By Fiona Good-Sirota By Fiona Good-Sirota | May 16, 2024 | Lifestyle, Guides,
One of Chicago’s most iconic destinations, Millennium Park—home to Cloud Gate, Maggie Daley Park and the unmissable annual Grant Park Music Festival—turns 20 this summer, and the city is celebrating with a four-day extravaganza from July 18 through 21. The park is hosting activities, performances and renowned headliners, including South Side native and award-winning artist Common, Columbian salsa group Fruko y Sus Tesos and the highly acclaimed Grant Park Orchestra.
“Millennium Park is where we showcase the best of our city’s vibrant arts, culture and talent from across the globe,” says Mayor Brandon Johnson. “I look forward to celebrating the Park’s milestone anniversary and its unrivaled art, architecture and cultural events with unforgettable free programming all summer long.”
The anniversary programming—presented by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) in collaboration with the Grant Park Music Festival, the Millennium Park Foundation and others—is taking place alongside the park’s seasonal lineup of music festivals, film screenings, musical performances and family-friendly activities.
“Forever free and open for Chicagoans and visitors alike, Millennium Park is where we showcase the best of our city’s vibrant arts and culture scene, as well as artistry from around the world. From Crown Fountain to the iconic Cloud Gate, you’ll find the faces and the Soul of Chicago reflected there — in the Park’s peerless art, architecture and cultural events. I look forward to celebrating #SummertimeChi, both downtown and in diverse communities across our great city,” Mayor Brandon Johnson says.
The anniversary festivities commence with the ¡Súbelo! Festival at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion stage. Headliner Fruko y Sus Tesos presents “Fruko: 60 Years Of Making The World Dance,” featuring beloved tunes from bands like Sonora Dinamita, Latin Brothers, Afrosound and Fruko y Sus Tesos.
On the second day of festivities, the Grant Park Orchestra debuts Star Wars and More: the Music of John Williams, featuring soundtracks from cult-classic flicks like Star Wars, Jurassic Park and Harry Potter. The orchestra is helmed by renowned American conductor Anthony Parnther.
A day of art programming is accompanied by a 7:30 p.m. performance by headliner Common alongside the Grant Park Orchestra. Tickets to Common’s performance are free, and online reservations are required. For more information, visit Millennium Park’s website.
The final day of celebrations concludes with “The S&S Chicago Experience,” a house music series curated by four-time Grammy-nominated producer Steve “Silk” Hurley and global DJ and producer Shannon “Skip” Syas of Chicago-based dance label S&S Records. The performance is from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion stage.
See also: The 17 Best Summer Festivals In Chicago
Photography by: Courtesy of the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events