City of Chicago Announces Lineups for Marquee Fall Music Festivals:
Chicago Jazz Festival: September 1 – 4
Chicago House Music Festival and Conference: September 15 – 18
World Music Festival Chicago: September 30 – October 9
Presented by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events and its Partners, These Free Festivals Celebrate Chicago’s Music Legacy in Millennium Park, at the Chicago Cultural Center and Citywide
CHICAGO—Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) announced today music lineups and expanded date information for three of the City of Chicago’s most beloved fall music festivals starting September 1. Following the successful return of three other iconic festivals this summer – Chicago Gospel Music Festival, Chicago Blues Festival and the ongoing Millennium Park Summer Music Series – DCASE is happy to continue to showcase a diversity of musicians from Chicago and around the world with FREE concerts in Millennium Park and in venues across the city with the return of the Chicago Jazz Festival (Sept. 1–4; neighborhood concerts Aug. 23–31); Chicago House Music Festival and Conference (new expanded dates: Sept. 15–18) and World Music Festival Chicago (Sept. 30 – Oct. 9). Schedule highlights enclosed with full details and updates online.
The Chicago Jazz Festival (September 1–4) returns with performances celebrating all forms of jazz in Millennium Park and at the Chicago Cultural Center. Produced by DCASE and programmed by the Jazz Institute of Chicago (JIC), schedule highlights include Henry Threadgill and Zooid, Bill Frisell, William Parker and his quintet, Miguel Zenón, Linda May Han Oh and Jazzmeia Horn, among many others. This year DCASE continues the Citywide Jazz Community Funding Program, which funds local venues presenting their own free Jazz performances between August 23 and 31. The program celebrates Chicago’s expansive Jazz community and builds momentum in the lead-up to the Labor Day performances. Venues receiving funding are listed below; visit ChicagoJazzFestival.us for the schedule. As in previous years, outside alcohol is not allowed for the Chicago Jazz Festival, but alcohol at various price points may be purchased inside the venue. Before visiting, please be advised of other Prohibited Items at MillenniumPark.org
Chicago House Music Festival and Conference (September 15–18) announces expanded dates showcasing community partners across the city, including Rebuild Foundation, House Club Tour Chicago, Open The Circle and more, in addition to the return of Millennium Park programming (Sept. 16). The festival presents DJs and live performances highlighting the various sounds and styles of House Music, the genre born in Chicago that has gone on to revolutionize dance music internationally. Headlining the Friday, September 16 Millennium Park performance is GRAMMY-nominated Ten City in addition to Josh Milan and his acclaimed band. Program highlights below with the full schedule to be announced in the coming weeks. MillenniumPark.org and ChicagoHouseMusicFestival.us
World Music Festival Chicago (September 30 – October 9) brings global grooves by award-winning artists from around the world to the citywide, multi-venue festival featuring more than 30 artists and ensembles representing 22 countries and regions of the world. Now in its 22nd year of live, in-person performances, the festival also celebrates 10 years of Ragamala, the largest all-night long presentation of live Indian classical music in the United States. Full schedule below and at WorldMusicFestivalChicago.org.
“Chicago is the birthplace of house music, urban blues, and gospel. To be able to celebrate our city’s musical legacy this summer and into the fall with free concerts is a true honor,” shared DCASE Commissioner Erin Harkey. “Collaboration is a key component of our programs, and we’re grateful to our partners for their commitment to sharing this legacy with our residents and visitors.”
For more information about City-funded “Chicago Presents” community events and other City-permitted neighborhood festivals and special events, visit Chicago.gov/DCASE.
