Although some events have been cut in recent years by the City of Chicago, someone in the Mayor's office must LOVE Summer Dance! Starting on Thursday nights and through the weekends, they put a dance floor down on South Michigan, hire great bands ranging from swing, latin, afropop, country, and more; and let everyone do their thang under the stars for free. I've been to Summer Dance many times over the years, and had the great pleasure of dancing the night away to Orchestre Super Vitesse this summer. Couples, groups, and singles can all get their groove on, and they even do a dance lesson before the band. There's beer, wine, and refreshments- but there's no drinking on the dancefloor (No Parking, either, Baby!), and most just come to dance. My only complaint is a small one, that I wish it started earlier on Thursday night, making it more of an after work thing. Still, dancing under the stars at night in Grant Park is special, and shaking what your momma gave you at Summer Dance is a must every summer! read more

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So much fun! If someone had asked "Hey do you want to go square dancing?" I would have said "NO Way" but I happened by while they were teaching it and it was SO much fun! Summer Dance is great - getting people outdoors and interacting with each other, having fun and learning new things in this beautiful city. It can't be beat! read more

Such a cool free event in my city... great way to experience Chicago with a picnic dinner and few friends . Boogie the night away!!

This has become my favorite event that the City of Chicago hosts in Grant Park because you get to dance. First, you learn the dance, then you get to rock out to an amazing band. Last night, Monica, Suzy and I got down with Funkadesi, an awesome World Music Group that brings the energy, funk and fun to everyone. First, Shamila Khetarpal of the Old Town School of Folk Music taught us a traditional Bhangra Dance that I cannot pronounce, so I'm not even going to try. She was amazing and really broke down the steps so that everyone could get it and then we'd speed it up. She was so amazing that she was invited back when Funkadesi played to dance some more. I now want to take one of her classes. Then, Funkadesi brought the ruckus! In a sea of hand waving, heart thumping rhythms everyone was getting down. It was so much fun! Can't wait to come back to Grant Park for more Summer Dance! read more

Chicago Summer Dance At Grant Park - Funkadesi - Festivals Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Yet another fun and free event, courtesy of the city of Chicago. They may have cut the fireworks budget and the Taste sucked this year, but you can still thoroughly entertain yourself for free all summer long. Why live anywhere else during a recession? I should really start doing Chicago promo ads...now accepting catchy slogans. So I have been to three of these dance events this summer and it really can be a hit or miss. I absolutely loved the bellydancing lessons and found the instructor to be really good at teaching a huge crowd of novices how to bellydance, which is no easy feat. To top it off, she made it fun for the crowd, she threw in a couple of jokes and had a fun, positive attitude. I also went for salsa and those instructors were good and took time to make sure they were going slow enough for the crowd to pick up the basic steps. However for my third dance event, the Argentine tango instructor did a little too much talking and not enough teaching. He went through the steps too quickly and did not teach the basic 8 tango steps but a different form called the Milonga. It was hard to see the instructor's feet on stage and if you didn't catch the steps, you were pretty much lost the rest of the time. I would recommend getting a spot right in front of the stage so you can see the instructors well. Don't be intimidated to attend Chicago Summer Dance, even if you have two left feet. These events are always fun and casual and almost everyone is a beginner. Ladies, don't bring a big purse or other things you'd need to carry so you can have your hands free to dance. Crowd is eclectic, young and old, in fact, the old people dance way better. The dance floor is huge, though it can get crowded and you have to watch out not to bump into other people. But it's a hot, sweaty good time! Dance lessons are Thursday through Sunday. Lessons are from 6-7 pm Thursday-Saturday followed by two hours of live music from 7:30-9:30 and 4-5 pm on Sundays with live music from 5-7. The complete summer schedule for 2010 is at: http://www.explorechicago.org/etc/medialib/explore_chicago/dca_tourism/summerdance.Par.99729.File.dat/SummerDance2010schedule.pdf read more

Fun, fun, FUN! The summer dance series starts at 6:00 and goes till 9:30. The first hour or so constitutes of a group dance lesson. This takes place on the dance floor in front of The stage at Grant Park. If you show up early enough there are stacks of chairs by the back corner of the stage. Grab your number of chairs and claim your space as once the band starts, the park fills quickly. We had the pleasure of seeing Mucca Pazza and then a Salsa band the following night as we were staying directly across the street. These events are geared towards all ages and all ages were laughing and having fun! Dance abilities really weren't an issue as all were represented, but it was fun watching the more adept! There was a concession stand selling snacks and beer and wine at reasonable prices. We also saw others bringing their own coolers as well. If you aren't on time to get one of the chairs provided others were bringing in their own lawn chairs and blankets. Way to go Chicago for offering an event for all, free of charge, to get people out and interacting! read more

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I love Chicago!!!! Yet another cool free event. I haven't been to summerdance all summer, but I pick the best night to go - house music night with DJ Terry Hunter. Summer dance is live music, people letting loose and dancing, or like me and my friends picnic, people watching, eating, drinking, and catching up. Mix that with a beautiful warm summer night and your bound to have a good time. I highly recommend this as a nice date spot as well...something different to do and budget friendly :) read more

Chicago Summer Dance At Grant Park - House Music night - DJ Terry Hunter - Festivals Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Summer Dance is one of the best things about the summer! I first noticed it in 2001, when I worked Downtown and thought I would like to go when I had some time. Time passed. In 2015, I decided to go so that I could cross it off the.bucket list. I ended up going 4 times that year! Ditto 2016. So far, 3 times, with plans for at least 2 more. They have a lot of variety, so it makes it easy to meet up with friends that might like some music/dancing more than others. I enjoy it so much that I go to some on my own. It is fun to watch the people learn to dance in the first hour. There is such a nice variety of people--all ages and ethnicities. I have been very fortunate and the weather was very good the times I went. It is very nice sitting in the park listening to the music and watching the dancers. And the price is right--FREE! You just have to get there early if you want to get the park provided seats. I still have to cross actually dancing at Summer Dance off the bucket list! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED--GREAT TIME read more

I don't know why I didn't check Summer Dance out sooner, I had heard of it years ago and had been meaning to go but never made it down the last few Summers. I finally went about a month ago, and loved it so much I went back again a few weeks later. If I lived closer I would definitely be there more often. Don't miss the dance lessons at 6! It's a lot of fun learning some new moves and watching the young and old alike getting their grove on. At 7:30 they have live music and a chance to show off the moves you just learned with open dancing. Old or young, beginner dancer to the pros, on the dance floor or just a people watcher, Summer Dance is really for everyone. Getting there can be a little bit of a pain, I would CTA it, but there is some decent parking in the evenings, I've managed to find parking for $6-$8 from 5pm until midnight which is cheaper than any meter anywhere in the city. read more

When cold, chilly winter gets me down, I look at my Marilyn Monroe dress and dream of Summer Dance. I'm counting down till June 14 - SummerDance 2007. It starts with a free hour of dance lessons, then once they've given you a chance for a cool drink, you get two hours of live dance music. Most nights you get to learn a variation of latin or swing, but they have everything, from Albanian Folk Dancing to Zydeco. I was so disappointed that I had to work the night the punk klezmer band played. You can have a wonderful time on your own - there are plenty of partners. With a date it's divine - a silly, light activity that reminds you why you want to date in the first place. The schedule for 2007: http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/webportal/portalEntityHomeAction.do?entityName=SummerDance&entityNameEnumValue=175 read more

This is one of my favorite events in the city. And it's not just "now I have learned this dance" good. It's "now I have renewed hope in humanity" good. Which is really, really good. This is one of the few events that seems to really draw together people from all walks of life, backgrounds, ages, classes, ethnicities. My guests invariably trudge along, thinking they're too cool to join in / will embarrass themselves. And they invariably see this crazy microcosm of the city not giving a flip and dancing together. And they invariably end up dancing and leave feeling all warm and tingly. A large chunk of the nights feature Latin dances and swing, but you'll see anything from Transylvanian folk to bhangra to square dancing. After the lesson there's live music, and the floor fills with newly empowered masses who now know how to get down to this. The little snack shop on the premises has decent offerings, including glasses of wine for $6, larger glasses of sangria for $7, veggie burgers, meat hot dogs, and pita w/hummus. Go. You will make friends and love your life. read more

In an ideal world I would go to every single SummerDance event. It's dancing under the stars to live music for free. What's there not to like? Okay, so the dance floor isn't sprung wood and it's usually dusty so you don't want to wear your best suede soles, but the dance floor is huge, which is more than one can say for most dedicated dance venues in Chicago. I've been to several swing and Argentine tango nights and the bands and orchestras are always fabulous. The lessons before the band starts are less consistent, though. Some are great but others showcase advanced moves instead of giving beginning dancers the basics. Still, it's a free lesson, so the worst thing that can happen is you don't learn much. However, my favorite aspect of SummerDance is how friendly it is. Everyone dances with everyone -- you don't need to bring a partner, although it's fun to come with a group of friends -- and experienced dancers are almost always happy to dance with beginners. A few folks dress up, but most people just wear t-shirts and jeans. There are also chairs for spectators and those needing to catch their breath and you can buy expensive food and water, if needed. read more

Free admission. Thurs-Sundays from 6/17-8/29. Dance lessons are from 6-7pm Thurs-Sat and 4-5pm Sun. Live music and dancing is from 7:30-9:30pm Thurs- Sun and 5-7pm Sun. Visit www.ChicagoSummerDance.org to check out the schedule. They have live bands performing all types of music (depending on day). Bring some chairs, lots of water, and some comfy shoes to dance the evening away. Large crowds of all ages and dance skills of all levels. I did not participate in the dancing but it was just as fun to watch. They sell beer, wine, sodas, water and some food at the park as well. Bring your kids and have a picnic! read more

Ahhhhh... yet another reason why I LOVE the beautiful City of Chicago! Where else can I show my beautiful face, enjoy lovely weather, dance live bands playing Bhangra, Swing, Salsa, Waltz, Merengue, Ballroom, Country, and Bachata, all while enjoying the company of various lovelies? SummerDance!!!!!! Now, I'm not gonna lie. I REALLY REALLY REALLY miss the Wednesday night DJ sessions they used to have, but it's all good. The variety offered in all the other nights make up for it. If you haven't been to a SummerDance event yet, you are depriving yourself of a night of awesomeness under the stars on the outdoor dance floor in the Spirit of Music Garden in Grant Park. You need not worry about not being familiar with whatever music genre is being featured or the fact that you are no Fred Astaire. SummerDance always starts off with a FREE dance lesson led by professional instructors followed by a live band providing the tunes for you to show off the moves you already know or the ones you just learned! I've been coming to SummerDance since 2004 and will continue to show my beautiful face at these events on a regular basis. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND that you go to at least one SummerDance event this summer, or any summer, for that matter. SummerDance has the official Mr Beautiful stamp of approval all over it! See you on the dance floor! Holla!!!™ read more

I loves me some SummerDance, and I'm sad that it's over for this season. Even if you don't particularly care for the type of music that is featured, it's such a great multi-culti vibe that you'll have a good time. I've even gone alone, it's that much fun. Cheers that we have such a great city that organizes events like this!!! read more

Well, someone at Summer Dance must read Yelp. Finally, after not scheduling a rock and roll dance night last summer, they scheduled one this year. YES!! we all wanted to go..friends came in from out of town, dinner arrangements were made, and 9 of us met at the dance floor to have a night of fun. The lessons were great - the twist, the stroll, and several more I have never heard of . And, yes, I got up to learn. The live music, howver, was not rock and roll...it was REGGAE! after having learned several dances, we could not practice to the live music...man.. So, Summer Dance planners, you got it half right. The dance lessons were great and alot of fun. But, once we learned the dances, we could not practice to the live band...I mean, who planned this? They need to go back to planning school! In addition, the Summer Dance Web site is very difficult to manuever...very hard to find what info you are looking for. how much did the city pay for the planning of this site? Whatever the amount, it was a waste of money. read more

I can't believe it took me so long to make it to this event! It's been a long time since I've had such good, clean (albiet sweaty!!) fun! The first week we learned the cha-cha and samba and this past week was Soul Train Line and The Bop. The first hour is instruction and the next 2 1/2 hours are practice with a live band. The instructors are top of the line, the bands are FANTASTIC, and the crowd is an eccentric riot. This event is great for families, couples, singles, dates, EVERYONE! If you get there early, there are chairs stacked up by the stage that you can place in the grass around the dance floor or you can bring your own chairs and/or blankets and picnic. There are food and beverages for sale, but they are pretty pricey. My Sangria cost $7.50. Although I don't have children, there are many children at this event and they have a great time. There was a couple beside me teaching their three little girls how to do the Electric Slide. It was so touching to see so many people having so much fun. Even if you don't dance, its worth coming out just for a great evening of music and people watching. It's events like these that make Chicago uncomparable. Thumbs up, Chicago! read more

I love SummerDance Chicago. I have been attending for the past four years, and the opportunity to see some of this city's finest dancers, and some of the best bands anywhere has made me a SummerDance addict. I usually attend the salsa and ballroom dance concerts, and have only been disappointed by two live bands over that period of time. The dance instruction class that begins 90 minutes before the band plays is uniformly fantastic (except for the incredibly terrible so-called "african expressions" demonstrations by a woman named Amaniyea Payne...you had to be there to experience the absurdity of that "class"...she was doing some sort of modern dance with and too herself rather than teaching something to the crowd). The latin salsa dance nights are packed, but the best thing to do is bring a portable chair, watch the great dancers who are usually on the outside fringes of the packed dance floor, kick back in the chair, and listen to the great music. There are so many really good latin style dancers on the floor that many "flat-footed gringos" are intimidated to the point that they come out once and then never come back again (primarily because they know that their "herky jerk, hippie concert arm waving, spinning, and hopping around makes them look stupid in comparison to even the oldest salsa, mambo, bachata, etc. dancers. Hey, take some lessons and learn how to dance folks...learn how to really dance, not do the frug, the jerk, the ???%%!!, or some structureless jumping around like you'd do at a Stones concert). I also love to attend the "Bop" and "Steppin" nights...cause I was born and raised on the west side of town a long time ago when Herb Kent was ruling the nighttime airwaves on WVON. I learned to do the Bop at "The Packing House." But, I have evolved to a deep love and appreciation of Afro-Cuban and Latin Salsa dances and music. I like the ballroom stuff as eye candy I can meditate on. SummerDance keeps me happy with those types of dance and music genres. AND IT'S FREE...FREE! This season started out with a bummer "african dance"(???) concert that was made worse by the aforementioned "dance lesson." There was a Brazilian dance concert that was more like a funeral wake than a dance concert, but the Salsa nights have been uniformly hot, hot, hot! And the free classes before those latin dance concerts have been magnificent thanks to great instructors from The Fred Astaire Studio, Latin Rhythms, Saladeen Alamin, and Miguel Mendez. Wow, can those instructors teach! read more

Every year this is what I look forward to in the summer time! It is a fabulous event to get together with friends who dance, friends who don't dance, make new friends. What is not to like? LIVE BANDS. FREE event. HUGE dancefloor. I'm mainly here for the salsa, and last year I was down for Bhangra. Funkadesi is a fab band by the way. This year I might try other new dances. TIP: Bhangra is fun but summer bhangra = sweaty armpit smelling moshpit on the dance floor. Plan accordingly. don't say I did not warn you. See you at Summer Dance this year! read more

I don't think it'll really matter whether you're into the type of music that they have playing the night you go because the ambiance is what makes this event great; however, the nights I went, the music was great (Funkadesi was playing one night, a group I've never heard of, but I've been listening to ever since!). And if I remember correctly, there's a stand that opens up that sells refreshments like lemonade and beer, but expect the prices to be jacked up. The greatest thing about Summer Dance is you'll find yourself watching (or dancing with ) a variety of people of all ages and all races - giggling toddlers and their proud parents, enthusiastic elders, groups of friends, couples hand-in-hand, and a few loners scattered throughout the dancefloor. On a beautiful evening out, it's a wonderful way of appreciating Chicago and those that reside in it. read more

I am only giving it four stars because the set up for the dance lessons is so not right. It's hard to see the instructors feet. Not all can go by verbal instructions alone - I need to see the feet! I would suggest a video screen or a higher stage. I could also complain about the the overcrowding but it's a free event so what can I expect? Who wouldn't want a night of live music in the park for free! Overall live music outside for free is awesome! Bring your own drinks and food and bypass the overpriced stuff they sell there. read more

THE MOST FUN YOU'LL HAVE ALL SUMMER!!!! SummerDance runs every Fri, Sat and Sun with different genres of dance being taught all summer long. From bollywood and line dancing to big-band swing and tango. They have everything. Super fun for the whole family and a great way to be active and meet great people. This is a NO SHY zone, especially if you come alone and have to dance with strangers. 1 hour class followed by a 2 hour open/practice dance session. Its completely FREE read more

I haven't had this much fun dancing in longer than I can remember! Spent the night soul-training it away, and can't wait to return to do another kind of dance. The band was great! A great date night, as long as you're going with people who aren't afraid to cut lose. It was a sweaty mess, but everyone was so happy, it felt like we were just getting in touch with our inner savage. I loved every minute of it. Can't wait to return with a picnic dinner and booze! read more

I've only been for salsa night and it always makes me wish I was a better dancer. But it's just as much fun watching the pros spin each other around. And the concessions catered by SugarPlum offers hearty chicken skewers, a stack of chips and salsa, not to mention deliciously cold sangria on what are sometimes very hot days. read more

The park is green, spacious and just lovely. There is just something special about the summertime in Chicago in general. Even the homeless folks are friendlier than I'm accustomed to (no but for real they are). At any rate, we spent exactly one hour learning to Tango in the park. Yup! The instructor was able to get my two left feet working in tandem, so I know just about anybody could do it. The best part was watching the young kids initially acting shy about taking a partner. Then the girls basically came to them and made it happen! The older couples were super cute: how could they not be. It was family fun in the sun on a beautiful day. What's not to like? And if the heat gets to you, there is a concession stand just steps away. 5 stars!! read more

These nights are hilarious + totally, totally fun. The first time I went I was just so impressed and delighted -- there are SO many good dancers who come, it's so much fun watching them (and hoping to one day be that good!), but also it's totally fun watching the crowd, which ranges from tiny toddlers to grandmas and grandpas, really all enjoying themselves. It's a great family thing to do it seems, and I love seeing them there. The bands I've seen are always great, and there's a concession stand there also serving alcohol (which no dancers seem to drink). It's just great fun, great people watching, and really, really fun. I agree with the other reviewer too -- I've been with a date who will dance, a date who won't dance, friends, and alone, and it's always a great time! read more

Polka night was awesome. This is the band that played (you WANT to watch this video...) http://eddiekorosajr.com/video2.html read more

Seriously, if you don't think that Summer Dance is a great way to spend an evening - then something is seriosuly wrong with you. My suggestion for those haters is to "remove stick from butt". (hehe) a. Times are tight and this is FREE. b. Try something new - not all the music I like - but why not let loose. c. Did I mention it's free. d. It's Fun. Meet you pals after work, dance off some of the day and go home happy. e. The bands are really good, and the vibe is great. read more

Went with a friend to the last one of these (foxtrot, swing) and figured, no problem, we'll pick this up fast. We even decided to forgo practice during the lesson part. We learned two things: 1.) People in their twenties who are there typically already know what they are doing, if you don't you won't fit in 2.) Older folk either know exactly what to do since they've been jitterbuggin' since '43, or have actually paid attention to the lesson What ensued was my friend and I figuring out the steps/making stuff up after a few beers. The floor was a bit crowded, but it was a pretty fun atmosphere, nobody got too pissed when we rammed into them, and I left, dignity intact, as a marginally better dancer. Don't think I'll be going to the winter dance parties the instructors throw (no booze? what is this an 8th grade mixer) but will definetely go for it next summer. read more

Great fun here for dancing, dipping wine and people watching...bring your lawn chairs or blankets. Beer, wine and food sold at downtown prices.. Bring your own and save some money. read more

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I do not like Summer Dance. Not at all. It's packed with people who haven't a clue how to dance and are stepping on everyone else's toes.

let's see - what to expect at chicago summerdance: 1) no one hits the dance floor til it's time to learn. you'll see people in lawn chairs with food around the floor, people in line waiting for food/drink, just straight-chillin. it's a bit intimidating to think that all these peeps be watchin' you. and some will. 2) bring a partner OR be prepared to meet lots of nice, old, young, sweaty, cute, tall, short, desperate, just plain ugly, polite, and weird dudes. maybe bring some hand sanitizer. and a smile. let them lead. sometimes. some of them don't have rhythm. some of them will knock your socks off. 3) if you have a (good) partner, stay and dance the night away. if you don't, let's hope you found one among all them dudes you just touched. 4) it's free. 5) maybe carry booze in your purse. don't forget that sanitizer. read more

Totally agree with the reviewer who said not to worry if you have two left feet. Chicago Summer Dance is *such* a fun part of Chicago summers, and something everyone should try out, at least once! It's a great place to bring a picnic, wine, and blanket and enjoy the beautiful way that all of us move when we find our own rhythms. Great variety of music, and people. Live bands! Free! Can you beat it? Fun place to make new friends and dance the night away. LOVE IT. read more

Gotta love #summertimechi!! Take a look at the schedule and don't be shy to try out a dance you know nothing about. My family went out for Sunday Funday and after an hour learned how to dance the tango! It was blazing hot outside and not everybody had full strength deodorant on but that didn't stop our fun! There were young kids, older couples and everyone in between... it was definitely a fun activity for everyone! read more

I went for salsa night with my girlfriend and it was a fun and sweaty evening, considering that the heat index was 102 F. However, there are a few things you must ABSOLUTELY watch out for: 1) Chairs are first come first serve (not that it matters because you are dancing most of the time, but still, you want a place to sit down), so watch out for old ladies hoarding chairs for the nursing home reunion. 2) Bring bug spray 3) Try to stay closer to the front so you can see the instruction taking place. Other than than that, its a fun time. read more

Bring a chair and get there early. Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights throughout the Summer the city provides free music, brief lessons and a dance floor. Young and old, professionals and novices all converge in Grant Park for Summer Dance. A great opportunity to learn, or have a fun date with your loved one or a fun night out with friends and/or family. Make sure to wear your dancing shoes! read more

This is quite possibly one of the coolest summertime events that Chicago offers. Been two years in a row and all the instructors were great--bachata, steppin, salsa, zydeco, two-step, country line dance--each dance was easy to learn and get enough practice in during the events to walk away with some new found skills. It's a fun community event and a great way to interact with all kinds of people. Lots of smiles and happy dancing feet! Great place to take a date too! read more

Lots of fun! Don't expect to actually learn how to dance...But go and enjoy your friends, the weather and the great music! And the other people who know how to dance whatever the dance of the night is. A must for all Chicagoans! And it's FREE! read more

i've been a couple times, and had a blast each time. on the scale of 'beginner to dancing with the stars', i'm about a shade below beginner. the free dance lessons take away the awkwardness of getting started, and the live music is amazing. for the reasonable price of $0, i learned something new, had a great time, and spent an evening with friends in the park. read more

I applaud the city for continuing this. I really enjoy the idea of free dance lessons in the park. I wish I could attend more. I had a blast with all the DJ talent they acquired. Bring a picnic or buy food at the stand. Great times. read more