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Four Days of FREE Activities for Families and Youth, Performances by Award-Winning Artists and more—all Celebrating Chicago’s Iconic Park

Common performs with Grant Park Orchestra, Saturday, July 20 at 7:30pm—Reserve free tickets to seating bowl on June 17 at 10am while supplies last; Seating on the Great Lawn is open to the public

 

CHICAGO—Today, Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) announced the full slate of programming for the City’s Millennium Park 20th Anniversary Celebration (July 18–21), presented by Capital One. Scheduled to take place almost exactly 20 years since the Park’s official opening on July 16, 2004, this four-day free celebration features award-winning headliners, activities for families and youth, dance performances, new public art, and concerts.

This special anniversary programming, produced in partnership with the Millennium Park Foundation, Grant Park Music Festival and more, is offered in addition to the robust lineup of free music festivals, film and music series, workouts, and family programming offered season-long in Millennium Park—the #1 attraction in the Midwest and among the top 10 most-visited sites in the United States.

“The dynamic and diverse range of artists and programs curated for the four-day 20th Anniversary Celebration reflect the best of our city’s world-class cultural sector,” shared DCASE Commissioner Clinée Hedspeth. “We look forward to welcoming residents and visitors to the heart of downtown to join in this milestone anniversary, make lasting memories, and experience the extraordinary canvas of Millennium Park.”

Highlights include the popular salsa group from Colombia Fruko y Sus Tesos with special guest Sonora Dinamita featuring Alfredo de la Fe, along with Chuwi and Codigo FN as part of the ¡Súbelo! presentation on Thursday, July 18. Grant Park Orchestra delights on Friday, July 19 with favorites from John Williams, including Star Wars, Indiana Jones, E.T., and more. On Saturday, July 20 attendees can enjoy family programming throughout the day including Physical Theater Festival Chicago and a roving performance by Los Pleneros de Don Segundo, a special 20th birthday celebration hosted by Eli’s Cheesecake at Cloud Gate, and the highly anticipated Common with the Grant Park Orchestra evening concert, culminating with a fireworks display. The festivities conclude on Sunday, July 21 with more family programming featuring The Golden Horse Ranch Band and more followed by an all-star lineup showcasing a diverse array of House Music, including Chicago’s own Steve "Silk" Hurley—who performed at Millennium Park’s opening in 2004—along with CeCe Peniston, Robin S., Ann Nesby, Syleena Johnson, Chantay Savage, Keith Nunnally, Sharon Pass, and B. Lauren. Hosted by Shannon “Skip” Syas of S&S Chicago, Inc.

“As a third generation Chicagoan, I have countless memories of time spent in Millennium Park over the past two decades,” said Dave Kucera, Capital One's Chicago Market President and Head of Financial Institutions Group. “The Capital One team and I are thrilled to celebrate the incredible impact of this iconic landmark on our city, public arts community and local economy. Capital One’s support of the 20th Anniversary Celebration builds on our longstanding commitment to Chicago, elevating our region as a vibrant place to live, work and travel.”

As part of the 20th Anniversary Celebration, new temporary public art by world-renowned Chicago artists will be unveiled in July; details to be announced in the coming weeks.

Capital One, the presenting sponsor for Millennium Park’s 20th Anniversary Celebration (July 18-21), employs more than 1,600 Chicago-based associates across its office presence and Cafes, and has been voted a Top Workplace by the Chicago Tribune for three consecutive years. The Millennium Park 20th Anniversary Celebration is also supported in part by the Millennium Park Foundation; and a grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Office of Tourism. Additional event sponsors include Fry Foundation, Globetrotters Engineering, AllState, Chicago Transit Authority, Millennium Garages and Metra.

Full schedule enclosed and available 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.

• 5pm  Chuwi, a tropical, indie fusion quartet from Puerto Rico merging salsa, boleros, and folk music with flashes of alternative Hip Hop, psychedelic, and electronic.
• 6pm  Codigo FN, hailing from Sinaloa, Mexico, this Mexican Regional group debuted with intensity on the Billboard charts.
• 7:30pm  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

• 6:30pm  Grant Park Orchestra in Star Wars and More: the Music of John Williams. Enjoy iconic musical selections—costumes welcome.

 

Saturday, July 20

Outside alcohol is not allowed.

• 8-9:45am  Join Millennium Park Summer Workouts with Pilates with NK Gutierrez (8-9am) and Yoga with Alie McManus (9-9:45am). Music by Carlo Basile.
• 11am-5pm  Family friendly artmaking with Somos Arte in the North Promenade Tent.
• 1-3pm  Physical Theater Festival Chicago 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.
• 2-3pm  Dance Performances in the North Promenade Tent
• 2-5pm  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.
• 3-5pm  Heart of Chicago Soul Club spinning all vinyl, rare and Northern Soul, with Northern Soul Dancing taught by Miss Wolff's Jiving School (3-4pm).
• 3-4pm  Eli’s Giant Cheesecake celebrating Millennium Park’s 20th Birthday at Cloud Gate. Join the celebration and enjoy free cheesecake.
• 4-5pm  A roving performance by Los Pleneros de Don Segundo with horns, vejigantes, cabezudos and stilt walkers.
• 4-5pm  Pop-up Performances by South Shore Drill Team and Ballet Folklorico de Chicago at Cloud Gate.
• 7:30pm  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.

The concert is free; online reservations are required for the Seating Bowl only and become available on Monday, June 17 at 10am at gpmf.org while supplies last. Seating on the Great Lawn is free and open to the public, first-come, first-served, no reservations required!

The evening will culminate with a fireworks display to celebrate Millennium Park’s 20th Anniversary.

 

Sunday, July 21

Outside alcohol is not allowed.

The final day of 20th Anniversary programming brings a full day of family-friendly activities starting at 11am plus a dynamic evening concert starting at 4pm 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.

• 11am-5pm  Family friendly programming in North Promenade Tent, Crown Fountain, and Wrigley Square
• 11am-12pm  Story hour for families at Crown Fountain.
• 11am-12:30pm  The Golden Horse Ranch Band family square dance for all ages in the North Promenade Tent.
• 12-1pm  Interactive Drum Circle and instrument making led by Rhythm Revolution at Crown Fountain.
• 12:30-1:30pm  Performances to be announced.
• 1-3pm  Wonder Wagon brings large, colorful puppets to Wrigley Square with opportunities for hands-on interaction.
• 2-3pm  Dance performances from Chicago artists in the North Promenade Tent
• 2-5pm  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.
• 3-5pm  Sonorama DJ collective with free dance lessons in Salsa and Cumbia 3-4pm and open dance party featuring vintage Latin sounds 4-5pm, in the North Promenade Tent.
• 4-7pm  The S&S Chicago Experience

Jay Pritzker Pavilion stage

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 6pm 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.

 

Artist Bios

Common
Academy Award, Emmy and Grammy-winning artist, actor, author, and activist, Common continues to break down barriers with a multitude of critically acclaimed roles, and success in all aspects of his career. Common can currently be seen starring in Apple TV+’s “Silo” as Robert Sims. This winter, he made his Broadway debut playing Junior in BETWEEN RIVERSIDE AND CRAZY. His latest album, A BEAUTIFUL REVOLUTION Part 2 was released in September 2021 and served as an inspiring follow up to his previous album, A BEAUTIFUL REVOLUTION Part 1, which was released in March 2020. In 2019, Common released his hit album LET LOVE, inspired by his work and experiences writing his New York Times best-selling second memoir, LET LOVE HAVE THE LAST WORD. He has dedicated countless hours and has been deeply engaged in social justice and advocacy work around mass incarceration, mental health and voting. He launched the nonprofit Imagine Justice, and through his Common Ground Foundation, Common is dedicated to empowering high school students from underserved communities to become future leaders.

 

Fruko y Sus Tesos
Fruko y Sus Tesos is a salsa group from Colombia which enjoys immense popularity throughout Latin America. It was formed in 1970 by Ernesto Fruko Estrada who modeled it after the New York salsa sound of the Fania All-Stars, one of the leading salsa groups at the time. A favorite of Salsa DJ's around the globe, some have referred to Fruko y Sus Tesos as “Colombia's most important export.” Among the group's best known hits are “Pura Candela,” “Los Charcos,” “El Preso,” “Cali de Rumba,” “Son de la Loma,” “El Patillero,” “Tania,” “Charanga Campesina,” “El Arbol” and “Cachondea.” "El Preso" in particular is one of Colombia's most widely recognized and beloved songs.

 

Steve “Silk” Hurley
Truly a man of all musical seasons, Chicago-based producer, remixer, songwriter, DJ, and now four-time GRAMMY® Nominee Steve “Silk” Hurley has more than proven in his 30-year plus career that he is a musical force to be reckoned with. Having spanned the sometimes-limiting borders of contemporary Black music, moving freely from his Club/House music roots to his R&B/Funk roots, his musical scope as a producer has thus far remained unrivaled.

 

Shannon “DJ Skip” Syas
Shannon “DJ Skip” Syas has gained worldwide acclaim as a dance music producer, remixer, promoter, and DJ. Skip hails from Chicago, where he contributed to the Chicago House music genre that quickly spread to the rest of the world and remains a vibrant sector of the dance music scene on any continent. Skip’s first record “Traxx My Stylez” was released on Dance Mania Records, and his subsequent Dance Mania releases through his own production company ‘Push Pac Productions’ established him as one of the pioneers of the Ghetto House / Booty House & Chicago Juke movements, all sub-genres of classic Chicago House.

 

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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.

 

Millennium Park
Celebrating its milestone 20th anniversary season, Millennium Park delivers a world-class collection of architecture, landscape design and art that provides the backdrop for hundreds of free cultural programs including concerts, exhibitions, interactive art and family activities. In Millennium Park, you’ll find a spectacular gathering spot located in the heart of the city, a destination for all Chicagoans and visitors alike. In addition to the more than 80 free events to be presented throughout the summer, a special four-day 20th Anniversary Celebration presented by Capital One will take place July 18-21 across the Park featuring award-winning headliners, activities for families and youth, workouts, new public art, dance performances, concerts, and fireworks — presented by Capital One and DCASE in partnership with the Grant Park Music Festival and additional support from the Millennium Park Foundation, and others.

Millennium Park is the #1 attraction in the Midwest and among the top 10 most-visited sites in the U.S. It is also the anchor of an urban cultural campus (Millennium Park Campus) that includes the Chicago Cultural Center, Maggie Daley Park and The Art Institute of Chicago. Millennium Park is located on Michigan Avenue, bordered by Randolph St. to the north, Columbus Dr. to the east and Monroe St. to the south. The Park is open daily from 6am to 11pm. Plan your visit at MillenniumPark.org; follow us on Facebook (@MillenniumParkChicago), Twitter and Instagram (@Millennium_Park); and join the conversation on social media using #MillenniumPark.

 

Grant Park Music Festival
For 90 years, the Grant Park Music Festival has been Chicago’s summer musical sensation, demonstrating that classical music performed by a world-class orchestra and chorus can have a transformative impact on the city. Showcased in the city’s most spectacular setting, the Festival continues to be the summer gathering place for all of Chicago. The Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park is the official home of the Grant Park Music Festival, with free seats available for every concert. The 2024 season runs from June 12 through August 17. For more information, visit gpmf.org. The Grant Park Music Festival is led by Artistic Director and Principal Conductor Carlos Kalmar, Grant Park Chorus Director Christopher Bell, Grant Park Orchestral Association President and CEO Paul Winberg, and Board Chair Adam Grais.