City of Chicago Announces Return of Millennium Park Summer Series for 2026 Season

Free fitness, music and film programs run May to August

CHICAGO - The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) announces the return of the Millennium Park Summer Workouts, Summer Music Series and Summer Film Series. Running May through August, these signature free programs bring world-class performances, fan-favorite films and energizing fitness experiences to one of the city's most iconic public spaces. Set across the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Wrigley Square and the Great Lawn, the 2026 lineup reflects Chicago's commitment to accessible arts, wellness and community.

The Millennium Park Summer Workouts return with free, outdoor fitness classes that invite Chicagoans to stay active in one of the city's most iconic public spaces. Held on select Saturdays from May 16 through Sept. 5 from 8 to 11:45 a.m., at Wrigley Square or the Great Lawn in Millennium Park, the series features a variety of accessible, high-energy classes including yoga, Pilates, cardio kickboxing and Zumba led by a diverse group of local instructors. Designed for all experience levels, the workouts foster community, wellness and connection in an open and welcoming environment. The Millennium Park Summer Workouts are supported by grant funding from the McDonald's Active Lifestyles Endowment, managed by the Millennium Park Foundation.

The Millennium Park Summer Music Series returns select Mondays and Thursdays, June 15 through Aug. 6 with a bold, genre-spanning lineup that brings globally recognized talent and rising stars to Chicago's most iconic stage. This year's series features standout performances from Sheila E., Arrested Development, Linda Sol, Aterciopelados, DJ Ca$h Era and La Rosa Noir, alongside an exciting mix of innovative and boundary-pushing artists from across the musical spectrum. Known for introducing audiences to music beyond the mainstream, the series spotlights dynamic voices while reinforcing Chicago's role as a global hub for live music and cultural exchange.

Presented by Wells Fargo, the Millennium Park Summer Film Series returns to the Jay Pritzker Pavilion with free weekly screenings that transform Tuesday evenings into a shared cinematic experience under the stars. Running June 30 through Aug. 18 starting at 6:30 p.m. on a 40-foot LED screen, the series features a lineup of beloved classics, milestone celebrations, like the 20th anniversary of The Devil Wears Prada, and modern fan favorites. From iconic blockbusters to family-friendly hits, each screening invites residents and visitors to gather, relax and enjoy summer nights in the heart of Chicago.

Explore highlights of the 2026 Millennium Park summer season below and view the full schedule at chicago.gov/DCASE. All guests attending Pritzker Pavilion events must enter through designated entrances on Randolph and Monroe streets. For additional details, please visit MillenniumPark.org or Plan Your Visit.

2026 Millennium Park Summer Season

Season highlights of DCASE and cultural partner programming are below. Subject to change. Updates (including weather-related announcements) will be shared on Millennium Park's Facebook, Instagram and website.

Millennium Park Summer Workouts
Saturdays, May 16 - Sept. 5
8-11:45 a.m. | Wrigley Square and the Great Lawn | Download Photos
45-minute sessions
Supported by McDonald's Active Lifestyles Endowment, managed by the Millennium Park Foundation; Chicago Transit Authority

• 8 a.m. - Pilates (with live music)
• 9 a.m. - Yoga (with live music)
• 10 a.m. - Cardio Kickboxing
• 11 a.m. - Zumba

Classes take place at Wrigley Square or on the Great Lawn and are led by top local instructors. American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation is available upon request.

Due to festival event schedules and holidays, workouts will not take place on July 4. For additional schedule changes, visit the Millennium Park event calendar.

Millennium Park Summer Music Series
Mondays & Thursdays, June - August
6:30 p.m. | Jay Pritzker Pavilion | Download Photos
Sponsored by Chicago Public Media, Chicago Transit Authority and Millennium Park Garages.

2026 Music Schedule:

• June 15 (MON) - Arrested Development, Linda Sol, DJ Ca$h Era
• June 18 (THU) - Let the Spirit Out! A Jubilant Celebration of Juneteenth with D-Composed and Kahil El'Zabar's Ethnic Heritage Ensemble, with special guests Nona Hendryx and David Murray
• June 22 (MON) - Sheila E., Melody Angel, DJ Larz Natural
• June 25 (THU) - Patrice Rushen, Sparklmami, DJ Shon Dervis
• June 29 (MON) - Sir Chloe, Venus & the Flytraps, DJ Jill Hopkins
• July 16 (THU) - Marcos Valle, Daniel Villarreal, DJ Clark Quente
• July 27 (MON) - Aterciopelados, La Rosa Noir, Lumpen Radio DJs
• Aug. 3 (MON) - The Budos Band, Zeshan B, Radius
• Aug. 6 (THU) - GRAMMY Legacies and Looking Ahead feat. Lila Iké, Matt B, DJ Blair Elise

Millennium Park Summer Film Series
Tuesdays, June 30 - Aug. 18
Film begins 6:30 p.m. | Jay Pritzker Pavilion | Download Photos
Presenting Sponsor: Wells Fargo
Sponsored by Chicago Transit Authority, Millennium Park Foundation & Millennium Garages

2026 Film Schedule:

• June 30 - Independence Day (1996, PG-13) - 30th anniversary
• July 7 - Ratatouille (2007, G) - Kickoff to Taste of Chicago
• July 14 - When Harry Met Sally... (1989, R) /This is Spinal Tap (1984, R) - Tribute to Rob Reiner Double Feature
• July 21 - NO FILM SHOWING
• July 28 - Hamilton (2020, PG-13) - America 250 celebration
• 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)

Chicago Gospel Music Festival 
Saturday, July 24 - Sunday, July 25 
Jay Pritzker Pavilion 

Celebrate Chicago's rich gospel music legacy at the Chicago Gospel Music Festival, returning to Millennium Park for a two-day celebration of soul-stirring performances. This free outdoor event invites music lovers of all ages to experience an unforgettable gathering of praise, community and the enduring spirit of gospel music.  Full lineup to be announced soon. 

Chicago House Music Festival and Conference
Thursday, August 27 - Sunday, August 30
Jay Pritzker Pavilion and Chicago Cultural Center 

The four-day music festival celebrates the global impact of Chicago's home-grown genre with free programming, performances, panel discussions and events at Millennium Park and across downtown Chicago. Full lineup to be announced soon. 

Chicago Jazz Festival 
Thursday, September 3 - Sunday, September 6 
Jay Pritzker Pavilion and Chicago Cultural Center 
Presenting Sponsor: Wells Fargo

The 2026 Chicago Jazz Festival will take place in the Chicago Cultural Center and Millennium Park, offering a free opportunity for audiences to experience the full spectrum of jazz, from classic and contemporary to global and experimental. Produced by DCASE and programmed by the Jazz Institute of Chicago, the festival will showcase an all-star lineup of legends, rising stars and hometown icons. Full lineup to be announced soon.

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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

Millennium Park is an iconic cultural destination in Chicago's downtown. 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, the park is the #1 attraction in the Midwest and among the top ten most-visited sites in the United States. 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 6 a.m. - 11 p.m. daily. For the latest news and events, visit millenniumpark.org, like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram, @Millennium_Park.