It may be November, but hey, it’s warm this week, and we're already planning for summertime music, movies and more in and around Millennium Park.
The City of Chicago today released its 2016 schedule of events, festivals and exhibitions, so no excuses! Mark your calendars and plan ahead for next year’s Taste of Chicago, the Chicago Air and Water Show and countless other events that never fail to please. For a full list of festivities, visit the City of Chicago’s website.
Here are just some of the many 2016 highlights:
Present Standard: 25 Latino Artists, Jan. 30–April 24, 2016: Present Standard features 25 contemporary Latino artists with Chicago connections, showcasing works that play with symbols and national identity. Chicago Cultural Center, Michigan Avenue Galleries, 1st Floor (78 E Washington St)
Carlos Rolón/Dzine: I Tell You This Sincerely…, April 9–July 3, 2016: Chicago native Carlos Rolón is known for his paintings, sculptures and custom works, and this exhibit shows off some of his very best pieces. Chicago Cultural Center, Chicago Rooms, 2nd Floor North (78 E Washington St)
18th Annual Chicago Kids and Kites Festival, May 7, 2016: This family-friendly fest provides free kite kits for the kids to build, decorate and fly, among other fun events for the whole family. Cricket Hill in Lincoln Park
Daley Plaza Farmers Market opens, May 12, 2016: Take a lunch break and pick up fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers at Daley Plaza or neighborhood markets through October 2016. Daley Plaza (50 W Washington St) and citywide locations
31st Chicago Gospel Music Festival, June 3 & 4, 2016: Don’t miss the best in local, national and international gospel music. Millennium Park (201 E Randolph St) and Chicago Cultural Center (78 E Washington St)
Millennium Park Summer Music Series, June 6–Aug 25, 2016: Few things top free live music outside in one of Chicago’s most striking settings. Millennium Park, Jay Pritzker Pavilion (201 E Randolph St)
33rd Annual Chicago Blues Festival, June 10–12, 2016: Sing the blues as musicians take over five stages at the world's largest free blues festival. Grant Park (Jackson St and Columbus Dr)
Millennium Park Summer Film Series, Tuesdays, June 21–Aug 30, 2016: Clear your Tuesdays because the free Summer Film Series at Jay Pritzker Pavilion is back. Millennium Park, Jay Pritzker Pavilion (201 E Randolph St)
20th Annual Chicago SummerDance, Fridays–Sundays, June 24–September 11, 2016: Dancers of all ages and skill levels come together to feel the beat (complete with professional instruction) at the largest annual outdoor live music and dancing series in the U.S. Grant Park, Spirit of Music Garden (601 S Michigan Ave)
36th Annual Taste of Chicago, July 6–10, 2016: The beloved Taste of Chicago returns to show off the best of the best in Chicago’s dining scene, alongside concerts and other events everyone can look forward to. Grant Park (Jackson St and Columbus Dr)
58th Annual Chicago Air and Water Show, August 20 & 21, 2016: Every year thousands of spectators look to the sky in amazement over the unbelievable military and civilian flight aerobatics at this favorite event. North Avenue Beach, 1600 N Lake Shore Dr
38th Annual Chicago Jazz Festival, Sept 1–4, 2016: This Labor Day, unwind with the Chicago Jazz Festival’s free live music. Millennium Park (201 E Randolph St) and Chicago Cultural Center (78 E Washington St)
18th Annual World Music Festival Chicago, Sept 9–25, 2016: Groove to award-winning artists from all over the world at this free festival at venues across the city. Various locations
103rd Annual Christmas Tree and Holiday Celebrations, Nov 22–Dec 2016: Next year’s official Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting is set to take place on Tuesday, November 22, followed by caroling at Cloud Gate on Friday evenings. Millennium Park (201 E Randolph St)