Iconic Chicago summer festivals switch dates due to NASCAR, DNC

The Air and Water Show traditionally takes place every August near North Avenue Beach, and the Taste of Chicago typically takes place around the Fourth of July holiday

Two popular Chicago summer festivals won't be held on their usual dates this year due to the NASCAR Chicago Street Race and the Democratic National Convention.

But don't worry - the longtime summer events, the Taste of Chicago and the Chicago Air and Water Show, aren't going anywhere.

The Taste, the long-standing summer food festival, typically takes place in Grant Park around the Fourth of July holiday. But with the NASCAR Chicago Street Race planned the weekend of July 6 and 7, the Taste of Chicago will happen a couple months later.

This year, the food festival is scheduled for Sept. 6 to 8.

Also moving dates will be the Chicago Air and Water Show, a two-day spectacle of incredible displays in the skies and waters along Lake Michigan.

With Chicago hosting the Democratic National Convention for the first time since 1996, the Air and Water Show will take place one week earlier than normal, according to city officials.

Typically the show takes place on the third weekend of August, but this year the Air and Water Show will occur on Aug. 10 and 11, according to the city. According to Chicago officials, more than two million people are expected to attend the Air and Water Show, with North Avenue Beach as its focal point.