Chicago City Wire

Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) have announced a series of summer arts and recreational programs on the Chicago Riverwalk. The Riverwalk, an urban space located on the south bank of the Chicago River, spans 1.25 miles from Lake Michigan to Lake Street and features restaurants, wineries, bars, live music, performances, public art, and urban recreation.

The programming is presented by the City of Chicago and produced by DCASE in collaboration with the Chicago Department of Fleet & Facility Management (2FM), the Chicago Park District, and various cultural partners. Highlights include "Sounds of the Riverwalk," a free music series running from June 30 through October 6 on select Sundays featuring musicians from the Chicago Band Roster.

"ART on THE MART," recognized as the largest digital art projection in the world, will feature two new commissions this summer. The program runs twice nightly through September 11 at 9 pm on THE MART’s river-facing façade. The new works include "Omi Okun" by British-Nigerian artist Yinka Ilori and "Water, Wind and Fire" by post-conceptual artist Cory Arcangel.

The Chicago Park District Fishing Program returns starting June 27, offering interactive fishing and educational opportunities Thursdays through Sundays from 10 am to 4 pm at The Jetty between Wells and Franklin Streets. Visitors can engage in outdoor education activities related to the river's ecosystem.

InstaGreeter Tours are available now through September 3 at 11:30 am on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from Vietnam Veterans Memorial. These one-hour walks led by Chicago Greeters highlight architecture, history, dining options along the Riverwalk.

Public art installations include "Kin Link" by Leonard Suryajaya currently featured on the Riverwalk Banner. Other notable works are displayed throughout various locations along the Riverwalk.

For more information about events and participating vendors on the Chicago Riverwalk, visit ChicagoRiverwalk.us.

The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events supports artists and cultural organizations across Chicago’s neighborhoods. DCASE produces festivals, markets, events at Millennium Park among other venues serving a wide audience locally and globally.