Chicago/ Fun & Entertainment
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Published on January 09, 2024
Chicago's Summer Sizzles with Millennium Park 20th Anniversary and a Feast of FestivalsSource: Facebook/Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events

Chicago is gearing up for a packed events calendar this summer, setting the stage for the 20th anniversary of the beloved Millennium Park. The city, despite currently battling the season's first major snowstorm, is looking ahead with an impressive list of warm-weather festivities announced Tuesday.

The Chicago Sun-Times reports that the Air and Water Show has been nudged up to August 10-11 to accommodate for the Democratic National Convention, which will occupy the United Center from August 19-22. The Chicago Blues Festival returns June 6-9, and the city will host a four-day bash from July 18-21 to celebrate two decades of Millennium Park, featuring new public art and live performances.

The mayor of Chicago, Brandon Johnson, was quoted in the announcement saying, "Millennium Park is where we showcase the best of our city’s vibrant arts and culture scene, as well as artistry from around the world," in a statement obtained by the Sun-Times. "From Crown Fountain to the iconic Cloud Gate, you’ll find the faces and the Soul of Chicago reflected there — in the park’s peerless art, architecture, and cultural events."

According to information from ABC 7 Chicago, other notable events include the Chicago Farmers Markets running May through October, and Memorial Day commemorations on May 25. The Taste of Chicago is set to tantalize taste buds downtown in Grant Park from September 6-8, with three additional neighborhood events planned for the summer. Always a favorite, the U.S. Navy Blue Angels will headline the Air and Water Show, and various cultural organizations will be given a spotlight at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion as part of the Millennium Park Residency Program.

Residents and visitors alike can also look forward to world-class performances at the Chicago Jazz Festival from August 29 to September 1. Closing out the season will be the World Music Festival Chicago stretching from September 20 to 29, showcasing diverse sounds from across the globe.