Chicago Polar Plunge

About this happenin

People in costumes run into Lake Michigan at North Avenue Beach on the first Sunday in March for the Polar Plunge Chicago, a fundraiser for Special Olympics Illinois run by Special Children's Charities. Each plunger raises at least $200, or $100 for school plungers 18 and under, and the money pays for sports programs across Chicago's 77 neighborhoods. Registration opens at 8 a.m. and the plunge waves run from 10 to 11:15. Costumes are encouraged for the contest, and the hot chocolate is free. Spectators watch for free. Plungers need shoes, and diving is not allowed because the water is too shallow. The beach lot has no public parking. The Lincoln Park Zoo lot on Cannon Drive is free but fills early, and buses and the Red Line run nearby.

More in March: 4 other Chicago events.

Where

North Avenue Beach · 1601 N. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60614