Summer in downtown Chicago is shaping up to be an unforgettable experience for families, with Millennium Park celebrating its 20th anniversary in grand style.
The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) has big plans to mark this milestone with a flurry of free concerts, films, activities and events, including a special four-day anniversary celebration from July 18-21.
Easy parking at Millennium Garages and convenient access to public transportation make these Chicago events ideal destinations for creating lasting family memories.
Here are some epic family-friendly events in Millennium Park that your kids will enjoy this summer.
Note: All times listed below are subject to change. Be sure to stay updated at MillenniumPark.org or the DCASE website. Sign up for the monthly newsletter to learn about free events, films and more.
Millennium Park Summer Events For Families
Chicago House Music Festival
When: June 2
Millennium Park will vibrate with the beats of House music on Sunday, June 2, celebrating 40 years since the genre’s first releases and cultural movement began in Chicago.
The festival starts in the morning with the Queer Fam Pride Jam from 10 a.m.- 1 p.m. for families, which transitions into the House Music Festival from 1-9 p.m.
Highlights: This year, DCASE is partnering with Slo ‘Mo and Kido for a memorable all-ages, full-on jam. With face painting, a designated space for kids to dance and jamming DJs, it’s an inclusive, interactive, memory-making concert for families.
Why It’s Great For Families: “House music is one of the most accessible genres for families because it embodies the love and diversity of Chicago. It is the “heartbeat ” of our city. says Mariam Thiam, DCASE Program Director of Performing Arts. “The kids can feel that and they can move and have a lot of fun dancing with their families.”
Millennium Park 20th Anniversary Celebration
Join the Millennium Park Anniversary Celebration from July 18-21, featuring an exciting mix of free concerts, family activities and special events across the park and Jay Pritzker Pavilion.
Schedule:
- July 18: ¡Súbelo! Festival headlined by Fruko y Sus Tesos, a popular Latin music artist from Colombia.
- July 19: Dress up in your favorite stellar costume as the Grant Park Orchestra performs “Star Wars and More: the Music of John Williams.”
- July 20: Free art activities for kids during the day, and an evening concert by Grammy award-winning Chicago South Side native Common with the Grant Park Orchestra and fireworks show.
- July 21: The S&S Chicago Experience featuring House music legends on the Jay Pritzker Pavilion stage.
Highlights:
- Meal Planning: Pack a picnic or grab kid-friendly snacks and drink options from local food vendors at the park.
- Historical Reflection: Catch videos highlighting moments in Millennium Park history as artists and architects share how the park has changed over time.
- Human Help: Helpful guides stationed throughout the park will be on hand to answer questions during the festivities.
- Quiet Space: Let the kids take a break under the trees with ample natural quiet spaces. Across the street from Millennium Park, explore the air-conditioned Chicago Cultural Center, which offers free architecture tours, art exhibitions and the Learning Lab on the first floor with hands-on activities for kids.
Tip: Thiam says she recommends starting at the north promenade of Millennium Park to enjoy art-making and performances, and navigating to the Great Lawn and Jay Pritzker Pavilion.
Bonus Tip: Before you go, check the DCASE website to download the site map and plan your day!
Millennium Park Summer Film Series
When: July 16-Aug. 20
Bring a picnic and enjoy free family-friendly movies under the stars from July 16-Aug. 20 in Millennium Park. The series kicks off with a nostalgic double feature of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial and Jurassic Park. The Millennium Park Summer Film Series is presented by Pluto TV.
Family-Friendly Film Offerings:
- 6 p.m. July 16: Double Feature — E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial and Jurassic Park (114 minutes, rated PG)
- 6:30 p.m. July 23: Coco (105 minutes, rated PG). Played in English audio with Spanish subtitles.
- 6:30 p.m. Aug. 13: Wonka (116 minutes, PG).
Millennium Park Workouts
Kick start your weekends with free fitness classes at Millennium Park. Most Saturdays now through Aug. 31, join in for Pilates, Yoga, Cardio Kickboxing and Zumba on the Great Lawn.
Tip: Don’t forget to bring your own workout mat!
Times:
8–8:45 a.m. Pilates
9–9:45 a.m. Yoga
10–10:45 a.m. Cardio Kickboxing
11–11:45 a.m. Zumba
More Events at Millennium Park This Summer
Chicago Gospel Music Festival
When: June 1
Celebrate the 20th anniversary season kick-off on Saturday, June 1 at Millennium Park with performances by The Clark Sisters, Todd Dulaney, Anita Wilson and more. This joyous family-friendly event showcases the soul of Chicago through its rich gospel music heritage.
Chicago Blues Festival
When: June 6-9
Immerse yourself in the soulful sounds of the Chicago Blues Festival, which opens at the historic Ramova Theatre in Bridgeport followed by three days of music at Millennium Park. There are more than 35 performances and 250 renowned blues artists to see and hear this year. Don’t miss one of Buddy Guy’s final Chicago performances on June 9.
Whether you’re dancing to music on the Great Lawn, enjoying a picnic under the trees, or participating in art workshops, there’s something for everyone this summer at Millennium Park.
Visit MillenniumPark.org for the full calendar of more than 80 events, and start planning your family’s summer adventure in the heart of the city!
