Why Are Houses Floating Down the Chicago River?

On Monday afternoon, these sculptured houses reflecting 19th century architecture were pushed through the Chicago River. They are on their way to the Great Chicago Fire Festival—“a free event to unite Chicago’s neighborhoods and celebrate Chicago’s grit, greatness and renewal following the fire of 1871. ... The inaugural Great Chicago Fire Festival will light up the city with a spectacle of fire celebrating the city’s citizens and neighborhoods on the Chicago River.”

The festival takes place Saturday, Oct. 4, on the Chicago River between State and Columbus. Find maps, a schedule of events and more information at ChicagoFireFestival.com.