Summer Events and Festivals Mean Fun in RTA Region

August 27, 2014

RTA Trip Planner Offers Easy Way to Plan Routes

Chicago – The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) is continuing to remind riders that the fastest and most convenient way to get around this summer is by taking transit. The fun is just a short ride away on a bus or train and a great way to enjoy family time, meet friends at an event or just enjoy our great city.

Featured weekend events:

• African Festival of the Arts (August 29 - September 1) - Be among the thousands who will attend this year’s 25th annual festival in Washington Park, 5100 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, spotlighting African culture. Jump on the CTA #4 Cottage Grove bus and get off at 51^st Street. Then, you’ll be in the middle of the festivities.

• Chicago Jazz Festival (August 28 - 31) - It's Labor Day weekend and that can only mean it's time for all things jazz a Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph St., Chicago. Enjoy local, national and international musicians playing familiar jazz tunes. Take the CTA Red Line toward downtown and get off at the Lake Street stop or take the Blue Line to the Washington stop. Then, head east on Randolph and you’ll be just steps away from the fun.

• North Coast Music Festival (August 29 - 31) – Enjoy this all-ages music fest in Union Park, 1501 W. Randolph St., Chicago, featuring genres from hip-hop to indie rock. More than 50 performers are expected to perform, including Kid Cudi, Snoop Dogg, Bassnectar and STS9. Take the Pink Line 54th/Cermak and exit at the Ashland stop. You are just a few blocks away.

Also, consider these fun weekend festivals that are also easy to get to on transit:

• 3rd Annual Artopia Fest, Chicago Urban Society (August 30)
• Volunteer: KaBOOM! Play Together Tour, Clark Street in Lincoln Park (August 30)
• Magnificent Mile Shopping Fest, 900 North Michigan Shops (August 25 - September 1)

“Our transit system is the best way to reach your favorite destinations, whether it’s planning a mid-week visit to the museum, enjoying a night out for dinner or participating with hundreds of concert goers at one of the many free performances held at Chicago’s Grant Park,” said Acting RTA Executive Director Leanne Redden. 

Riders can use the RTA’s Trip Planner to plan travel and select routes with ADA accessible services when necessary. It is the only online site in the region that provides a variety of options for getting around our region, including transit, walking, bicycling and driving. For more information about how the RTA Trip Planner can help you plan your next trip, visit www.RTAchicago.org. Not sure where to go? Visit websites like Metromix (http://chicago.metromix.com) and Choose Chicago (http://www.choosechicago.com/articles/view/CHICAGO-EVENTS-FESTIVALS-2014-CALENDAR-HIGHLIGHTS/1243/#June), for a full listing of summer events in the Chicago region.