Things to do in Chicago: Day at the (Turtle) Races

Every Friday from 5-9 at The Tin Lizzie on Clark Street, crowds gather around a small circular table in the back of the bar to experience a unique sporting event to start off their weekend- turtle races. 

The Tin Lizzie has been racing turtles for the past couple of years. I’m happy to have attended the races for the first time this past summer and have been back several times. 

For $25 participants get a meal, have access to an open bar from 5-9, and receive tickets to bet on the turtles. If you bet on a winning turtle, you get a free shot of your choice.

The start of the race is marked by a trumpet and then they’re off! Well, not quite, most of the time they stare awkwardly at the crowd and each other while the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles theme Song plays in the background.

The five turtles are all named after popular beer brands, such as Heineken, Corona, and Miller Lite. I have a personal soft spot for Hardcore who won me my first-ever free shot. 

Although there are other places in the city to experience racing turtles, I’ve found that as a poor college student, $25 is too great of a deal to pass up.