Millennium Park during Blues Fest (Photo Credit: Patrick L. Pyszka, City of Chicago).
One of Chicago’s most iconic green spaces is celebrating a significant milestone. Millennium Park—the “People’s Park”—will mark its 20th anniversary with a four-day celebration from July 18 to 21.
Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) recently announced the full slate of programming. All the events are free and feature world-renowned musicians, art, dance and kid-friendly activities for the whole family.
Produced in partnership with the Millennium Park Foundation, the Grant Park Music Festival and others, this four-day event pays homage to the park’s history while spotlighting Chicago’s rich diversity and groundbreaking cultural legacy, especially in art and music.
“We create, produce and export some of the best talent, and that’s just a fact,” said DCASE Commissioner Clinée Hedspeth about Chicago. “We have world-famous musicians, orchestras, and symphonies, so why not pair them together?”
Embracing Ownership of Public Spaces
Built between 1998 and 2004, Millennium Park is a 24-acre area in Grant Park featuring gardens, an underground parking garage, and a cultural center. It is bordered by Michigan Avenue to the west, Randolph Street to the north, Columbus Drive to the east, and Monroe Street to the south.
According to the Encyclopedia of Chicago, Mayor Richard M. Daley envisioned Millennium Park as a joint project between the public and private sectors. The goal was to celebrate the new millennium, cover the old rail yard and parking lot of the Illinois Central Railroad, and complete the northwest corner of Grant Park.
Moreover, the park was intended to be the public’s green space, accessible to residents from all corners of the city.
Millennium’s designation as the “people’s park” was considered in planning the 20th Anniversary celebration.
“Every citizen owns that space and should be happy about that space being available to them,” Hedspeth said. “There are things that people working in the community can go to, and it’s open to everyone, and that’s something we really want to highlight.”
Hedspeth added, “I’m telling everyone from the South Side, West Side, everywhere, that’s your park. “I want people to have ownership of something so important and so beautiful.”
July 18: Kicking Off with Latine Culture
The festivities commence on Thursday, July 18, with ¡Súbelo!, an evening celebrating Latine culture with performances by Chuwi, Los Dareyes de la Sierra, and the legendary salsa ensemble Fruko y Sus Tesos. This vibrant kickoff sets the tone for a weekend full of cultural diversity and artistic brilliance.
July 19: A Night of Cinematic Grandeur
On Friday, July 19, the Grant Park Orchestra will seize the spotlight, delivering stirring compositions by John Williams featuring themes from iconic films such as “Star Wars” and “Indiana Jones.” This evening is set to captivate audiences with its cinematic grandeur and unparalleled musical excellence.
July 20: Fun, Fireworks with Common and the Grant Park Orchestra
Common (Photo Credit: Brian Bowen Smith).
Saturday, July 20, will be a day brimming with family-friendly activities. The day’s events will culminate in a highly anticipated concert by Chicago’s own Hip-hop luminary, Common, who will perform alongside the Grant Park Orchestra. The day’s events will conclude with a fireworks display.
July 21: House And Soul All Day Long
The celebration reaches its zenith on Sunday, July 21, with an electrifying program curated by house music legend Steve “Silk” Hurley. The lineup showcases performances by venerable singers such as CeCe Peniston and Syleena Johnson. This final day promises to be rich with interactive activities and performances designed to captivate visitors of all ages, ensuring a memorable and engaging experience for everyone.
Overcoming Challenges for a Grand Celebration
Reflecting on the challenges of organizing such a large-scale event, Hedspeth highlighted the efforts to ensure widespread awareness and participation. “We worked closely with various organizations and local officials to spread the word, emphasizing that this celebration is for everyone,” she said. “It’s not just a one-time event; it’s a continuation of our commitment to providing accessible and enriching experiences for all Chicagoans.”
A Call to Celebrate and Take Pride
As the city prepares for this landmark celebration, Hedspeth’s message is clear: Millennium Park belongs to the people of Chicago.
“I want everyone to come down and enjoy and celebrate themselves, too,” she said.
The full lineup for Millennium Park’s 20th Anniversary Celebration can be found on the City of Chicago’s official website at MillenniumPark.org.
MILLENNIUM PARK 20TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION SCHEDULE
Subject to change; follow Millennium Park on Instagram, X, and Facebook and MillenniumPark.org for the latest updates.
THURSDAY, JULY 18
The 20th Anniversary Celebration kicks off with ¡Súbelo! presenting an evening highlighting the musical tapestry of Latine culture on the Jay Pritzker Pavilion stage.
5 p.m. Chuwi, a tropical, indie fusion quartet from Puerto Rico merging salsa, boleros, and folk music with flashes of alternative Hip Hop, psychedelic, and electronic.
6 p.m. Los Dareyes de la Sierra, a popular norteño group hailing from Navojoa, Sonora, Mexico. Originally founded in 1997, the band is led by vocalist/accordionist José Darey Castro.
7:30 p.m. Fruko y Sus Tesos with special guest Sonora Dinamita
featuring Alfredo de la Fe
Acclaimed Salsa band from Colombia Fruko y Sus Tesos performs as part of their 60th anniversary tour.
FRIDAY, JULY 19
6:30 p.m. Grant Park Orchestra in Star Wars and More: the Music of John Williams. Enjoy iconic musical selections—costumes welcome.
SATURDAY, JULY 20
8 – 9:45 a.m. Join Millennium Park Summer Workouts with Pilates with NK Gutierrez (8-9 a.m.) and Yoga with Alie McManus (9-9:45 a.m.). Music by Carlo Basile.
11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Family friendly artmaking with Somos Arte in the North Promenade Tent.
1 – 3 p.m. Chicago Physical Theater Festival performances featuring the Chicago Boyz Acrobatic Team, Alexander D’Amazing, Eric Robinson, and Stephanie Diaz with Gaby Diaz, sharing acrobatic displays, clowning and spectacle, trampoline feats, cicada puppets and more in Wrigley Square.
2 – 3 p.m. Dance Performances in the North Promenade Tent
2 – 5 p.m. INT’L CAFE sparks opportunities for cultural exchange by connecting language speakers/signers of all levels for immersive conversations with new friends in the North Promenade Tent.
3 – 5 p.m. Heart of Chicago Soul Club spinning all vinyl, rare and Northern Soul, with Northern Soul Dancing taught by Miss Wolff’s Jiving School (3-4 p.m.).
3 – 4 p.m. Eli’s Giant Cheesecake celebrating Millennium Park’s 20th Birthday at Cloud Gate. Join the celebration and enjoy free cheesecake.
4 – 5 p.m. A roving performance by Los Pleneros de Don Segundo with horns, vejigantes, cabezudos and stilt walkers.
4 – 5 p.m. Pop-up Performances by South Shore Drill Team and Ballet Folklorico de Chicago at Cloud Gate.
7:30 p.m. Common with the Grant Park Orchestra
Jay Pritzker Pavilion
The special concert features Academy Award, Emmy and Grammy-winning artist and South Side native Common performing alongside the Grant Park Orchestra, conducted by Anthony Parnther. Selections include Testify/Prince, Go/Chaka Khan, The Light, Glory, and more.
Seating on the Great Lawn is free and open to the public, first-come, first-served, no reservations required! Early arrival recommended; gates open at 5pm. Online reservations are required for the Seating Bowl only, visit gpmf.org for more information.
The evening will culminate with a fireworks display to celebrate Millennium Park’s 20th Anniversary.
SUNDAY, JULY 21
The final day of 20th Anniversary programming brings a full day of family-friendly activities starting at 11 a.m. plus a dynamic evening concert starting at 4 p.m. featuring an array of award-winning performers as part of the “The S&S Chicago Experience,” curated by Steve “Silk” Hurley and Shannon “Skip” Syas.
11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Family friendly programming in North Promenade Tent, Crown Fountain, and Wrigley Square
11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Story hour for families at Crown Fountain.
11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. The Golden Horse Ranch Band family square dance for all ages in the North Promenade Tent.
12 – 1 p.m. Interactive Drum Circle and instrument making led by Rhythm Revolution at Crown Fountain.
12:30 – 1:30 p.m. Performances to be announced.
1 – 3 p.m. Wonder Wagon brings large, colorful puppets to Wrigley Square with opportunities for hands-on interaction.
2 – 3 p.m. Dance performances from Chicago artists in the North Promenade Tent
2 – 5 p.m. INT’L CAFE sparks opportunities for cultural exchange by connecting language speakers/signers of all levels for immersive conversations with new friends in the North Promenade Tent.
3 – 5 p.m. Sonorama DJ collective with free dance lessons in Salsa and Cumbia 3 – 4 p.m. and open dance party featuring vintage Latin sounds 4 – 5 p.m., in the North Promenade Tent.
4 – 7 p.m. The S&S Chicago Experience
Jay Pritzker Pavilion stage
The S&S Chicago Experience
Curated by Steve “Silk” Hurley and Shannon “Skip” Syas
of the premiere music label, S&S Records, the evening features a lineup of global talent that encapsulates the spirit of House Music and an array of music genres to create an unforgettable and inclusive night of Peace, Love, Unity, and Respect in Millennium Park.
Steve “Silk” Hurley is a Chicago talent and four-time GRAMMY® nominee who performed on the Jay Pritzker Pavilion stage 20 years ago for Millennium Park’s 2004 opening concert. Hurley has worked with likes of Michael
Jackson, Prince, Madonna, J-Lo, Janet Jackson, Ozzy Osbourne, Yolanda Adams, and a list of others, and returns to Millennium Park on July 21 to bring attendees on a musical journey highlighting an array of award-winning artists.
July 21 Performers include:
Steve “Silk” Hurley
Shannon “Skip” Syas
CeCe Peniston
Robin S.
Ann Nesby
Syleena Johnson
Chantay Savage
Keith Nunnally of J.M. Silk
Sharon Pass
B. Lauren
Jamiesha Trice
Earlier in the week, attendees can enjoy the start of the Millennium Park Summer Film Series, presented by Pluto TV, kicking off on July 16th at 6 p.m. with a special double-feature of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial and Jurassic Park. For the full lineup of Millennium Park concerts, films and more all summer, visit MillenniumPark.org.
Additionally, the Grant Park Music Festival (presented by the Grant Park Orchestral Association with support from the Chicago Park District and DCASE) takes place Wednesdays, Fridays and most Saturdays, June 12–August 17 at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park. Details at GPMF.org.
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