The annual Chicago Blues Festival in June is the largest music festival in the city, where more than 500,000 fans gather in venues across the city, including Millennium Park, to enjoy multiple days of open and free performances by some of the most revered and up-and-coming talent in various genres of music.

The diverse lineup of the festival has been a staple in Chicago for almost 40 years, showcasing performances from a wide range of genres including hip-hop, rock, gospel, R&B, and soul. It includes contributions from artists such as Taylor Koko, James Etta, Buddy Guy, and B.B. King.

Chicago Blues Fest FAQs

What objects are not allowed to be brought onto the festival premises?

BBQ grills (uncovered fires).

Fireworks or pyrotechnics.

Illicit drugs & firearms.

Pop-up tents/canopies.

Beach/picnic umbrellas.

Flag poles.

All animals kept as companions (excluding service animals).

Can I bring a folding chair and blanket into the Chicago Blues Festival?Yes, but folding chairs are not allowed in the seating area of the Jay Pritzker Pavilion.

Can I sit in general seating on the lawn and in the pavilion? I might be able to save seats in the pavilion. You can only save one seat before each show starts. Once the show has started, you must give up your seat. Millennium Park appreciates your cooperation in ensuring the enjoyment and safety of your concert experience, and due to reaching capacity, they reserve the right to close the lawn and seating area near the Pavilion. Please take note of this.

You are not allowed to stake or use open flame candles, barbecue grills, signs/banners, oversized flags, helium balloons, plastic tarps or oversized blankets, oversized umbrellas, or tents in the great lawn area. Please respect the rules of the Jay Pritzker Pavilion and help protect the lawn from any damage. Our goal is to ensure that all attendees can enjoy the events. However, Park Millennium is a perfect place for an al fresco dining experience, with live music and a picnic atmosphere at night. Yes, you can bring a picnic basket in May!

Can I purchase food, wine, and beer at the park? How about the availability of refreshments in Casa Bonita, including Company Brewing Clutch Double and Pizzeria Napolita? In addition, can concessions be purchased throughout Millennium Hall and the Pavilion Pritzker Jay, located to the east of the tent concessions?

Alcohol sales at Millennium Park’s tent concession, located near the end of the concert, will cease one half-hour before the concert’s conclusion. Only alcohol consumed within the seating area of the Great Lawn during the concerts is permitted.

What is the rain policy for performances and concerts held in the Jay Pritzker Pavilion unless there are severe weather warnings or the threat of lightning in the area, as the Great Lawn has a high-tech design that allows rain to quickly drain through layers of gravel and sand, and the seats are not protected from the elements?

Are recording devices allowed at a concert? No photography, video, or recording equipment is permitted at any concerts hosted at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion.

Smoking is not allowed in the seating area of Jay Pritzker Pavilion. This includes the Garden Lurie, the Great Lawn, and the seating area of Jay Pritzker Pavilion. Smoking is also prohibited near the restrooms, as well as the west and east arcades of Exelon Buildings. Can I smoke in May?

Can I bring my dog with me? Pets are not allowed in Millennium Park, except for service animals.

Kindly be aware that the timetable is prone to change. To obtain the latest information about all activities at Millennium Park, kindly visit millenniumpark.Org.