Get ready for the much-anticipated 2026 season of the Grant Park Festival, running from June 10 to August 15. This year’s Grant Park Festival features a full slate of free concerts, taking place at Millennium Park’s Jay Pritzker Pavilion, with additional events hosted at the Harris Theater. A central theme of this Grant Park Festival is American music, in a special celebration of the United States’ 250th anniversary. The Grant Park Music Festival is a cornerstone of Chicago’s summer offerings.
A New Vision for American Music at the Grant Park Festival
Artistic director Giancarlo Guerrero, now in his second season, is shaping the programming for this year’s Grant Park Festival. Guerrero’s vision for the Grant Park Festival centers on highlighting American composers and exploring the multifaceted definition of “American music.” His approach includes showcasing composers from diverse backgrounds, such as immigrants and historically underrepresented artists, placing their works within a global context and demonstrating their transatlantic connections. Guerrero expressed excitement for the season, calling it a “non-stop celebration” that emphasizes the breadth of the American musical landscape, making the Grant Park Festival a truly inclusive event.
Iconic American Composers Featured at the Grant Park Festival
The 2026 Grant Park Festival season will prominently feature a wide array of celebrated American composers. Works by Leonard Bernstein, including his “Symphonic Dances” from West Side Story, are scheduled. The festival also includes Samuel Barber’s Symphony No. 1, Aaron Copland’s Symphony No. 3, and Florence Price’s Symphony No. 3. William Grant Still’s “Festive Overture,” George Gershwin’s “An American in Paris,” and works by Joan Tower, Julia Wolfe, and Michael Daugherty will be performed. The Grant Park Festival is also proud to present music by Jessie Montgomery, Reena Esmail, Gabriela Lena Frank, Philip Glass, John Adams, and John Corigliano’s Symphony No. 1, all pieces that underscore the rich tapestry of American musical heritage.
World Premieres and Emerging Talent at the Grant Park Festival
Two significant world premieres have been commissioned for this year’s Grant Park Festival. Composer Clarice Assad and Jasmine Barnes have each created new works for the festival. These new music commissions are a vital part of the festival’s commitment to nurturing emerging talent through its fellowship programs, which provide a high-profile platform for new performers and composers. This dedication to developing future artists ensures that fresh, innovative music reaches the audience at the Grant Park Festival.
A Rich and Diverse Program Reflecting the Chicago Music Scene
The Grant Park Festival expertly balances its focus on American works with beloved European classics. Brahms’s Fourth Symphony, Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony, Sibelius’s Second Symphony, and Dvořák’s “New World” Symphony are all on the program. Mozart’s Requiem will also be performed. Guest conductors include renowned artists like Leonard Slatkin and Carlos Kalmar. Virtuoso performers such as pianists Olga Kern and Michelle Cann, and violinist Anne Akiko Meyers, will grace the stage. Special events, including a performance by Ben Folds and an “Independence Day Salute,” broaden the Grant Park Festival’s appeal and reflect its commitment to diverse public engagement, showcasing the breadth of the Chicago music scene.
Community Access and Tradition at the Grant Park Festival
The Grant Park Music Festival stands as a cherished Chicago tradition, boasting a history of over 90 years and remaining one of the nation’s few free classical music series. This unwavering commitment to accessibility ensures that the Grant Park Festival’s incredible programming is available to everyone, fostering new fans and welcoming newcomers to the world of classical music. Spanning ten weeks, this Grant Park Festival offers a rich summer of entertainment. This Music Festival is a vital part of Chicago’s summer music scene, with varied music releases promising something for every listener. The Grant Park Festival continues its esteemed legacy, serving as a cornerstone of the city’s cultural calendar, with the 2026 season poised to deliver exciting new music, featuring both trending artists and timeless classics that will fill the summer air.
