Events will take place at Chicago’s landmark civic plaza from August 19 to 23 to celebrate Chicago’s culture, food, and communities.

CHICAGO – Today, Mayor Brandon Johnson, the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), and the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) announced the commercial corridor activation, “Celebrating Chicago at Daley Plaza.” The week-long celebration will take place at Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington Street, and is free to the public. This event is designed to showcase Chicago’s neighborhoods in the heart of downtown to both residents and visitors. The first-ever multi-day activation celebrates the city's rich diversity of culture, food, and more, bringing together neighborhoods and communities in the vibrant Loop. For more information, visit Chicago.gov/DCASE.

“From our iconic cuisine and innovative artisans to captivating performances that echo the heartbeats of our neighborhoods, this celebration is a true reflection of the soul of Chicago,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “I encourage everyone to come to Daley Plaza and experience this magical and diverse showcase of what our city proudly offers.”

“Celebrating Chicago at Daley Plaza” will feature a wide array of activities and attractions, highlighting the unique aspects that make Chicago a special place to live, work, and visit. From culinary delights to cultural performances, local artisans to engaging activities, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.

“These events are just a sampling of the hundreds of cultural festivals, concerts, markets, and special events we present throughout the year, and across Chicago,” said DCASE Commissioner Clinée Hedspeth. “We invite Chicagoans and visitors alike to experience the Soul of Chicago, right here in the heart of our city.”

“We are incredibly excited to bring this event to life and showcase the vibrant spirit of our City in a centralized location, Chicago’s Loop,” said Ivan Capifali, BACP Acting Commissioner. “This commercial corridor activation highlights the diversity and talent within our city which will foster a sense of unity and pride among our residents.”

Celebrating Chicago at Daley Plaza Schedule

Schedule subject to change; follow ChicagoDCASE and ChicagoBACP on social media

Monday, August 19:

Street Symphony: The Soulful Artistry of Chicago’s Street Performers organized by BACP, will include Food Trucks and feature three performances with performances starting at noon.

• 12-12:30pm: Cafe Rocker
• 1-1:30pm: Dovydas
• 2-2:30pm: Red Star Ramblers
• 3-7pm: Daley Plaza Favorite DJs and House Music Personalities

Tuesday, August 20:

Chicago Vintage Festival from 10am-8pm, presented by DCASE: Come check out 50+ vintage and handmade vendors at Daley Plaza, for one day only.

Indigenous / First Nations Mapping Event from 1-3pm, presented by the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative (GLSLCI)

Special edition of Chicago SummerDance from 4-7pm, presented by DCASE. SummerDance Schedule:

• 4:30pm: Creative Activity
• 5:30pm: Instruction by Gopi Engineer of Meher Dance (Bhangra and Bollywood)
• 6pm: Music by Funkadesi

Wednesday, August 21:

Chi-Town Stars: Youth in Da Spotlight, organized by BACP, will feature four performances by some of the city’s top youth entertainers starting at 12:30pm and will include food trucks.

• 12:30-1pm: DJ Jukie Da Kid
• 1-1:15pm: Jesse White Tumblers
• 1:20-1:35pm: South Shore Drill Team
• 1:40-2:10pm: Mariachi Aguilas de Benito Juarez
• 3-7pm: Daley Plaza Favorite DJs and House Music Personalities

Thursday, August 22:

Daley Plaza Farmers Extended Twilight Market, organized by DCASE, will sell fresh seasonal produce, flowers, prepared foods, unique Chicago-made products and rare finds from 7am-7pm along with special performances by local DJs throughout the day.

• 12-1pm: DJ Dreea playing Reggae, House, R & B & Hip Hop
• 4-7pm: Heart of Chicago Soul Club, a group of women DJs spinning Motown, Doowop and rare Northern Soul on vinyl

Friday, August 23:

40 Years of House: A Celebration of Chicago Music, organized by BACP, will feature three of the city’s hottest local DJs playing old school and current house music and will include food trucks.

• 12-1pm: DJ 1/11
• 1-2pm: DJ LipGloss
• 2-3pm: DJ T-Rell
• 3-7pm: Daley Plaza Favorite DJs and House Music Personalities

The week-long events aim to strengthen the connection between neighborhoods and the downtown, encouraging residents to explore and engage with the heart of the city. It will also provide an opportunity for visitors to experience the welcoming and inclusive atmosphere that defines Chicago.

Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events
The City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) supports artists and cultural organizations, invests in the creative economy, and expands access and participation in the arts throughout Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods. As a collaborative cultural presenter, arts funder, and advocate for creative workers, our programs and events serve Chicagoans and visitors of all ages and backgrounds, downtown and in diverse communities across our city — to strengthen and celebrate Chicago. DCASE produces some of the city’s most iconic festivals, markets, events, and exhibitions at the Chicago Cultural Center, Millennium Park, and in communities across the city — serving a local and global audience of 25 million people. The Department offers cultural grants and resources, manages public art, supports TV and film production and other creative industries, and permits special events throughout Chicago. For details, visit Chicago.gov/DCASE and stay connected via our newsletters and social media.

Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection
The Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) ensures a fair and vibrant marketplace for businesses, workers and consumers in the City of Chicago. BACP licenses businesses and public vehicles, regulates business activity, protects consumers from fraud, enforces Chicago’s labor laws, partners with business service organizations and provides education and resources for businesses. For more information, visit Chicago.gov/BACP.

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