Chicago City Wire

Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) have unveiled the schedule for Chicago SummerDance 2024. This cherished summer tradition, a cultural gathering held in parks throughout the city and downtown, will run from June 15 to September 8 on select dates. The free outdoor series provides dance and movement lessons for all skill levels, taught by professional instructors, followed by music and social dancing.

Chicago SummerDance also offers a range of creative activities for families in addition to dance lessons and music. The event showcases the multicultural traditions of our vibrant city with more than 30 dance styles including Salsa, Swing, Cumbia, Line Dancing, Ballet Folklorico, Steppin’, KPOP, among others.

The Spirit of Music Garden in Grant Park serves as the flagship location for Chicago SummerDance. Here, attendees can enjoy live music from a diverse roster of bands such as Shout Section Big Band (Swing), Funkadesi (Bhangra/Bollywood), and Club Crib (R&B/Steppin’).

In keeping with past years, the festival will extend into neighborhoods as part of the Chicago Park District’s Night Out in the Parks Series. Engaging programming will be featured in Austin, Calumet Park, West Ridge, North Lawndale and Back of the Yards. For many neighborhoods, Chicago SummerDance is collaborating with community partners like The Firehouse Community Arts Center, Move Me Soul and Front Porch Arts Center to develop content.

All programming in the Spirit of Music Garden and Chicago SummerDance in the Parks events will have ASL interpretation. For more information about this event series or any changes that may occur including weather-related announcements visit ChicagoSummerDance.org.

Chicago SummerDance is presented as part of the Night Out in the Parks series by Chicago Park District. This program presents cultural events year-round in neighborhood parks throughout the city. The Chicago Park District, in partnership with 100 local artists and organizations, presents engaging events and performances that enhance quality of life across Chicago and amplify the artistic and cultural vibrancy in every neighborhood.

The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) supports artists and cultural organizations, invests in the creative economy, and expands access to the arts throughout Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods. For more information about DCASE, visit Chicago.gov/DCASE.