Millennium Park’s Summer Music Series and Summer Film Series have been announced for the 2026 season, with highlights and headliners including Arrested Development, Sheila E. and the movie “Sinners.”
The summer programs were announced on Wednesday by Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, and also include a return of the Millennium Park Summer Workouts on Saturday mornings in Wrigley Square and the Great Lawn (8 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. May 16 to Sept. 5).
Millennium Park Summer Music Series
All concerts are 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays in the Jay Pritzker Pavilion; free admission, enter at Randolph and Monroe Streets on Michigan Avenue with gates opening at 5 p.m.
June 15: Arrested Development, Linda Sol, DJ Ca$h Era
June 18: Let the Spirit Out! A Jubilant Celebration of Juneteenth with D-Composed and Kahil El’Zabar’s Ethnic Heritage Ensemble, with guests Nona Hendryx and David Murray
June 22: Sheila E., Melody Angel, DJ Larz Natural
June 25: Patrice Rushen, Sparklmami, DJ Shon Dervis
June 29: Sir Chloe, Venus & the Flytraps, DJ Jill Hopkins
July 16: Marcos Valle, Daniel Villarreal, DJ Clark Quente
July 27: Aterciopelados, La Rosa Noir, Lumpen Radio DJs
Aug. 3: The Budos Band, Zeshan B, Radius
Aug. 6: Grammy Legacies and Looking Ahead with Lila Iké, Matt B, DJ Blair Elise
Millennium Park Summer Film Series
Films begin at 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays (except July 21) in the Jay Pritzker Pavilion; free admission, enter at Michigan Avenue and Washington and Madison Streets, as well as on Randolph and Monroe Streets.
June 3: “Independence Day” (1996, PG-13)
July 7: “Ratatouille” (2007, G)
July 14: “When Harry Met Sally” (1989, R) and “This is Spinal Tap” (1984, R) as a Rob Reiner tribute
July 28: “Hamilton” (2020, PG-13)
Aug. 4: “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring” (2001, PG-13) — 25th anniversary
Aug. 11: “The Devil Wears Prada” (2006, PG-13) — 20th anniversary
Aug. 18: “Sinners” (2025, R)
Also this summer
The calendars join the previously announced DCASE roster of music festivals and special events in the lakefront park and elsewhere:
Chicago Farmers Markets including Daley Plaza: May through October; Division Street Farmers Market opens May 16, and Daley Plaza Farmers Market opens May 21; ChicagoFarmersMarkets.us
Maxwell Street Market (1330 S. Halsted St.): On Sundays May through October; MaxwellStreetMarket.us
Memorial Day Wreath Laying Ceremony and Parade: May 23
Chicago Blues Festival in Millennium Park with opening night at the Ramova Theatre: June 4-7; ChicagoBluesFestival.us
Taste of Chicago in Grant Park: July 8-12; TasteofChicago.us
Chicago Gospel Music Festival at Jay Pritzker Pavilion: July 24-25; ChicagoGospelMusicFestival.us
Chicago SummerDance including Night Out in the Parks events and Spirit of Music Garden: July and August; ChicagoSummerDance.org
Chicago Air and Water Show at North Avenue Beach: Aug. 14-16; ChicagoAirandWaterShow.us
Chicago House Music Festival and Conference at Chicago Cultural Center and Millennium Park: Aug. 27-30; ChicagoHouseMusicFestival.org
Chicago Jazz Festival at Chicago Cultural Center and Millennium Park: Sept. 3-6; ChicagoJazzFestival.us
World Music Festival Chicago citywide: Sept. 25 to Oct. 4; WorldMusicFestivalChicago.org
Millennium Park is open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. More information about all programs at chicago.gov/DCASE.
dgeorge@chicagotribune.com
