Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some typical questions about the nation's only free outdoor concert series.
What is the Grant Park Music Festival?
The Grant Park Music Festival is a series of free classical music concerts featuring the Grant Park Orchestra and Chorus, resident ensembles of the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park.
What to do in case of rain or dangerous weather?
Concerts are rarely canceled due to rain. In the event of dangerous weather, such as lighting or tornado warnings, patrons are advised to exit the park. If shelter is needed immediately, go to east (Columbus Drive side of park) arcade for access to the underground parking garage and pedway system.
How can I buy a single ticket for a single performance?
You don’t need a ticket. All of our concerts are free to the public! The Festival sells season memberships which are a 100% tax deductible donation made to help support free classical music for all in the park, but the Festival doesn't sell single tickets for single performances.
For information on how to become a member, visit our memberships page.
What time should I arrive to get a free seat?
Seating in the general section is first-come, first-served. For best selection, you may arrive up to one hour prior to concert start.
May I bring a picnic basket?
The Festival encourages you to bring a picnic for a perfect night of music and dining al fresco! You can also order a picnic for any night of your choice from one of our Favored Festival Restaurants.
Where can I smoke?
Smoking is prohibited in the seating area of the Jay Pritzker Pavilion.
I am coming with a group. How can I reserve seats?
For group sales (20 or more), please call 312.744.4159 or e-mail
tony.macaluso@cityofchicago.org
What other events are happening in Millennium Park?
For information about Millennium Park programs and events other than the Grant Park Music Festival, visit www.millenniumpark.org. Please note: Grant Park Music Festival membership privileges do not extend to other concerts held in Millennium Park.
I want to find out about the Jazz Fest, the Blues Fest, Taste of Chicago, Celtic Fest, Viva Chicago, or other city festivals.
For these events, which are coordinated by the Chicago Mayor’s Office of Special Events, visit www.cityofchicago.org/specialevents or call 312.744.3315.
Where can I dine before or after a concert?
Grant Park Music Festival concertgoers will find special offers and great dining experiences at many fine restaurants, conveniently located near the Jay Pritzker Pavilion. See our map of recommended restaurants and bars!
What’s the best way to get to Millennium Park?
Public transportation is one of the easiest and most economical ways to get around downtown. The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) operates a network of buses and elevated/subway trains throughout Chicago.
For directions to Millennium Park, call the Travel Information Center at 836.7000 (from any local area code) or visit www.yourcta.com.
When traveling from the suburbs, Metra, the premier commuter rail system, makes traveling to and from downtown Chicago and its surrounding areas easy and convenient with four downtown stations.
By Car:
Kennedy Expressway (I-90/94), exit at Congress East and continue to Michigan Avenue or Columbus Drive, turn North to parking.
Edens Expressway (I-94) to the Kennedy Expressway (I-90/94), exit at Congress East and continue to Michigan Avenue or Columbus Drive, turn North to parking.
Stevenson Expressway (I-55) to Lake Shore Drive North, exit at Monroe to parking.
Dan Ryan Expressway (I-94) to Stevenson Expressway (I-55) to Lake Shore Drive North, exit at Monroe to parking.
Eisenhower (I-290) proceed East to Michigan Avenue or Columbus Drive, turn North to parking.
Lakeshore Drive North or South, exit at Monroe to parking.
Parking:
Underground parking is available directly beneath the park in four garages.
The Grant Park North Underground Garage is accessible directly from Michigan Avenue at Randolph and Madison streets.
The Millennium Park Garage is accessible from Columbus Drive between Randolph and Monroe Streets.
The Monroe Street Garage is also accessible from Columbus Drive between Randolph and Monroe Streets.
The Grant Park South Garage is accessible from Michigan Avenue at Van Buren or Adams Streets.
For rates and more information call Laz Parking 312.616.0600
Where is the bus drop-off point?
Motorcoach and School Bus drop off is available along the park's north end on upper Randolph Street.
Where can I park to get to the Pavilion?
The Millennium Park Garage, located on Columbus Drive between Randolph and Monroe Street offers convenient parking 24 hours a day.
The garage is easily accessed from the loop. Drive east on Monroe Street, turn north (left) on Columbus Drive and enter the garage entrance ramp, located in the center of Columbus Drive.
Turn left into the Millennium Park Garage.
From Lake Shore Drive, take the Monroe Street exit, turn north (right) on Columbus Drive and enter the garage entrance ramp, located in the center of Columbus Drive. Turn left into the Millennium Park Garage.
Rates: $13 for 12 hours
Garage information: 312-744-7644
Can I get there by bicycle?
One of the easiest ways to get to Millennium Park is by bicycle. For everyone’s safety, bicycles must be walked in the park. Free bicycle parking is available at the Bike Station at the northwest corner of the park on Randolph Street and Columbus Drive. For more information, call 1.888.BIKE.WAY (1.888.245.3929) or visit www.chicagobikestation.com.
Is the Pavilion accessible to people with disabilities?
All of Millennium Park is accessible to people with disabilities. Wheelchair loans are available in the Millennium Park Welcome Center, 201 E. Randolph Street. Integrated spaces for wheelchair seating are provided in all seating sections of the Jay Pritzker Pavilion. Wireless headsets for patrons with hearing impairments are located at the Pavilion’s sound booth. Large print programs for Festival concerts are available at the Membership table. Accessible restrooms are located in the Park Grill at McCormick Tribune Plaza, on the east and west sides of the Jay Pritzker Pavilion and on the Chase Promenade South. Service animals are permitted in the park. For further information on these services, please contact the administrative offices at 312.742.7638.
What is the rain-date policy?
Grant Park Music Festival concerts are held rain or shine. Programs and artists are subject to change or cancellation. No refunds are given in the event of such changes.
May I bring my dog along?
Dogs are not allowed in Millennium Park.
