When To Go Winters in Chicago can be brutal. Bitter cold winds whip off of Lake Michigan, making the air feel much colder than the temperature reading. Spring can be sunny and beautiful, but it is also the season for heavy thunderstorms and tornadoes. Summers are usually quite hot, and it is the busiest tourist season. Fall brings the most moderate weather and a break from the summer crowds. Chicago hosts several major festivals throughout the summer months, including the Chicago Blues Festival, Gospel Festival, Air & Water Show, "Viva! Chicago" Latin Music Festival, and the Jazz Festival. Call the Mayor's Office of Special Events Hotline ( 312-744-3370 or TTY 312-744-2964 ) for information about dates and admission to these events. The Taste of Chicago, held annually the last week of June through the Fourth of July, is a major draw for both locals and visitors. Downtown Grant Park is converted into a huge outdoor fair, where restaurant owners from all over the city set up booths and cook a few dishes from their menus. To get a taste, you buy a strip of tickets and exchange them for samples of all kinds of ethnic and American cuisine types. There are also several musical events and a fireworks display connected with the festival. If you're willing to brave the cold Chicago winter, you can get some great travel deals in February, when many hotels and tourist attractions in the city offer "Winterbreak" specials. The tourist office will provide you with a Value Pass, which includes discounted admissions to museums, low rates for some major hotels, and coupons for restaurants and nightclubs. The pass is valid only during the Winterbreak period. What to Take Midwestern attire is generally casual and conservative. Shorts and T-shirts are acceptable in summer, and you will need a heavy coat, hat, and gloves during the winter months. In spring and fall, bring a light jacket or sweater. It's a good idea to pack rain gear in the spring and summer. In Chicago, casual dress is acceptable in most places, but you will want to dress up to go to the top restaurants and theaters. To see the sights, be sure to pack good walking shoes, as much of the downtown area is accessible by foot. If you are traveling on business, come prepared with standard business attire. Time Zone Chicago lies in the Central Time Zone (Greenwich Mean Time minus six hours). During the spring and summer months, Chicago, like all of Illinois, observes Daylight Savings Time.