Chicago celebrates 20 years of Millennium Park with weekend of free events

(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — It was 20 years ago that Millennium Park opened, turning a parking lot and railyard into a park once again.

The story goes that the park was put into motion by Chicago Mayor Robert Daley, who was reportedly upset by the view of the parking lot from his dentist’s office.

On July 16, 2004, Millennium Park opened to the public, boasting an array of public attractions. Although, the iconic “Cloud Gate,” better known locally as “The Bean,” did not open until two years later, as it was running behind schedule.

To celebrate 20 years, the City of Chicago is hosting a multi-day celebration that runs through Sunday. Highlights include Common performing with the Grant Park Orchestra on The S&S Chicago Experience, curated by Steve “Silk” Hurley and Shannon “Skip” Syas on Sunday night.

Festivities have already gotten underway, but here is the schedule for the weekend.

Friday

6:30 p.m. Grant Park Orchestra in Star Wars and More: the Music of
John Williams.

Saturday

8 – 9:45 a.m. Millennium Park Summer Workouts with Pilates with NK
Gutierrez (8-9 a.m.) and Yoga with Alie McManus (9-9:45
a.m.).

11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Family friendly artmaking with Somos Arte in the North
Promenade Tent.

1 – 3 p.m. Physical Theater Festival Chicago performances in Wrigley Square.

2 – 3 p.m. Dance Performances in the North Promenade Tent

2 – 5 p.m. INT’L CAFE immersive conversations for language speakers/signers of all levels in the North Promenade Tent.

3 – 5 p.m. Heart of Chicago Soul Club

3 – 4 p.m. Eli’s Giant Cheesecake at Cloud Gate, enjoy free cheesecake.

4 – 5 p.m. Performance from Los Pleneros de Don Segundo

4 – 5 p.m. Pop-up Performances by South Shore Drill Team and Ballet
Folklorico de Chicago at Cloud Gate.

7:30 p.m. Common with the Grant Park Orchestra at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion.

Fireworks will cap off the night.

Sunday

11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Family friendly programming in North Promenade Tent, Crown Fountain, and Wrigley Square.

11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Story hour for families at Crown Fountain.

11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. The Golden Horse Ranch Band family square dance in the North Promenade Tent.

12 – 1 p.m. Rhythm Revolution Interactive Drum Circle and instrument making at Crown Fountain.

12:30 – 1:30 p.m. Performances to be announced.

1 – 3 p.m. Wonder Wagon puppets at Wrigley Square.

2 – 3 p.m. Dance performances from Chicago artists in the North Promenade Tent.

2 – 5 p.m. INT’L CAFE immersive conversations for language speakers/signers of all levels in the North Promenade Tent.

3 – 5 p.m. Sonorama DJ collective. Salsa and Cumbia will provide free dance lessons from 3 – 4 p.m. in the North Promenade Tent.

4 – 7 p.m. The S&S Chicago Experience, curated by Steve “Silk” Hurley and Shannon “Skip” Syas, at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion stage.

For more information, visit the City of Chicago website .

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