On the back of the City of Chicago announcing celebrations in honor of Millennium Park’s 20th anniversary this week, now the city has dropped news of another free festival this summer, this time unveiling the line up for The Chicago House Music Festival in celebration of 40 years since the genre was born.
Mayor Brandon Johnson and Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) yesterday announced a lineup of free House Music programming kicking off in late May and paying homage to House Music.
Four days of free events will culminate in the Chicago House Music Festival taking place in Millennium Park all in celebration of the popular genre that was born in Chicago in 1984.
“House Music is a global phenomenon born and raised in Chicago 40 years ago, with roots that go back even further. Like Blues, Jazz, and Gospel that came before, House is our true cultural heritage as a city—it galvanizes Chicagoans, celebrates our diversity, innovation, and joy, and invites the world to join in,” shared Mayor Brandon Johnson.
Returning to for its 20th anniversary summer season, the 2024 Chicago House Music Festival will take to Millennium Park on Sunday, June 2nd from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. with an eclectic lineup of local and international-renowned DJs.
Artists like Tony Touch, ANANÉ, Ash Lauryn, and Karizma will headline the Jay Pritzker Pavilion before Wayne Williams and Alan King of the Chosen Few DJs.
Meanwhile, on the North Promenade of the Park, Slo ‘Mo / Kido hosts Queer Fam Pride Jam, a youth and queer family-friendly event with dance lessons, DJ sets, and more from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. and then followed by Viva Acid presenting top local DJs through to 9 p.m.
There will be 3 days of free House Music events and activities leading up to the Chicago House Music Festival starting with the Chicago Cultural Center hosting an Open House on Thursday, May 30th featuring DJs spinning house music throughout the historical building while arts programming and new visual art exhibitions take place from 4 p.m. through 8 p.m.
The next day on Friday, May 31st, the Chicago Cultural Center will then host the Chicago House Music Conference featuring engaging panels with house music world icons and experts in the industry.
On Saturday, June 1st there will then be a special Chicago House Music Festival Pre-Party at Navy Pier featuring the likes of Stacy Kidd, Gene Hunt, and more.
“This is a huge year for House Music as we celebrate 40 years of the genre’s first releases and a cultural movement started in our great city,” said DCASE House Music Programmer David Chavez.
“DCASE is excited to contribute to the citywide celebration alongside events all year produced by Chicago House legends, including the Inaugural House Music Parade led by DJ Farley Jackmaster Funk.”
The inaugural House Music Parade and Festival will take place on Saturday, August 31 at 10 a.m. in the South Loop.
Here is a quick summary of the City’s 40th anniversary Chicago House Music Festival events.
- Chicago Cultural Center Open House: Celebrating House Music on Thursday, May 30th.
- Chicago House Music Conference at the Chicago Cultural Center on Friday, May 31st.
- Chicago House Music Festival Pre-Party at Navy Pier on Saturday, June 1st.
- Chicago House Music Festival in Millennium Park on Sunday, June 2nd.
More information can be found at www.chicago.gov / chicagohousemusicfestival.us.
[Featured image by Patrick L. Pyszka, Samuel Sotelo-Avila, City of Chicago ]