(Chicago Thanksgiving Parade)

The annual Chicago Thanksgiving Parade steps off for the 89th year on Thursday.

Here’s how to watch in person or how to tune in from the couch.

Where and when

View the parade along its State Street route, from Ida B. Wells Drive to Randolph Street, 8-11 a.m. The forecast calls for sunny skies and temperatures likely in the upper 30s at the parade’s start.

The event is free, but paid admission of $70 will get you into the VIP area/TV zone at 111 N. State St. 

To watch on TV, tune into CW-26, available on broadcast, cable and satellite. The parade will be livestreamed on Pluto TV.

What

The stars of the show are sure to be the more than a dozen giant helium balloon characters, along with marching bands, cultural troupes, equestrian units and more.

Staged performances will take place from 8-9 a.m., featuring American Blues Theater, Chicago’s poet laureate avery r. young, Ballet Folklorico Sones Mexicanos and Black Ensemble Theater, among others.

Why

The parade debuted in 1934 as the Christmas Caravan to help lift Chicagoans’ spirits during the Great Depression.

Contact Patty Wetli: @pattywetli | (773) 509-5623 |  [email protected]