How to Enjoy an Outdoor Concert in Cantigny Park, Illinois

Cantigny Park, a music venue in Wheaton, Illinois--just northwest of Chicago--is a great music spot for the listener with eclectic tastes. Their Sunday outdoor concerts during the summer range from patriotic music to Motown to classical. Here are some tips to enjoy an outdoor concert at Cantigny Park.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Browse Cantigny Park's Web site to view their schedule, and take a virtual tour of the museum and beauty of the park (see the Resources section below). Preview the location and settings of the music venues.

2. Select a specific concert or just look and see who is performing during the time you'll be in Wheaton. Sunday concerts are free and held on the lawn of the park, while Saturday evening orchestra concerts cost about $36 per person.

3. Set your travel plans for the Chicago area. Cantigny Park is only a few miles northwest of Chicago and easily accessible from O'Hare and Midway International Airports. Rental cars, shuttles and buses are on site.

4. Reserve your lodging. Try camping a bit outside the city area, or choose from a large selection of hotels, some with shuttle options from Chicago to Cantigny Park.

5. Visit Cantigny Park a few hours before the concert to check out the museums and gardens. Or tee off at the outstanding public golf course nearby, the Cantigny. Call [phone] for tee times and other information.

6. Select your spot on the grass to view the concert. You provide the blankets or chairs, and the band will take care of the rest.

Tips & Warnings

• Outdoor concerts on Sundays begin at 3 p.m. unless otherwise noted at the band shell. The Saturday concerts start at 7 p.m. or 8 p.m. A parking fee applies.
• If you are a member of AAA, check with your agent for discount rates for hotels and rental cars.