The second annual Chicago Criterium bike race will take place in Chicago’s Grant Park on Sunday, July 26, 2009. With 10 races throughout the day, the first race starts at 7:00am and the final race will begin at 2:25pm. Admission is free.

The Chicago Criterium is a short-course bike race that will take place on a 1.1 mile loop through Chicago’s Grant Park. The Chicago Criterium start/finish line will be on Columbus Drive in front of the Buckingham Fountain, with several options for viewing different portions of the criterium course.

NCLR (National Council of La Raza), the largest national Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States, will offer Chicago families valuable services and an array of free, fun activities at Latino Expo USA, July 25–27, during the 2009 NCLR Annual Conference to be held at McCormick Place West. McCormick Place West is located at 2301 S. Lake Shore Drive in Chicago.

Take a break from your busy work day downtown and join the Freedom Museum for a free lunchtime discussion on July 13th with renowned political commentator and author Cokie Roberts. Cokie Roberts is a New York Times bestselling author, political commentator for ABC news, senior analyst for National Public Radio – and a mother, grandmother, and daughter.

Are you a community-minded volunteer? Then maybe you can take advantage of the free hotel stay offer by Sage Hospitality. More than 50 of their hotels across the country are giving away a free night to guests who can prove that they completed at least eight hours of community service between July 1 and Dec. 20. To qualify, you must provide a letter on the nonprofit organization’s letterhead proving that you’ve completed the volunteer work at a 501c3 organization such as Meals on Wheels, Provision Theater or Habitat for Humanity.

Free Lecture: To celebrate Burnham & Bennett’s 1909 Plan of Chicago, architects will discuss the concept plans, originating with community visioning sessions and design charrettes, to complete Chicago’s lakefront parks.

Car guys…..Do you remember the General Lee? Or the Ferrari Daytona Spyder from Miami Vice? Make plans to check out some of the most famous Hollywood cars that have graced television and feature films at the free The Hollywood Car Show June 12-21 at the Northbrook Court mall, with cars from the Volo Auto Museum.

Are you a car guy? Then come out to the Glen Town Center in Glenview on Saturday, June 6 for SuperCar Saturdays and check out all the awesome muscle cars!