Grant Park Music Festival

Experience a Chicago summer tradition like no other. The Grant Park Music Festival, now in its 90th season, features an extraordinary line-up of classical music in the heart of downtown Chicago all summer long.

This long-running concert series is the nation’s only free, summer-long outdoor festival dedicated to classical music. Featuring the acclaimed Grant Park Orchestra and Chorus, the festival programming includes both historic works and exciting new compositions.

Highlights include world premiere works by Chicago composers, a Rodgers & Hammerstein tribute, classic symphonies, and the popular Independence Day Salute.

The Grant Park Music Festival is part of the city’s packed schedule of free summer music festivals that take place in lakefront Millennium Park.

Grant Park Music Festival schedule

This year marks the landmark 91st season for the Grant Park Music Festival. The lineup includes more than a dozen diverse shows, featuring the world-class Grant Park Orchestra and a variety of renowned conductors and musicians, including violinists, cellists, and pianists.

Check back for the full details on the full 2026 season schedule.

About Grant Park Music Festival

For more than 90 years, the Grant Park Music Festival has shone a spotlight on the transformative power of classical music. Featuring the world-class Grant Park Orchestra and Chorus, these free outdoor concerts take place all summer long in Chicago’s iconic downtown Millennium Park and neighborhood venues across the city.

Grab a spot, set up a picnic, and kick back while Pritzker Pavilion’s state-of-the-art acoustic system delivers an extraordinary sonic experience — all with the sparkling Chicago skyline as a backdrop.

Concert-goers at the Grant Park Music Festival can enjoy free seating on the Great Lawn of the Pritzker Pavilion just beyond the stage. Spread out on a blanket or settle into some lawn chairs and enjoy the show. Lawn seating is first-come, first-served

Guests can also come early and take advantage of free seating in the back half of the Seating Bowl, which is available first-come, first-served. Seating closest to the stage in the Seating Bowl is reserved for members and groups.

You’ll also find a variety of shows held in neighborhood parks and venues around the city, including the South Shore Cultural Center and the Columbus Park Refectory.

Millennium Park FAQs

Where is the Grant Park Music Festival?
The Grant Park Music Festival primarily takes place at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park. Patrons can enter the park from either Randolph or Monroe Streets or from the Millennium Garage.

Select Grant Park Music Festival concerts occur at other Chicago locations, such as the Harris Theater for Music and Dance and the South Shore Cultural Center.

Is the Grant Park Music Festival free?
Yes, all concerts during the Grant Park Music Festival are free and open to the public. During Millennium Park concerts, all guests can sit on the Great Lawn or the back half of the Seating Bowl. The front half of the Seating Bowl is reserved for members.

What accessibility amenities are available at Millennium Park concerts?
Every aspect of Millennium Park has been designed to be accessible and inclusive to all patrons. That includes:

• American Sign Language interpretation is available for all concerts at Jay Pritzker Pavilion
• Assistive listening devices and wheelchairs are available at all Millennium Park events from the Patron Service Tent
• Accessible seating (with companion seats) is available throughout the Jay Pritzker Pavilion seating bowl
• Accessible restooms are located down the ramp adjacent the stage on either side

Learn more about accessibility in Millennium Park.

Can I bring a folding chair and blanket?
Yes, chairs and blankets are welcome on the Great Lawn. Folding chairs are not allowed in the seating area of the Jay Pritzker Pavilion.

May I bring food? Is alcohol allowed?
Yes! Picnics are welcome and encouraged during the Grant Park Music Festival. Outside alcoholic beverages are permitted; the only exception is that no outside alcoholic beverages will be allowed inside the park at the Independence Day Salute (July 4).

May I buy food and alcoholic beverages in the park?
Food, beer, and wine are available for purchase in the Park.

What is the rain policy?
Concerts and performances in the Jay Pritzker Pavilion are held rain or shine, unless there are severe weather warnings and/or the threat of lightning in the area. The Pavilion seats are not protected from the elements. The Festival does not offer refunds on reserved seats.

May I bring my dog along?
Animals are not permitted in Millennium Park, unless they are service animals.

Please note: Schedule is subject to change. For further information, visit grantparkmusicfestival.com.