One of Chicago’s greatest tourist attractions and one of its most historic sights has officially opened for the summer of 2026.
On Saturday, May 9, at exactly 12:30 p.m., “Switch on Chicago” brought Buckingham Fountain to life with water spewing gloriously upwards from all of its various spouts.
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A big crowd was on hand for the opening and collectively joined in the fun for the countdown.
The Chicago Park District and Commonwealth Edison sponsored the event, which featured speakers Carlos Ramirez-Rosa, executive director of the Chicago Park District; ComEd Chicago CEO Gil C. Quiniones; emcee Cheryl Scott from ABC Chicago; and Mayor Brandon Johnson.
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Many consider the turning on of Buckingham Fountain to signal the beginning of our beautiful Chicago summers.
Mother Nature definitely got the memo, providing the crowd with a beautiful, warm, sunny day.
Next year will mark the 100th anniversary of the famed fountain. A celebration is planned with many special events. For details, watch this space.
In the meantime, don’t forget to check out the wonders of Buckingham Fountain and… enjoy the start of summer!
Note: If we do get another spell of cold weather (as we are wont to do sometimes in the month of May), please, “Don’t shoot the messenger.”
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