911 tapes released by the city show that North Avenue Beach was closed for more than just heat stress issues. more ›

For the third year in a row, GoTopless.org (NSFW*) is having a "Go Topless Day" tomorrow, August 22, to protest the injustice that while men can walk around with their hairy man-boobs flopping around, women have to cover up. Their message is, "As long as men can go topless, women should have the same constitutional right or men should also be forced to wear something that hides their chests." The group is encouraging women nationwide to bare all, and men can join along in solidarity by donning bras or bikini tops. Locally, the protest will happen amongst the beach volleyball players and rollerbladers at North Avenue Beach. more ›

As promised, Vince Vaughn took to the skies yesterday morning as the latest "celebrity jumper" to kick off the Chicago Air & Water show, and he even brought his mom along for the ride. In case you didn't happen to make it down to the clusterfuck that is North Avenue Beach this weekend, here's a video of Vaughn making his jump, courtesy of the U.S. Army Golden Knights. more ›

The folks at yesterday's Chicago Polar Plunge certainly had things easier than last year, which featured freezing temps and brutal winds that whipped stinging snow into bare bodies. But with the water temperature at 35 degrees yesterday, diving into Lake Michigan in nothing but a bathing suit still probably wouldn't be described by any of the participants as "pleasant." Each "plunger" raised a minimum of $100 in pledges which combined totaled $326,375, all of which goes to Special Children's Charities and Special Olympics Chicago. The top fundraiser, Jennifer Kramer, raised an amazing $14,220.01. more ›

After Chicagoist spotlighted the annual Chicago Polar Plunge for Special Olympics over the weekend, we decided to head down to North Avenue beach yesterday to watch the festivities and grab some photos. Sure, we knew it was going to be cold, but as lifelong Chicagoans that wasn't going to stop us, nor were the snow flurries or the wind. But as the 30 m.p.h. gusts hit us on the bridge over Lake Shore Drive, we had a sinking feeling and regretted not having a scarf or ski mask. And by the time an announcement was made that the start of the plunge was going to be delayed, we had enough of the stinging ice whipping in our face and bailed. Jim Cantore, your job is safe. (And yes, we realize how ridiculous we are complaining about the cold when people were jumping in the lake half naked for charity.) more ›

Marina Café on Jackson Harbor is one of many restaurants on the South side we'd love to recommend to readers without hesitation, but can't. We're convinced that tables without a reservation would be hard to come by if this restaurant was located at Monroe Harbor or North Avenue Beach. We also suspect that, if it were in one of those locations, Marina Café's owners and management would place a bigger emphasis on restaurant basics. As such, we can't eagerly endorse their combination of Creole and Caribbean for lunch or dinner. We were hoping that yesterday's jazz brunch would see them raise their level. But the food was still hit-or-miss. more ›

The most popular museum in the world is the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C., which sees nearly 9 million visitors come through its doors each year. So it is no surprise that Chicago's Annual Air & Water Show is the largest two-day spectator event in the United States, with audience numbers reaching nearly 2.5 million. The free annual event is back for its 49th edition and has a great line-up ready to... more ›

The Association of Volleyball Professionals return to the Chicago lakefront this week for the sponsorship-heavy McDonald's AVP Chicago Open by Nautica. Play begins tomorrow morning at 8 with the tournament qualifier matches, which are free for spectators. The main draw begins on Friday morning at 9. The competition runs on through the weekend with the Men's final slated for 3pm on Saturday and the Women's final at 3pm on Sunday. Both finals will also be broadcast on NBC. more ›

Hundreds of Chicagoans rang in the New Year with a polar plunge into Lake Michigan. Safely on the shore of North Avenue Beach, the swimmers were supported by hundreds of camera and towel toting friends and family. All it took to get the party started was one loud kamakazee-esque run into the 39 degree waters of Lake Michigan. The lone swimmer started a chain reaction that resulted in a full-out assault of the lake. Most made it in and were back out well under a minute. Many marveled at one man, who seemed impervious to the cold and spent several minutes swimming. more ›

Anyone working downtown realized today that the 48th Annual Air & Water Show is this weekend. Aircraft participating in this year's event started roaring up and down the lakeshore today in preparation for this weekend's show. Chicagoist had the opportunity fly with the AeroShell Aerobatic Team this morning to check out the pilots to ensure they were ready for the show. The AeroShell Team is comprised of four T-6 Texans and four planes used to... more ›

The AVP McDonald's Chicago Open Volleyball tour is in Chicago this weekend. Action started on Thursday and continued with preliminary rounds today. The tournament features some of the best men and women beach volleyball players in the world. more ›

With Memorial Day behind us and a streak of days breaking 80 degrees, we think we can say summer is on its way. And, nothing says summer in Chicago quite like drinking a $6 margarita overlooking the lake. That’s right, we’re talking about Castaways Bar & Grill, and as crowded and cliché as it might be, it’s a Chicago summertime landmark. If you’ve lived in Chicago for more than a minute, then you undoubtedly... more ›

Not to tread on Will and Kit's territory, but Michael Sneed made a mistake in today's column that could leave some Sneedlings all wet, and cold, for nothing. In her column she reports: Brrrrrr... Police Supt. Phil Cline, whose success at lowering crime stats is being reported nationally, will take a polar plunge this weekend. *Translation: Cline and fellow top cop, Cook County Sheriff Mike Sheahan, will plunge into the frozen waters of Lake Michigan... more ›

Saturday and Sunday, the water show portion of the event runs from 9:30am - 10:30am and the air show runs from 11:00am - 4:00pm. Longtime announcer Herb Hunter delivers play-by-play coverage from North Avenue Beach. more ›

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