetting art and fashion events. Here are our picks for the most crowd-pleasing, buzz-generating, money-raising, press-getting annual events in Chicago. 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