City of Chicago announces summer events schedule

Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) have announced the city’s 2024 summer events schedule. This year marks the 20th anniversary of Millennium Park, which ranks among the top 10 most-visited sites in the United States. The park will host a range of free cultural events to celebrate the milestone, including a special Millennium Park 20th Anniversary Celebration from July 18-21.

"Millennium Park is where we showcase the best of our city's vibrant arts and culture scene," said Mayor Johnson. DCASE Commissioner Erin Harkey added that the park offers an array of music, movies, and more, with "something for just about everyone."

The Millennium Park Residency Program, made possible by the Millennium Park Foundation and Pritzker Foundation, returns in 2024 to provide five more cultural organizations the resources and platform to showcase their work. The park's 20th anniversary and summer season of free programming will include the Summer Film Series, musical performances, and group workouts.

Also slated for summer 2024 are the city's iconic annual music festivals such as the Chicago Gospel Music Festival (June 1), Chicago Blues Festival (June 6-9), and Chicago Jazz Festival (August 29-September 1), set to take place at Millennium Park and across the city. The Chicago House Music Festival celebrates the 40th anniversary of House Music on June 2 at Millennium Park, with the U.S. Navy Blue Angels headlining the annual Chicago Air and Water Show (August 10-11).

Taste of Chicago returns in September, showcasing the city's diverse culinary offerings alongside free concerts and family programming.

For the full schedule of Chicago's 2024 spring and summer festival and event dates, visit the official DCASE event page.