Groove in The Grass at Chicago’s Grant Park Music Festival

Chicago embraces the short, sweet days of summer with all the passion you’d expect from a place that’s embraced by ice and brutal winds for most of the year. A big part of the summer enjoyment focuses on outdoor festivals and none are more enjoyable than the annual Grant Park Music Festival Located in the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park, the fest is the country’s only free, outdoor classical music series of its kind.

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Started in 1935, the Grant Park Music Fest has been supplying 10 weeks of al fresco melodies ever since. Although the focus is classical, there’s always a wide range of performances, including jazz, global and American classics. The fest kicked off on June 15 and here’s a breakdown of can’t miss experiences:

Picnic In The Park

One of the reasons Grant Park Music Fest is so popular is because there’s nothing like lounging in the grass while savoring food and beautiful music. Since Chicago is a major foodie city, the options are endless but nearby places for great picnic fare are Goddess and The Baker,  a gourmet deli on Wabash, Toni’s Patisserie on Washington for French style sandwiches and desserts or Ge Pa De Caffe on Adams for Italian paninis and gelato. There are also a few vendors in the park serving up hot dogs and snacks and heartier offerings at the concession tent on the east side of the stage, as well as the Park Cafe, the take out spot for the Park Grill. 

Listen and Learn

For serious music lovers, curious fans or visitors new to classical music, there are pre-concert music lectures and discussions presented an hour before each show, in the Family Fun Tent on Randolph. The hour-long presentations often host conductors, musicians and experts who provide a behind the scenes look at the upcoming concert.

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Season Highlights

This year’s fest supplies an exciting lineup of performers and events. Don’t miss former Pink Martini singer Storm Large performing “The Crazy Arc of Love” a showcase of the Great American Songbook, on June 22; a presentation of Charlie Chaplin’s silent romantic comedy, “City Lights,” with the Grant Park Orchestra providing a live soundtrack on July 6 and acclaimed jazz violinist Regina Carter playing Duke Ellington works on July 22.

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