City releases full schedule for Millennium Park 20th anniversary celebration

Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) have announced the full programming schedule for the Millennium Park 20th Anniversary Celebration this July. Grammy-award-winning artist and South Side native Common will headline the four-day celebration.

Scheduled almost exactly 20 years since the park’s official opening in the summer of 2004, the Millennium Park 20th Anniversary Celebration will bring Chicagoans together for a full weekend of programming including activities for families and youth, workouts, public art displays, dance performances, and concerts.

“Millennium Park is where we showcase the best of our city’s vibrant arts, culture, and talent from across the globe,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson in a statement. “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.”

Schedule

Thursday, July 18 - Kicking off the celebration on Thursday, July 18 is the ¡Súbelo! Festival with a guest performance from Fruko y Sus Tesos, the popular Latin music group from Colombia. ¡Súbelo! will bring an evening of unique musical performances and Latin culture to the Pritzker Pavilion stage.

Friday, July 19 - Friday’s lineup will feature the Grant Park Orchestra in Star Wars and More: the Music of John Williams. Music from some of the most iconic films will come to life under the direction of guest conductor Anthony Parnther, leading the orchestra in favorites from Star Wars, Jurassic Park, Harry Potter, and more.

Saturday, July 20 - Saturday will start with free arts programming at 11 am across the Park, culminating in an evening concert by Grammy-winning artist, actor, author, activist, and South Side native Common, performing alongside the Grant Park Orchestra at Pritzker Pavilion at 7:30 pm. Tickets to the July 20th concert are free, but online reservations are required. Reservations will become available this spring.

Sunday, July 21 - The four-day Anniversary Celebration will conclude with The S&S Chicago Experience from 4-7 pm on the Pritzker Pavilion stage, curated by Steve “Silk” Hurley and Shannon “Skip” Says. Presenting a diverse presentation of House Music, four-time Grammy nominee Steve "Silk" Hurley of S&S Chicago Records will take attendees on a musical odyssey, exploring the essence of House Music.

“The dynamic and diverse range of artists and programs curated for the four-day 20th Anniversary Celebration reflect the best of our city’s world-class cultural sector,” shared DCASE Commissioner Clinée Hedspeth in a statement. “We look forward to welcoming residents and visitors to the heart of downtown to join in this milestone anniversary, make lasting memories, and experience the extraordinary canvas of Millennium Park.”