Key Historical Events in Chicago on August 11
Explore significant events from the Chicago area on August 11, as documented in the Tribune’s archives. If you notice a missing event from this date, please let us know via email.
1966: The Beatles in Chicago
On August 11, 1966, the Beatles, including George, John, Ringo, and Paul, prepared to take a limousine from an outlying hangar at O’Hare International Airport into Chicago during their third and final U.S. tour. During this visit, John Lennon offered an apology for his previous comment about the group being more popular “than Jesus.”
John Lennon apologized in Chicago for saying days earlier that The Beatles were “more popular than Jesus.”
Weather Records for August 11
- High Temperature: 98 degrees (1941)
- Low Temperature: 47 degrees (1982)
- Precipitation: 3.7 inches (1923)
- Snowfall: Trace (1989)
1911: International Aviation Meet
The International Aviation Meet commenced in Grant Park in 1911. It was hailed a considerable success, despite the tragic deaths of two pilots. Flyers participated for substantial cash awards, as well as recognition.
The flight of the Curtiss flier, considered the star of the event, was praised as one of the most beautiful seen in the Grant Park aerodrome.
1929: Inaugural Bud Billiken Parade
In 1929, Robert Sengstacke Abbott, founder of the Chicago Defender, organized the first Bud Billiken Parade. This event aimed to express gratitude to children who sold his newspaper, offering them a day filled with ice cream, hot dogs, and outdoor activities as a token of appreciation.
1966: Randy Hundley’s Remarkable Game
Chicago Cubs catcher Randy Hundley made headlines on August 11, 1966, when he hit for the cycle during a match against the Houston Astros. In the first game of a doubleheader at Wrigley Field, Hundley struck out initially but then achieved a triple, a double, a home run, and finally a single, contributing to a 9-8 victory.
1991: Wilson Álvarez’s No-Hitter
On August 11, 1991, pitcher Wilson Álvarez, a left-hander, threw a no-hitter in Baltimore during his first game with the Chicago White Sox. This achievement marked a significant moment, as Chicago White Sox pitchers have recorded a total of 20 no-hitters since 1902.
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