There’s a whole host of things to look forward to in Chicago this summer, from peak season for patios, beaches, and rooftops to iconic annual events like Sundays on State street parties and the Chicago Air & Water Show.
This coming July a one-off event will be added to summer’s exciting lineup celebrating Chicago’s beloved Millennium Park.
Taking place Thursday, July 18th through Sunday, July 21st, the 20th Anniversary Celebration will mark 20 years since Millennium Park first officially opened to the public on July 16th, 2004.
The four-day free celebration will feature concerts, dance performances, new public art, activities for families and youth, and much more.
“Kicking off the 20th Anniversary Celebration on Thursday, July 18 is the ¡Súbelo! festival to be headlined by Fruko y Sus Tesos, the popular Latin music group from Colombia, presenting, “Fruko: 60 Years Of Making The World Dance” reads the official release at chicago.gov.
“¡Súbelo! brings an evening of musical tapestry woven together by many different aspects of Latine culture on the Jay Pritzker Pavilion stage” it continues.
Friday evening will then feature the Grant Park Orchestra performing the music of John Williams. “Music from your favorite films comes to life when guest conductor Anthony Parnther leads the orchestra in favorites from Star Wars, Jurassic Park, Harry Potter, and more.”
Free arts programming then starts on Saturday at 11 a.m. across the park before “culminating in an evening concert by Academy Award, Emmy, and Grammy-winning artist, actor, author, activist, and South Side native Common performing alongside the Grant Park Orchestra at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion.”
Tickets to this concert will be free, but online reservations will be required and will be made available at some point this spring. We recommend signing up for the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events newsletter and staying up to date with Millennium Park’s social media channels like Instagram and X.
The four-day anniversary celebration will then conclude with “a musical journey” on Sunday courtesy of The S&S Chicago Experience curated by Steve “Silk” Hurley and Shannon “Skip” Syas on the Jay Pritzker Pavilion stage.
“Presenting a diverse and inclusive presentation of House Music, this initiative will bring global talent to create immersive experiences and unforgettable moments of Peace, Love, Unity, and Respect in Millennium Park,” reads the release.
More information can be found at www.chicago.gov.
[Featured image from Shutterstock]