2. Arlington Million
#2 Sports Event
The prestigious horse race—reportedly the world’s first to offer a million-dollar purse—lures 32,000 international guests and is broadcast on national TV. Next: August 18, 2012
The prestigious horse race—reportedly the world’s first to offer a million-dollar purse—lures 32,000 international guests and is broadcast on national TV. Next: August 18, 2012
Photo: Courtesy of Arlington Park
9. Law Enforcement Torch Run’s Polar Plunge
#9 Sports Event
The Geico-sponsored Law Enforcement Torch Run’s Polar Plunge benefits the Special Olympics, drawing 6,290 plungers and raising $1.5 million this year. Next: February-March 2013
The Geico-sponsored Law Enforcement Torch Run’s Polar Plunge benefits the Special Olympics, drawing 6,290 plungers and raising $1.5 million this year. Next: February-March 2013
Photo: Courtesy of Special Olympics Illinois
10. Pets Are Worth Saving’s Run for Their Lives
#10 Sports Event
One of Chicago’s largest pet-friendly affairs, Pets Are Worth Saving’s Run for Their Lives draws 3,500 participants—many with their four-legged friends. Sponsors have included Subaru and American Airlines. Next: September 23, 2012
One of Chicago’s largest pet-friendly affairs, Pets Are Worth Saving’s Run for Their Lives draws 3,500 participants—many with their four-legged friends. Sponsors have included Subaru and American Airlines. Next: September 23, 2012
Photo: Monaghan Photography
11. Race to Mackinac
#11 Sports Event
Presented by Veuve Clicquot, the ritzy event sees nearly 350 boats race 333 miles to Mackinac Island. The Race to Mackinac is the longest annual freshwater race in the world. Next: July 2013
Presented by Veuve Clicquot, the ritzy event sees nearly 350 boats race 333 miles to Mackinac Island. The Race to Mackinac is the longest annual freshwater race in the world. Next: July 2013
Photo: Michele Idstein
4. Radiological Society of North America Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting
#4 Trade Show & Convention
The scientific event, held at McCormick Place each November, has nearly 700 exhibitors and 60,000 international attendees. Next: November 25-30, 2012
The scientific event, held at McCormick Place each November, has nearly 700 exhibitors and 60,000 international attendees. Next: November 25-30, 2012
Photo: RSNA
5. America’s Beauty Show
#5 Trade Show & Convention (up from #6)
This year the beauty-focused show drew 50,000 industry pros and included appearances by industry stars like Tabatha Coffey. Next: March 9-11, 2013
This year the beauty-focused show drew 50,000 industry pros and included appearances by industry stars like Tabatha Coffey. Next: March 9-11, 2013
Photo: BABAK for 2012 America's Beauty Show
1. Chicago Symphony Orchestra Symphony Ball
#1 Theater, Dance & Music Event
The premiere autumn event has featured performances from the likes of Lang Lang and Renee Fleming; it draws major corporate sponsors and typically raises more than $1 million. Next: September 29, 2012
The premiere autumn event has featured performances from the likes of Lang Lang and Renee Fleming; it draws major corporate sponsors and typically raises more than $1 million. Next: September 29, 2012
Photo: Todd Rosenberg Photography
6. TBS Just for Laughs Festival
#6 Theater, Dance, & Music Event
With stand-up comedy, sketch shows, and films in venues across the city, the TBS Just for Laughs Festival has been a popular, quick-to-sell-tickets summertime tradition since launching in Chicago in 2008. This year’s talent included Vince Vaughn, Sarah Silverman, and Aziz Ansari. Next: June 12-17, 2013
With stand-up comedy, sketch shows, and films in venues across the city, the TBS Just for Laughs Festival has been a popular, quick-to-sell-tickets summertime tradition since launching in Chicago in 2008. This year’s talent included Vince Vaughn, Sarah Silverman, and Aziz Ansari. Next: June 12-17, 2013
Photo: Courtesy of TBS Just for Laughs Chicago
2. Fashion Focus
#3 Fashion & Retail Event
The weeklong event highlights the work of local designers and comprises around 30 free and ticketed events including runway shows in Millennium Park. Next: October 15-21, 2012
The weeklong event highlights the work of local designers and comprises around 30 free and ticketed events including runway shows in Millennium Park. Next: October 15-21, 2012
Photo: Meg Bradley/Stephen Green Photography
2. Orange County Super Fair
#2 Festival & Fair (up from #3)
Last year the Orange County Super Fair shattered attendance records, drawing more than 1.4 million attendees (up 21 percent over 2010) to what has become one of North America’s largest fairs; it was the seventh largest in 2011, up from the ninth largest in 2010. Next: July-August 2013
Last year the Orange County Super Fair shattered attendance records, drawing more than 1.4 million attendees (up 21 percent over 2010) to what has become one of North America’s largest fairs; it was the seventh largest in 2011, up from the ninth largest in 2010. Next: July-August 2013
Photo: Courtesy of O.C. Fair & Event Center
3. San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival
#4 Food, Wine & Hospitality Event
San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival’s five-day fest, produced by World of Wine Events and Fast Forward Event Productions, is now in its ninth year and bills itself as Southern California’s largest wine and food festival. The 2011 event broke records, drawing more than 10,500 people. Next: November 14-18, 2012
San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival’s five-day fest, produced by World of Wine Events and Fast Forward Event Productions, is now in its ninth year and bills itself as Southern California’s largest wine and food festival. The 2011 event broke records, drawing more than 10,500 people. Next: November 14-18, 2012
Photo: Ken Loyst
