Chicago is filled with plenty of exciting free things to do, from roaming world-class museums to visiting plant-filled conservatories to wandering lush hidden gardens, and everything in between.
With an incredible lineup of concerts taking place this summer, one, in particular, catches the eye as Grant Park’s free Classic Chicago music series returns this month, bringing show-stopping classical performances to downtown Chicago.
Standing out as a Chicago tradition for the past 90 years, the free summer series starts on June 14th at Millennium Park (which as we know, has been named one of the top 10 tourist attractions this year!) The Grant Park lineup includes performances by the Grant Park Orchestra along with a bevy of renowned conductors and musicians.
This year, there’s an emphasis on Broadway, Beethoven Symphony, and Cirque-style collaborations, with aerialists from Troupe Vertigo performing to the likes of Bizet’s Carmen amongst other sets.
Grab a free seat on the Great Lawn as the musicians take to the Jay Pritzker Pavilion stage. Lounge in the grassy area and bring a picnic blanket or lawn chairs to set up camp and enjoy the stunning show.
While the pavilion will feature a multitude of performances, you’ll still find a variety of shows in additional parks and venues around Chicago. From the South Shore Cultural Center to Jefferson Park, Lake Shore Park, and Ping Tom Park.
Going on until August 19th, the concert lineup fills the park with extraordinary musical acts, soaring strings, and plenty of free fun to be had with an ode to chorus singers and the theater at large.
Gates open at 5 pm on show days and pre-show starts at 5:30 pm. Keep reading for June’s complete lineup:
- June 14: Schumann Symphony No. 4, starting at 6:30 pm
- June 16: Dvořák Stabat Mater, starting at 6:30 pm
- June 17: Dvořák Stabat Mater, starting at 7:30 pm
- June 21: Brahms Academic Festival Overture, starting at 6:30 pm
- June 22: Concert at Ping Tom Park, starting at 6:30 pm
- June 23: Mendelssohn’s Midsummer Night’s Dream, starting at 6:30
- June 23: Mendelssohn’s Midsummer Night’s Dream, starting at 7:30
- June 26: American Songs at South Shore Cultural Center, starting at 6:30 pm
- June 27: American Songs at South Shore Cultural Center, starting at 6:30 pm
- June 28: Beethoven’s Violin Concerto, starting at 6:30
- June 29: Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 4, starting at 6:30
Ps: if you happen to stop by a concert, do note that an adorable fox family has just moved in, residing in Lurie Garden across the way.