More than half a million people are expected to crowd the lakefront from Monroe Street to Roosevelt Road on July 31, 2004 for the oldest event produced by the city: the 47th Annual Venetian Night. The theme this year is "Broadway on the Lake," so you'll undoubtedly see the 35-or-so boats decked out to represent big-name shows complete with costumed Broadway babies
free

Before the parade and fireworks, you can catch the Grant Park Orchestra's Venetian Night concert in the new Pritzker Pavilion, but we're not quite sure why it's devoted to "Classics of the Silver Screen" rather than the stage
free lawn, $10 one-night passes for reserved seating; 312-742-4763; http://www.grantparkmusicfestival.com