L.A.T.E. Ride, Chicago

When the sun goes down during Summer Solstice weekend in Chicago, the bikes come out. Celebrating its 26th year in 2014, the iconic L.A.T.E. Ride sends cyclists whirring through the city beneath the glow of street lamps. But the non-competitive event also encourages participants to supply some light of their own—whether it's by decorating their bikes with festive lights or hiring packs of fireflies to follow them—with a pre-ride award ceremony recognizing the best lighting arrangements. Then, waves of riders pedal off into the night, with some not crossing the finish line until the sun begins to rise over Lake Michigan. Proceeds from the annual event benefit Friends of the Parks, an acclaimed non-profit organization that preserves and improves Chicago-area parks and forest preserves.