5 Fun Things To Do In Chicago Over Memorial Day Weekend

CHICAGO, IL — Memorial Day weekend is always one of the most anticipated times of the year because it means the unofficial start of summer with pools and beaches open for the season. Chicago, called by many as the best "summer city" in the world, is home to many great things to do over Memorial Day weekend and into the warmest months of the year. Here's a look at a few of the most popular things on tap for Memorial Day weekend in Chicago in 2017.

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The Downtown Memorial Day Parade: The city of Chicago will mark its Memorial Day celebration on Saturday, May 27. It will step off from State and Lake at noon and proceed toward Van Buren. The Grand Marshal will be United States Marine Corps Lieutenant General Robert S. Walsh. A wreath laying ceremony will also be held.

Gaelic Park Irish Fest: One of suburban Chicago's grandest Irish celebrations outside of the month of March takes place throughout the weekend at Gaelic Park in Oak Forest. Entertainment, rides and food exhibitors will be available from Friday through Monday. In a special promotion this year, on Memorial Day, people with red hair will get in for half price.

Chicago Watch 2017: Fans of NBC's "Chicago" shows -- Chicago Med, Chicago PD, Chicago Fire and Chicago Justice -- will have a chance to meet some of the stars from Friday through Sunday at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place. Taylor Kinney, Torrey DeVitto and Gregg Henry are among those planning to be present for the 3-day fan experience.

Homecoming Weekend for White Sox Fans: Non-youth fans of the Chicago White Sox may remember some of these names from the 1990s: Keith Foulke, Bob Howry, James Baldwin and Mike Sirotka. They are all expected to join the team for a variety of homecoming festivities planned during the team's series against the Detroit Tigers from Friday through Sunday.

Ridge Run / Memorial Day Parade: Monday morning will mark the 40th annual running of the Ridge Run, the city's oldest 10K racing event. This year, the race has been selected as a CARA Choice Circuit race. READ MORE: Elite Runner Will Compete in Ridge Run

Other options include checking out one of the city's many swimming pools that will open this weekend, the lovely city beaches and Navy Pier, where a new exhibit titled "Forts" will open at the Chicago Children's Museum.

ALSO ON PATCH: Chicago Catholic Cemeteries Will Observe Memorial Day With Field Masses