Inspired Chicago - Find fun things to do in Chicago!

August in Chicago is forecast to be another hot month, with temperatures in the 80s predicted for most days. For some basic hot-weather training tips, please read my July 2016 article . If you are a Big Ten sports fan or alum, you will want to check out the BTN Big 10K (there is also a 5K option) on Saturday, August 6, in Grant Park. Wear your favorite team's school colors, enjoy beautiful Chicago skyline, Grant Park, and lakefront views during your 10K or 5K, and then celebrate at the post-race Fan Fest! Give the gift of clean water when you run or walk the World Vision 6K for Water in Lincoln Park on Saturday, August 13. World Vision has chosen a 6K distance because 3.72 miles (6K) is the average distance people in Africa walk for water (and many times that water is not safe to drink). Each $50 registration fee provides clean water for one person in Africa! If you would like to challenge yourself to a multisport competition, consider the Chicago Triathlon on August 2

It's a Birthday Party! For:   Navy Pier Date:   Friday, July 15, 2016 Place:   Navy Pier, 600 East Grand Avenue, Chicago Time:   10 a.m.–10 p.m. Navy Pier is celebrating 100 years on July 15, 2016, and is having a birthday party! The festivities are free and open to the public. What can you expect at this centennial celebration? There will be a giant birthday cheesecake from Eli's Cheesecake! Visitors can stop by Pier Park ( #8 on map ) for a free slice of cheesecake, which will be cut between 10 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. There will be games and activities for the kids. From 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., Miller Lite Beer Garden will have a special 100 Pennies Menu featuring food and beverage items for $1.00 each. Several other businesses located at Navy Pier will also have special offers in celebration of Navy Pier's birthday. At 6:30 p.m., as part of its 2016 Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks program, Chicago Shakespeare Theater will be presenting a 75-minute abridged version of Wi

Enjoy your lunch along the Chicago River this summer while learning about this ever-changing waterway. The Friends of the Chicago River has put together an exciting lineup of experts who will discuss river-related topics each Monday from July 11 through August 29, 2016. The talks will take place on the plaza outside the McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum from 12:15 p.m. to 12:45 p.m. The talks are free and open to the public. In case of rain, visit the Bridgehouse Museum on Twitter ( twitter.com/bridgehousemuse ) or call 312.977.0227 for updates. Friends of the Chicago River Summer Speaker Series McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum Plaza 99 Chicago Riverwalk, Chicago Map July 11 The Chicago River's Economic Engine Ernest C. Wong, site design group, ltd. July 18 Birds, Bees, and Bass: Nature on the Chicago River Zhanna Yermakov, Chicago Park District July 25 The Latest on the Riverwalk Gina Ford, Sasaki Associates August 1 The Importance of the Michigan