A record 39,115 runners finished the 2013 race—up from 37,475 in 2012. Two million spectators were on hand to cheer on the athletes. Due to the Boston Marathon bombings, event organizers implemented heightened security measures for last year’s Bank of America-sponsored event. Next: October 12, 2014
This year, Chicago is planning for some major new developments that will help the city host big-scale events. McCormick Place convention center is set to become the new home of a $400 million entertainment district with a 55-story hotel, an arena, and more. The development is slated for completion by 2017, and in the meantime, Chicago's annual traditions carry on. From a parade that dyes a whole river green to the nation's longest-running auto show, here's a look at the 100 events that are central to Chicago's character, economy, and major industries.
To choose and rank the annual events on this list, we look at several factors, including economic impact, buzz, innovation, and an event's prominence within the communities it intends to serve.
