Cold temperatures and overcast skies got you feeling down?
No fear—one of the first signs of summer in Chicago will arrive this weekend!
The Switch on Summer event is back in Grant Park, marking the official switch on of Buckingham Fountain for the 2026 season.
Here’s all the details.
Switch on Summer 2026
Chicagoans can head to Buckingham Fountain this weekend to watch the famed monument spout to life in a fun-filled celebration hosted by ComEd and the Chicago Park District.
Switch on Summer is a family-friendly event featuring a live countdown to the fountain activation.
Additionally, guests will enjoy live performances, art engagements, vendors, and a first look at the 2026 Night Out in the Parks lineup.
And here’s the best part—Switch on Summer is free and open to the public! So be sure to stop by this Saturday to celebrate the unofficial start of summer ’26 in the Windy City.
Where and when
- 📍 Buckingham Fountain – 301 S Columbus Dr.
- 🗓 Saturday, May 9 – 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
- Main fountain ceremony kicks off at 11:55 a.m.