Things to Experience in Millennium Park this Summer

Millennium Park is fantastic—it’s right in the heart of downtown Chicago and offers entertainment, leisure, and fun year-round. However, in the summertime it’s especially enjoyable, as there’s music, dance, art, sun, greenery, and more, and everyone in Chicago loves the fresh outdoors. There’s even Crown Fountain, which spouts water from the mouth of the “faces” shown, so you can get a quick cool-off if you get heated. (And kids love this feature, of course!)

If you’re taking a trip to Chicago this summer, be sure to spend some time at Millennium Park. Even just walking around is lovely. And if you are interested in the arts, check the calendar for local events so you can book your travel plans accordingly. Here are the top things to do in Millennium Park in summer 2019.

Listen to Live Music

Listen to great music this summer—from classical and jazz to blues and hip-hop. Musicians come from around the world to perform throughout the summer. For instance, you can go to Millennium Park Summer Music Series, which is a lineup of outdoor concerts on Mondays and Thursdays in the summer, starting from June 13 until Aug. 15, at 6:30 p.m. at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion.

You can also head on over on Wednesdays and Fridays for Grant Park Music Festival, which goes from June 12 to Aug. 17, to mark both the 15th anniversary of Millennium Park and 20 years of artistic director and principal conductor Carlos Kalmar who leads the Grant Park Orchestra and Chorus. It’s at Pritzker Pavilion, as well.

Beyond that, there’s also 41st annual Chicago Jazz Festival in August and 21st annual World Music Festival Chicago in September. There will be both local and international talent. And leading up to the Chicago Jazz Festival, you’ll find smaller acts performing at various bars throughout the city in preparation for the main event.

Take in a Film

2019 was marked the year of Chicago theater, so to go along with the Millennium Park Summer Film Series, someone will co-present each film of the series with a a Chicago theater company. The films will be shown on Tuesdays from June 4 to Aug. 20 at 6:30 p.m.. It’s a great opportunity to watch a wonderful film with good company outdoors and on a big screen. Netflix and chill at home is better in the winter! Prepare a picnic and grab a blanket and head on out for a fun film night in the summer.

Dance With Friends and Family

Mark your calendar for Aug. 24, as the SummerDance celebration comes to Millennium Park. What’s that? It’s a full day of dance, with various performers and genres to please everyone. So, snag your dancing shoes and prepare to burn some calories and take in the sunshine and fun with the crowd.

Get in a Workout

Tired of working out at the gym in the summer heat or hitting the hotel’s gym when you want to be right outdoors? Well, take your workout outside in the summer with a crowd, where you can hold one another accountable and watch the time fly by. The free program, Summer Workouts on the Great Lawn, are offered on Saturdays, Tuesday, and Thursdays starting from May 25 and going until Aug. 31. (Yes, you’ll save some cash, too!)

You can expect Pilates at 7 a.m., Yoga at 8 a.m., Tai Chi at 9 a.m., and Zumba at 10 a.m. And if you’re here on a weekday, you can still do yoga. Weekday Yoga is on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, from May 28 to Sept. 5.

Indulge in fitness, music, and the arts right in Millennium Park this summer. Think of it as a place for all of these wonderful outdoors activities or a summer playground to let your mind explore new genres and styles of culture.

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