It's a Chicago Story

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. And Free.

The Festival operates as a unique collaboration among the Grant Park Orchestral Association, the Chicago Park District and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events.