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North Avenue Beach Tickets

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About North Avenue Beach

North Avenue Beach (NAB) in Chicago sits along the lakefront at 1601 N. Jean-Baptiste Pointe DuSable Lake Shore Drive, in the Lincoln Park area. It’s a public beach with a dedicated beach house and Castaways Beach Club for private indoor/outdoor events. NAB hosts a variety of happenings, from beach volleyball to iconic events like the Chicago Air & Water Show and the Chicago Polar Plunge. Whether you’re catching a public event on the sand or planning a private gathering, NAB offers flexible space, convenient access to transportation, and nearby lodging with trusted hotel partners.

Below you’ll find practical details on seating, parking, transit, and nearby hotels and restaurants, plus insider tips to help you secure your tickets and plan a smooth visit. We’ve got you covered with straightforward guidance and reliable options.

Seating and space: There is no formal seating chart for general public events on NAB’s sandy beach. Guests enjoy general beach seating with a relaxed, open layout. Private events indoors/outdoors managed by Castaways Beach Club offer structured seating with capacities ranging from 30 up to 500+ depending on configuration. For private gatherings, consider Cabana rentals through Castaways for a more defined seating arrangement.

Parking: The North Avenue Beach Lot provides paid parking with roughly 100 spaces. Rates fluctuate by season and demand. Additional nearby parking options are available, including metered spots and nearby garages in Lincoln Park and near the Gold Coast. Arrive early for best access, especially during major events like the Air & Water Show.

Transportation: NAB is accessible by CTA buses, including routes 72 North Ave and 22 Clark St. The Lakefront Trail offers a scenic route for cyclists and pedestrians heading to NAB from surrounding neighborhoods or downtown. Ride-sharing services are convenient options as well.

Nearby hotels and dining: Lincoln Park and nearby downtown Chicago host a range of accommodations. Notable options include Four Seasons Chicago and Waldorf Astoria Chicago, both within a short drive or ride from NAB and popular with travelers seeking easy lakefront access. For meals before or after the beach, you’ll find a mix of casual eateries and fine dining in Lincoln Park and along Clark Street. We recommend booking through affiliated hotel partners for best proximity and possible perks. If you’d like suggestions for hotels and restaurants aligned with your itinerary, we can connect you with trusted options.

Notable events: NAB is a center viewing area for the Chicago Air & Water Show and hosts the Chicago Polar Plunge. The beach also features regular beach volleyball events and private experiences at Castaways Beach Club. For private event planning, Castaways offers indoor/outdoor cabana setups to suit different group sizes and dates.

Good to know

Seating, Parking & Venue Information

  • Address: 1601 N. Jean-Baptiste Pointe DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60611 (NAB is in Lincoln Park).
  • Venue type: Public beach with a dedicated beach house (Castaways Beach Club in NAB) and multiple concession/rental amenities.
  • Seating/chart: No formal seating chart for public events; seating is general beach seating; private events indoors/outdoors can use Cabana rentals with capacities listed by Castaways (30–500+).
  • Parking: Paid North Avenue Beach Lot (approx. 100 spaces); rates vary by season; additional parking options available nearby.
  • Transit: Accessible by CTA buses (e.g., 72 North Ave, 22 Clark St) with Lakefront Trail access for bikes/walking.
  • Nearby hotels: Lincoln Park/nearby downtown options; examples include Four Seasons Chicago and Waldorf Astoria Chicago within a short ride, per hotels guidance for proximity to NAB.
  • Notable events hosted: Chicago Air & Water Show (center viewing area at NAB); Chicago Polar Plunge at NAB; NAB hosts beach volleyball events; Castaways hosts private events and Air & Water Show viewing experiences.