Get ready for a weekend of high-speed entertainment as the NASCAR Street Race makes its Windy City return on July 6 and 7. Chicagoans can get a bird’s-eye view of all the Grant Park action while enjoying luxe accommodations, tasty bites, live music performances and more.
What To See & Do
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Grant Park / Website
This year’s Street Race is paired with an entertainment festival featuring headliners Keith Urban, The Chainsmokers, The Black Keys and Lauren Alaina. The live music performances accompany a premier House Music 40th Anniversary Showcase on July 6 and 7. For more information, visit NASCAR Chicago’s website.
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615 N. Wabash Ave. / Website
On July 3, The NASCAR Foundation and the Chicago Street Race are hosting the 2nd annual “Gear Up for Good” charity dinner at Mag Mile fine dining destination Steak 48 to benefit the YWCA Metropolitan Chicago. NASCAR drivers in attendance include Jeb Burton, Alex Labbe and Brad Perez. “The NASCAR Foundation is proud to return to Chicago with this wonderful dinner at Steak 48 during this year’s Race Week,” said Nichole Krieger, vice president and executive director of The NASCAR Foundation. “Giving back in the communities where we live, work and race is paramount to the Foundation and we are delighted to build upon our positive momentum in year two in order to grow our impact in the Chicago area.” To register for this year’s “Gear Up for Good” dinner at Steak 48, visit nascarfoundation.org/chicago.
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DuSable Lake Shore Drive / Website
This three-level destination, located off of Lake Shore Drive, overlooks Pit Road and the Start-Finish with 360-degree views of the park, skyline and street course. As they watch the action unfold, guests can enjoy exclusive all-inclusive menu specialties from Lettuce Entertain You’s RPM Restaurants, including a pasta station from RPM Italian, shrimp cocktail, grilled beef tenderloin and salads, along with barbecue offerings from Bub City and Chicago-style hot dogs. For more information, visit NASCAR Chicago’s website.
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Navy Pier / Website
Navy Pier has partnered with NASCAR to offer pier-wide activities for visitors of all ages on July 2 and 3, including a NASCAR Lego Build & Race Station, a Chicago Street Race Remote Control Car Course, a NASCAR iRacing Simulation Trailer and more. At 9 p.m. on July 3, Navy Pier will offer 4th of July fireworks, presented by NASCAR and Choose Chicago. For more information, visit Navy Pier’s website.
Where To Dine
Chicago-based restaurant group Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants (Lettuce) is returning as the official food and beverage partner for Chicago Street Race Weekend, providing offerings throughout the Chicago Street Course to general admission ticket holders and reserved seating fans. Lettuce has partnered with locally-owned eateries like Lexington Betty Smokehouse, Josephine’s Southern Cooking and Bronzeville Winery to bring flavors from across the city to NASCAR attendees.
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435 N. Clark St. / Website
Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants brings tasty menu staples to fans from its River North barbecue eatery, Bub City. Menu items include pulled pork barbecue and barbecue brisket sandwiches, burgers, mac and cheese, lobster rolls and truffle fries—served alongside award-winning cookies from Summer House.
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420 S. Cottage Grove Ave. / Website
Chef Lamar Moore heads this Bronzeville staple, which offers Street Race attendees prime filet sliders, sweet potato hummus and cornbread crostinis.
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436 E. 79th St. / Website
Owned and operated by Chicago icon “Mother” Josephine Wade, this Chatham soul food spot will provide menu favorites to guests like elote, loaded nachos and jerk chicken tacos.
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756 E. 111th St. / Website
Throughout the Chicago Street Course, guests can try a la carte menu items from this beloved South Side barbecue joint, helmed by chef and pitmaster Dominique Leach. The menu includes pulled pork sandwiches and cornbread muffins.
Where To Stay
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120 E. Delaware Place / Website
This award-winning Mag Mile hotel touts upscale amenities, elevated dining at Adorn, a resort-style spa and in-room services like martini service (or ice cream sundae service for the kids). Situated minutes from the race, guests can elevate their weekend with the spot’s indoor pool, high-caliber fitness studio and expansive, luxe suites.
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230 N. Michigan Ave. / Website
Located just a short trip from Grant Park, the Pendry Chicago is a Michigan Avenue art deco mainstay. With 364 sleekly redesigned rooms and suites—plus Venteux, helmed by chef Marcel Heiduk—the destination has earned two Michelin keys for its historic architecture, resplendent amenities and extraordinary service.
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330 N. Wabash Ave. / Website
This two Michelin key hot spot has 268 guest rooms and 48 suites with floor-to-ceiling windows. Guests can enjoy seasonal American cuisine at Travelle, relax in the cinema suite or visit the serene Chuan Spa, all situated just a short trip from the NASCAR roadway.
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208 S. La Salle St. / Website
This art deco-inspired hotel features upscale accommodations, proximity to Grant Park and dining at Grill on 21. After a long day of watching the race, guests can relax and unwind in the library retreat and solarium, break a sweat in the 24-hour fitness center and receive complimentary yoga and guided meditation courses, weekend house car service and more.
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160 E. Pearson St. / Website
This Mag Mile icon offers indulgent fine dining at Torali Italian Steak and relaxing treatments in The Ritz-Carlton Spa. Stay in a lavish suite overlooking Lake Michigan and enjoy all the weekend festivities near the Street Race.
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401 E. Wacker Drive / Website
This five-star hotel is a favorite among in-the-know Chicagoans, featuring two of the city’s hottest new restaurants, Miru and Tre Dita. Take a break from the hustle and bustle and retreat to the pool, the spa and the destination’s luxurious guest rooms and suites—all within walking distance of the race.
See also: The 17 Best Summer Festivals In Chicago
Photography by: Getty/Chicago Tribune Contributor
