A past Venetian Night boat parade. (Credit: Venetian Night)
Summertime in Chicago is in full effect, which means boating season for the luckiest of us.
Boaters and lakefront enthusiasts alike can join in on the fun at the Venetian Night boat parade on Saturday, July 20, at Lake Michigan’s Monroe Harbor.
Organized by Chicago Yacht Association, the Italian American Human Relations Foundation and the Chicago Harbors, Chicagoans are invited to join the competition by decorating their boats in 2024’s fitting theme: “Salute to Italy.”
The parade will also include light displays to illuminate the shore.
Venetian Night is a tradition that dates back to 1958 and has been revitalized in the last few years.
“The excitement is that the recreational boating community is able to give back in terms of sharing our expertise for the enjoyment of the general public,” said Scott Baumgartner, member of the Venetian Night organizing committee.
Baumgartner, who’s the past commodore of the Chicago Yachting Association, says previous years saw crowds stretched from the Columbia Yacht Club to the Shedd Aquarium to catch a glimpse of the performances.
A past Venetian Night boat parade. (Credit: Venetian Night)
Aside from adorning the lakefront, there’s a pretty big incentive to join: a panel of judges will award top prizes to the most decked-out boats.
Awards include up to $1,500 off 2025 mooring fees in the Chicago Harbors.
“It’s a great honor to be part of this tradition,” said Baumgartner, “With the permission of the Mayor’s Office, we plan to keep Venetian Night going for years to come.”
Entries are limited to 40 boats with a $50 entry fee. All those interested in entering can find more info here: www.chicagoharbors.com/venetian-night-2024
For those not talking to the high seas of Lake Michigan that evening, the event is open to the public for viewing from the Monroe Harbor walking trail on July 20 starting at 9 p.m.
For more information about summer festivals across the city, scroll through our 2024 Chicago Summer Festival Guide.
