Cost: Free to watch, $120-280 to participate, depending on event

Organizer: CAPRI Events

What to expect: Thousands of participants swim, bike and run their way through the city in the world's largest triathlon.

Why to go: Sweating under the hot sun counts as a workout, right?

Additional info: The festivities take place along the lakeshore, from Monroe Harbor to McCormick Place, then along Solidarity Drive to Columbus Ave. If you're looking to dabble in your first triathlon without playing with the big boys, give The Fleet Feet Supersprint Triathlon on Saturday (7:30 a.m.) a try. Starting at Foster Beach, it's a considerably shorter jaunt, though also a much faster one. Kids can join the fun as well at the McDonald's Kids triathlon (9 a.m. Saturday), run concurrently with the Saturday event. The whole kit and caboodle kicks off on Friday with a MultiSport & Fitness Expo at the Hilton where vendors hawk gear and training experts and massage therapists will be on hand to offer up advice and (if you're lucky) rubdowns.

Centerstage Reviewer: Richard Sharp