Mindworks

Celebrate the holiday season with the nationally televised Chicago Thanksgiving Parade, which has been ranked the second-best Thanksgiving Parade in the country by Time Out Magazine. Witness the excitement as talented marching bands, majestic equestrian units, national celebrities, and spectacular performance groups march through downtown Chicago. Why settle for watching a parade meander through New York City on TV when you can see giant cartoon-character balloons, marching bands, and dancers on the streets of Chicago? If you are in the city on Thanksgiving, you can catch the annual procession before indulging in your turkey. The Parade moves down State Street between Ida B. Wells Drive and Randolph Street and ends by 11 am, providing you with ample time to return home and assist with the cooking. The event commemorates Thanksgiving with a three-hour procession of giant balloons, marching bands, dancers, and more.

If you're a fan of blues music, you will want to attend Buddy Guy's Legends in Chicago. This iconic blues bar is owned by the legendary blues musician Buddy Guy himself, and it's one of the best places in the country to catch a live blues performance. Over the years, some of the biggest names in music have graced the stage at Buddy Guy's Legends, including Van Morrison, Bo Diddley, The Rolling Stones, Lou Rawls, ZZ Top, John Mayer, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and many more. It's a must-visit spot for music lovers visiting Chicago.