The 2025 Millennium Park Summer Events schedule is finally here, with three months of free programming to keep Chicagoans active and engaged this season.
Presented by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), this year’s lineup features dozens of free events designed to keep Chicagoans active, entertained, and inspired all season.
From live music and movie nights to early morning workouts and cultural celebrations, there’s something for everyone on the lawn. Here’s your guide to everything happening in Millennium Park this summer.
Millennium Park Summer Music Series
The Millennium Park Summer Music series brings dozens of local and international artists to the Jay Pritzker Pavilion stage for free concerts all summer long.
This year’s lineup features big names like U.K. reggae legends Steel Pulse and R&B act Thee Sacred Souls. The full lineup is as follows:
- June 26 (THUR) – Thee Sacred Souls, Renaldo Domino and The Heavy Sounds, DJ Nosha Luv
- June 30 (MON) – Sudan Archives, Lido Pimienta, DJ Roxyo Sounds
- July 7 (MON) – Fred Wesley and the New JBs, Bumpus, DJ Ayana Contreras
- July 14 (MON) – Monsieur Periné, Alfonso Ponticelli & Swing Gitan, DJ Mwelwa
- July 17 (THU) – Digable Planets, Mother Nature, DJ All The Way Kay
- July 21 (MON) – Novos Baianos, Joe Bataan, DJ Rudy de Anda
- July 24 (THU) – Steel Pulse, Paul Beaubrun, DJ Papa G
- July 28 (MON) – Horsegirl, Lala Lala, CHIRP DJs
- August 4 (MON) – Orchestra Resavoir, Isaiah Collier & The Chosen Few, DJs Sonny Daze & King Hippo August 7 (THU) – Ten City – GRAMMY Legacies and Looking Ahead, Caramelo Haze – GRAMMY Legacies and Looking Ahead, DJ EmmaculateShape
When ⏰: Mondays & Thursdays, July – August | 6:30 p.m.
Where 📍: Jay Pritzker Pavilion
Millennium Park Summer Workouts
Summer is the perfect time to get your blood pumping, and what better way than with free group workouts at Millennium Park!
The 2025 free summer workout series returns nearly every Saturday this season, with 45-minute classes teaching yoga, pilates, and more.
Pack a mat and a water bottle and head to Millennium Park for the following events and corresponding times:
- 8 a.m. – Pilates (with live music)
- 9 a.m. – Yoga (with live music)
- 10 a.m. – Cardio Kickboxing
- 11 a.m. – Zumba
When ⏰: Saturdays, May 17 – August 30 | 8 – 11:45 a.m.
Where 📍: Wrigley Square and the Great Lawn
Chicago Jazz Fest
One of Windy City’s most beloved summer traditions, the annual Chicago Jazz Fest is back this Labor Day weekend, bringing four days of music and cultural engagement to the heart of downtown.
This year’s headliners include Grammy-winning bassist and vocalist esperanza spalding, piano legend Monty Alexander, iconic New Orleans trumpeter and vocalist Kermit Ruffins, and more.
View the full schedule here.
When ⏰: Thursday, August 28 – Sunday, August 31
Where📍: Millennium Park and Chicago Cultural Center
Millennium Park Summer Film Series
The Millennium Park Summer Film Series brings the magic of cinema to the park from July 1 – Aug. 19. Chicagoans can head downtown every Tuesday evening and catch some of their favorite movies on the big screen at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion.
From nostalgic classics like The Sandlot, to contemporary blockbusters like Wicked, there’s something for every movie lover this season.
View the full schedule here.
When ⏰: Tuesdays, July 1 – August 19 | 6:30 p.m.
Where 📍: Jay Pritzker Pavilion
Sonic Pavilion Festival
Experience the immersive power of sound art at the Sonic Pavilion Festival at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion.
The two-day series will bring a curated collection of local sound artists together for a one-of-a-kind listening experience.
When ⏰: Saturday, August 9 & Monday, August 18
Where 📍: Jay Pritzker Pavilion
Chicago Gospel Music Festival
Celebrate our city’s deep Gospel heritage at the Chicago Gospel Festival at Millennium Park this July. The fest promises a full day of lively musical performances free and open to the public.
Headliners will be announced in the coming weeks.
When ⏰: Saturday, July 12
Where 📍: Jay Pritzker Pavilion