About
The Grant Park Music Festival 2026 invites audiences to experience classical music in one of the most remarkable settings in the United States — the heart of Chicago, beneath the open sky of Millennium Park. From June 10 to August 15, 2026, this beloved summer tradition transforms the city into a vibrant destination for orchestral masterpieces, choral works, and unforgettable musical encounters.
For more than ninety years, the festival has brought world-class classical music to Chicago audiences, continuing its unique mission of making exceptional performances accessible to everyone. The concerts take place at the spectacular Jay Pritzker Pavilion, where the architecture of the city and the energy of a live orchestra create a truly distinctive atmosphere.
The 2026 season opens with a celebration of American music and artistic heritage. Under the leadership of Artistic Director and Principal Conductor Giancarlo Guerrero, the Grant Park Orchestra presents a programme that highlights the richness of the American repertoire, including Leonard Bernstein’s Symphonic Dances from West Side Story, Joan Tower’s Made in America, and Samuel Barber’s Symphony No. 1 in One Movement.
Throughout the season, the festival offers a diverse programme of symphonic concerts, choral performances, and special musical events. Audiences can enjoy masterpieces by Brahms, Haydn, Copland, and other major composers, alongside works that reflect the evolving landscape of classical music. The programme brings together powerful orchestral traditions with fresh interpretations, creating evenings filled with energy, emotion, and discovery.
The 2026 festival features the exceptional artistry of the Grant Park Orchestra and Chorus, joined by a distinguished group of guest performers. Confirmed artists include pianist Michelle Cann, known for her expressive interpretations and dedication to expanding the classical repertoire; pianist Stewart Goodyear, celebrated for his virtuosity and imaginative programming; and pianist Joyce Yang, whose performances combine technical brilliance with remarkable musical sensitivity.
The season also welcomes acclaimed instrumentalists including cellist Zlatomir Fung, double bassist Xavier Foley, guitarist Aniello Desiderio, violinists Augustin Hadelich, Stefan Jackiw, Tai Murray, and Esther Yoo, bringing exceptional colour and individuality to the festival’s concert stages.
Among the vocal highlights are appearances by soprano Olivia Boen, mezzo-soprano Siena Licht Miller, baritone Hugh Russell, bass Joseph Beutel, and other outstanding singers performing with the Grant Park Chorus and Orchestra.
The Grant Park Music Festival 2026 is more than a concert series — it is a celebration of artistic excellence, community, and the timeless power of classical music under the stars.
About the Grant Park Music Festival
For 90 years, the Grant Park Music Festival has been Chicago's summer musical sensation, demonstrating that classical music, performed by a world-class orchestra and chorus, can have a transformative impact on the city.
Back in 1935, as the city was enduring the Great Depression, Chicago Mayor Anton Cermak joined forces with James C. Petrillo, the president of the musicians' union and dreamed up an idea that was equal parts audacious and ingenious. Civic minded and culturally creative.
Create a concert series for the city. Set it in a lakefront park. Surround people with symphonic music that soothed their fears. Inspired their dreams. Gave them a note of hope. And it came with a promise. The music in the park would be free for everyone.
No wonder the Grant Park Music Festival quickly became Chicago’s summer music sensation, demonstrating that classical music, performed by a world-class orchestra and chorus, can have a transformative impact on the city.
For more than 90 years, the Festival is Chicago’s summer music tradition that exceeds expectations, infuses our city with artistic energy, and is passed down through generations one concert at a time. The Festival is one of the only free outdoor classical music concert series in the U.S.
Throughout the years, visionary Chicagoans have worked tirelessly to keep the Festival alive through depressions, recessions, wars and even a global pandemic.
Today, the Festival continues to serve as a civic and cultural leader. We offer nearly 200 free concerts and events across the city. We continue to expand partnerships with world-class artists, local music schools, esteemed performing arts organizations, and our beautiful city parks. Our Festival Fellowships – a program for pre-professional and emerging musicians, our fun and music-filled day camp for Chicago kids, and our innovative programming serve as models for orchestras nationwide.
Best of all, the Grant Park Music Festival continues to be Classic. Chicago.
