Chicago SummerDance

One of the city’s most beloved dance traditions, Chicago Summerdance, returns to the Spirit of Music Garden in Grant Park as well as neighborhood parks for open-air dancing, live music and dance lessons all summer long, through August 29, 2026.

Courtesy of Summerdance

Every Wednesday through Saturday of each week, an eclectic array of bands and dancers will glide across the park’s dance floor. Various dance styles, including salsa, cumbia, swing, steppin’, flamenco, polka and Irish folk, will shake up the park. Check out the weekly schedule for what parks and dances will be featured.

The evening starts with an introductory dance lesson followed by live music and dancing. Summerdance is also at neighborhood parks throughout the city on select dates, including Harrison Park, Maxwell Street Market, Humboldt Park and Calumet Park. Look out for special Summerdance pop-ups and events all over the city.

The historic Spirit of Music Garden in the South Loop at 601 S. Michigan hosts Summerdance Thursdays through Saturdays from August 13-29, 2026. The event runs 6-9 pm. Arrive early to set up chairs or blankets on the lawn and then head to the dance area where participants groove to live music and try out the dance steps they have learned.