On June 5th, I’ll give a free Reel Chicago t-shirt to the first dozen people who can spot me in the Ferris Bueller parade.
What was happening in the world on June 5, 1986? The average price of gas was 89 cents. Halley’s Comet made an appearance for the second time in the 20th century. Kids were playing with Nintendos, and Ferris Bueller took the day off.
In the summer of 1985, the late John Hughes, made a little film about a bored teenager who convinces his girlfriend and his best friend to cut school and enjoy the day off.
The film Ferris Bueller’s Day Off was released the following summer and the rest is history. A classic film was born that inspired us all.
Ferris Bueller takes viewers on a whirlwind tour of Chicago, showcasing its diverse architecture, vibrant neighborhoods, and cultural landmarks. We were drawn in as if we had a part in this adventure, while throughout the film, Ferris made his brutally honest observations directly to his audience.
“Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”
The cast included Matthew Broderick as Ferris Bueller, Alan Ruck as Cameron Frye, Mia Sara as Sloane Peterson, Jennifer Grey as Jeanie Bueller, Cindy Pickett as Katie Bueller, Lyman Ward as Tom Bueller, Jeffrey Jones as Ed Rooney, and Charlie Sheen as Garth Volbeck.
It is at the top of the list of Chicago’s most iconic films. On June 5th you will regularly find movie screenings, Ferris Bueller festivals, and people dressing up like Ferris, Cameron, and Sloane all over town.
If you feel called to celebrate Ferris Bueller’s Day Off on June 5th by visiting all the Chicago locations in the film — I can help you with that. I’ll even call your office and tell them you’re not feeling well! (The 1961 Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder is not included in this offer.)
Let’s take a look at where it all began:
Cameron’s House: 370 Beech Street in Highland Park, Illinois
We begin our journey at the home of Ferris Bueller’s best friend, Cameron Frye, as he reluctantly agrees to pick up Ferris. This is also where Ferris convinces Cameron that his father’s cherished 1961 Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder needs to be their mode of transportation. “It’s his fault if he didn’t lock the garage.”
And the fun begins.
The house is located in Highland Park, a suburb north of Chicago, this architectural gem is a work of art in itself. Designed by architect A. James Speyer, the glass-walled house, known as the “Ben Rose House,” serves as the backdrop for Cameron’s struggle with his overbearing father and his cherished Ferrari.
Glenbrook North High School: Northbrook, IL
Although the interior was shot at Maine North in Des Plaines, the only scene with Ferris actually at school is filmed outside of Glenbrook North High School. You may remember when Ferris disguises himself as Sloane’s father to pick her up from school in Cameron’s father’s 1961 Ferrari (with Cameron tucked in the boot.) The imposing red brick building represents the confinement and rigid structure of the traditional educational system that Ferris seeks to escape. It is from this school that Ferris launches his ambitious plan for a day of adventure and fun.
Willis Tower Observation Deck: 233 S. Wacker Dr
Back in 1985, the Willis Tower was still known as the Sears Tower, and held the title of the tallest building in the world, so of course, this would be the first stop on Ferris Bueller’s day off. Ferris understood how to experience Chicago like a tourist, and no visit to Chicago would be complete without experiencing the view from at the observation deck.
Chicago Board of Trade: 141 W. Jackson Blvd
Next on their journey, Cameron practices his hand signals above the trading floor of the Chicago Board of Trade while Ferris asked Sloane to marry him. This massive structure is an essential part of every architectural tour, so even if you don’t go inside, be sure to check out the building itself!
Wrigley Field: 1060 W. Addison
The next stop — Wrigley Field. Sports fan or not, a visit to Chicago requires a stop at Wrigley Field, the iconic baseball stadium. In one of the film’s most memorable scenes, Ferris catches a foul ball hit by Chicago Cubs player Keith Moreland and narrowly avoids being caught by his principal, Ed Rooney. Located in the Lakeview neighborhood, Wrigley Field has been a staple of Chicago culture since 1914 and continues to be a beloved landmark for baseball enthusiasts and film fans alike. Note the “SAVE FERRIS” sign on the Wrigley marquee.
The Art Institute of Chicago: 111 S. Michigan Ave
I actually have a picture of this scene hanging in my house. Ferris, Sloane, and Cameron wander through the museum’s galleries, admiring famous works of art. Cameron is mesmerized by Georges Seurat’s impressionist painting, A Sunday on La Grande Jatte, while Ferris and Sloane lock lips in front of Marc Chagall’s stained glass window titled American Windows.
Daley Plaza: 50 W Washington St – The Parade
The most essential part of the movie? The parade down Dearborn Street. In an attempt to cheer up Cameron, Ferris hijacks a German parade float, giving a surprise performance of Wayne Newton’s signature song, Danke Schoen.
The crowd grew quickly as word got out there was a John Hughes movie being filmed downtown at a parade. When they began filming the iconic “Twist and Shout” later in the day, you can see a notable difference in the crowd size from the first song to the next. The entire street turned into a massive flash mob making this one of the most successful, spontaneous scenes in filming history.
Yes, I was there, doing my cameo watching the parade. I can be seen very clearly, if you can recognize me from 38 years ago.
I’ll give a free Reel Chicago t-shirt to the first dozen people who can spot me in the parade. Take a screen grab and email it to me. Barb@reelchicago.com. Here’s one clue — Danke Schoen.
As audiences continue to revisit this timeless classic, these locations serve as a reminder of the enduring spirit of adventure and the quest for freedom that Ferris Bueller’s Day Off represents.
Enjoy your day off!
Barbara L. Roche is the Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Reel Chicago and Reel 360. She can be reached at Barb@reelchicago.com
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