The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) announced even more returning, new and reimagined summer cultural events across Chicago — plus artist lineups and other details for City programs previously announced as part of “Open Culture” — just one component of the Mayor’s Open Chicago initiative to safely and fully reopen the city.
The new programs include 16 City-supported “Chicago Presents” community events; a nine-part “House City ” series in the neighborhoods that helped create the music genre; a week of “Taste of Chicago To-Go” pop-up food and music events for the public — plus 25+ community meals; two Latinx and World Music celebrations; two films and two more just-announced special events at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion; and a unique mash-up of public art and dance at Lurie Garden in Millennium Park.
“Just this past Friday, Chicago became the largest, fully reopened city in America — an achievement that would not have been possible without the collaboration of leaders in the public, private and philanthropic sector,” said Mayor Lightfoot. “I want to thank each and every City, arts, community and business leader who partnered with us to Open Chicago as well as our very own residents, whose diligence in following public health guidance has allowed our city’s rich, diverse and legendary cultural scene to bounce back and become more resilient than ever before.”
| CHICAGO CITY MARKETS: Previously-announced, Chicago City Markets presented by Humana sell fresh seasonal produce, flowers, prepared foods, unique Chicago-made products and rare finds — at Chicago’s longest-running farmers market on Daley Plaza (Thursdays through September 30); the historic Maxwell Street Market ( 1st and 3rd Sundays at 9am – 3pm; with special music, dance and family-friendly activities on June 20, July 4 and beyond ); and more City Markets in Austin, Bronzeville, Division Street, Englewood, Pullman, Roseland and West Humboldt Park. |
| TASTE OF CHICAGO TO-GO: Taste of Chicago To-Go (July 7–11), a new and reimagined program presented in place of the Taste of Chicago festival in Grant Park, returns this summer with free food, music and dance events across the city It will feature nearly 40 participating eateries and promoting Chicago’s amazing restaurant industry — plus “Community Eats” community meals serving local nonprofit organizations. |
| HOUSE CITY: House City (starting July 8) is a new, nine-part series of free events popping up throughout the summer in the neighborhoods that helped create the House music genre over 35 years ago. |
| CHICAGO SUMMERDANCE IN THE PARKS: The Chicago SummerDance in the Parks series (starting August 18) returns this summer, presented with the Chicago Park District. Dancers of all ages and skill levels are invited to take part in family and creative activities from 4:30–5:30pm and introductory dance lessons by professional instructors followed by live music and dancing from 5:30–7:30pm except where noted. |
| CHICAGO IN TUNE: Chicago In Tune (August 19 – September 19) is a new citywide festival celebrating music in the key of Chicago — during the 2021 Year of Chicago Music. This month of music will bring iconic neighborhood venues, presenting organizations and musicians from across the city together to celebrate all music genres and forms — with both large and small, free and ticketed events at clubs, concert halls and beyond. Venues, organizations and artists may submit Chicago In Tune events by visiting Do312.com/ChicagoInTune . As part of Chicago In Tune, DCASE will present new and reimagined programs in place of this year’s Gospel music, Jazz, House, and Blues festivals in Millennium Park. F our special evenings at Jay Pritzker Pavilion will honor music born and innovated in Chicago, presented by the Millennium Park Foundation: Gospel music (September 3), Jazz (September 4), House (September 11) and Blues (September 18) — all at 5:30–8:30pm. |
| LATINX AND WORLD MUSIC CELEBRATIONS:Later this summer, DCASE will present two free Latinx and World Music celebrations: ¡Súbelo! (September 4) in the Pilsen neighborhood — a celebration of Latinx music and culture; and the Global Peace Picnic (September 25, 2–6pm) at the Humboldt Park Boat House — an afternoon of family-friendly activities and international music performances, commemorating the United Nations’ International Day of Peace. |
SOURCE: DCASE
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