There are several good things about this venue. The first is that the lawn seating is generally free at least for concerts that are part of Grant Park Music festival. The lawn opens 90 minutes prior to the show and lawn space is first come first serve so get there early to secure a good view near the front. Second is the acoustics are pretty good too for the middle of the city. Third is it is BYOB and food, whAAAT? In a city as strict as Chicago that is practically unheard of. They're is also a beer stand if you forgot to carry on. Taking advantage of the bucolic setting in the middle of downtown on a balmy summer evening is just overall pretty amazing. No complaints. read more

Just saw Pavement here a couple weeks ago and loved it! I was weary that the lawn tickets would be lacking, but it turned out it was a small show and we could see everything just fine. Not only that but the netted architecture and Chicago skyline made for an amazing backdrop. Loved it! read more

Mini-Ravinia! I have no clue if you can drink here while listening to the Grant Park Orchestra (or whomever is playing), but we did! The rangers were crazy walking through looking for alcohol, but once the music started everyone was whipping out their wine, cheese and grapes... I am nervous though, someone I know was arrested for drinking in the park and thrown in jail overnight!!! Granted that was 14 years ago...but still! Regardless, the atmosphere was perfect and the city skyline view from the lawn is phenomenal- obviously. I'll be back (tonight actually, for The Decemberists). read more

An outside theater that pushes the boundaries of modern architecture. A wonderful venue to see live music or performance. read more

Jay Pritzker Pavilion - Music Venues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

Great sound system for an outdoor venue. The skeleton that holds the speakers is a work of art. The whole experience is very visually and aurally pleasing. read more

Partner and I love this place. We get to a few events each summer. Despite my loathing for Daley and his crony capitalism; despite the massive cost overruns associated with Millenium Park; despite my rejection of "the ends justify the means", I loove this venue and this park. read more

This is the place to be during the summer, after work! Also love their lunch sessions if you're in the neighborhood.

Seeing a concert here at night is truly one of the most romantic things I think you can do in the city. Pack a blanket, wine and come sit under this beautiful architectural wonder. The music and fun atmosphere are just perfect. During the summer, they have concerts practically every Friday and Saturday. http://www.grantparkmusicfestival.com/schedule.shtml#link22 read more

This is one of my favorite places in Chicago. Architecturally speaking it is one of the most beautiful structures in Chicago. I also love the tranquility and vast openess when it is empty. In the summer the free concerts are my favorite. I am always lucky enough to have Wednesdays and Thursdays available, and these nights seem to always have free concerts. Music without borders and CSO. My favorite is to pack a picnic, bring at least three bottles of wine and listen to some great music for the next four hours. The last show I saw here was bajofondo and it was beyond amazing. read more

Beautiful and wonderful. I can't imagine a better way to spend my summer than at a free concert in this park. The sound is amazing. The view is amazing. It's close to my home. Grab some blankets, food, wine and head over! This is a must if you live in the city. The only downside, is no smoking on the grass, which is okay because I am supposed to be quitting. They do allow you to finish up your drinks and what not once the concert is over. Hands down the best thing to do in Chicago - I miss it already! read more

Really amazing. The sound is great, there's plenty of space. They bring great concerts here, big names, small names, locals. Its very relaxed and you can definitely have a conversation too. Finally its BYOB! read more

Great way to take advantage of Chicago summer nights. Quality classical programs and a great place to catch up with friends before on the lawn with some byo drinks/food. read more

I saw Death Cab for Cutie in this venue. We sat in the pavillion seats. the seats were really comfortable and the view was great. One thing to remember - is that pavillion seats are not covered and most events are "rain or shine". They had set up many beer tents...never a line and the restroom facilities are really great also. No line for the ladies room. I heard that you cannot see the stage from a lot of the lawn area so lawn ticket holders be warned. read more

Beautiful place for concerts. I went here for the first time Sept 3rd for the free Andrew Bird show (yay!) and picnicked at the front of the lawn with 15 friends. Sublimely gorgeous with a perfect surround view of the city. The sound was perfect and the structure glittered from the city lights as night came in. That night was the most perfect introduction to the Pritzker Pavillion. I will definitely be visiting day, night, event or not. read more

Three concerts this year and not one disappointed. The place is beautiful, clean and BYOB! It was amazing dancing under the stars with a beautiful backdrop of buildings and greenery. Even though it cost taxpayers a gazillion $ to complete, it will fill people with enjoyment for years to come. read more

Love this place. Great music in a beautiful urban setting. It does not get much better.

Beautiful setting. A definite stop if you are visiting downtown Chicago.

What a fine thing to have in the city. We saw the finale for the 2012 Chicago Dancing Festival and were very impressed. You should be proud to have this venue, and the events it hosts, Chicago. read more

While in Chicago we had a great time exploring the Millennium Park and seeing"The Bean". We had a nice surprise at the park, it was Tuesday night film festival. To top it off they were playing Ferris Bueller's Day Off. It is so cool. The place was packed (as it was the first movie of the season) and people were also sitting outside on the Lurie Garden just eating, drinking, and hanging out while the movie played. It was so cool. Read more info on my post about our visit. read more

I highly recommend the free concerts at Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park. The Grant Park Music Festival takes place each week from June 17-August 22. Go on Tuesday at noon for the rehearsal -- bring a sandwich and enjoy this beautiful music with your lunch. The World Class Jazz is August 6-17. But other music offerings run through September 18. The music is incredible, the second best thing is that it is free. Many people bring blankets and sit on the lawn. You can see elaborate meals as well as snacks and bottles of wine being enjoyed during the concerts. If you are not a ground sitter, there are also theater seats closer to the band shell. A concession serving light snacks, beer, and wine is convenient to the band shell. I find myself lost in the music while looking at the beauty of the skyline and the fabulous band shell designed by Frank Gehry. read more

When I read the previews for February's Luminous Field at THE BEAN I thought it was badly timed to bring people to Chicago in the dead of winter for an outdoor event. I took the chance and was pleasantly surprised. It was a great show and everyone there seemed to love the colors projected on the ground to reflect on THE BEAN. Mild temps allowed for us to walk around, watch the skaters and enjoy Millennium Park in the winter. read more

DO NOT bother with paid shows. The free programming is 5 stars. Go early & bring your picnic & enjoy one of the most beautiful venues for music, movies, etc. The ticketed events have poorly communicated & enforced rules resulting in long, bag checking lines. Not worth it. Recent ticketed event (once it began 1/2 hour late) they also didn't use the screen to showcase Idina Menzel when it is used for free events? Do not understand the mess that abounds around paid events. read more

Not only is the "free" part of these concerts something that other great cities don't have, but the bridge to the new Modern Wing of the Art Institute now leads right off from the south side of the lawn. The view from up there is superb - viva la Chi-town! read more

Love all of Millenium Park, great place in the summer and the ice rink is great in the winter. The pavilion is a great asset to the city and I am glad Daley pushed for all of it. read more

Best thing about Chicago! I would be at every free event here if I could. Enjoying the architecture of the pavilion while lying on the grass outdoors by the waterside is enough (let alone the performances like the symphony). A must see if you are living here or just visiting! read more

This place is amazing. I didn't appreciate the aesthetics until we saw a concert there. The sound is fantastic, as good if not better than many indoor theaters in Chicago. I try to see as many concerts here as possible. This is the place to be on a summer night in the city. read more

. Moving to Chicago I did not accept much, put this place man it's amazing. It makes me want to go every day and just enjoy Chicago even more. Sound system is great. I love this place a great way to relax, it does get crowed but, hey it can't be all perfect can it ? read more

A special person on impulse drove to Chicago from St Louis for a KIA run, stopped in at this free outdoor concert. It was beauiful. Went back in October for a boat ride on the Lake and River, and went to the tallest building downtown at midnight. Things did not work out with the girl, but I was a very special time I had in Chicago for sure. One of the best experiences of my life. read more

The Pritzker Pavilion consists of curving planes of stainless steel resembling the graceful blooming of a flower or the unfurling sails of a massive ship. It is also the home of Grant Park Music Festival, the the nation's only remaining free, municipally-supported, outdoor, classical music series and designed by legendary architect Frank Gehry, this outdoor performance venue hosts many performances each year, including operas and free concerts. read more

Such a lovely place to spend an evening under the stars! Went there last night for movie night, Almost Famous, as good as it gets!!!

attended our first concert here tonight...and will be back...wonderful venue; free concerts for many nights.....how can it get any better?

this venue is absolutely fantastic! one of my favorite things in the summer is to come listen to the free concerts with a group of friends. sometimes even if i'm flying solo, i'll stop to relax on the lawn while the orchestra practices or b.b. king sings some serious blues (blues fest circa 2007 i think). the sound quality is amazing, and the atmosphere is unbeatable. hands down one of the best things about chicago. read more

What an amazing venue to see FREE concerts! Wow FREE and gorgeous. Excellent acoustics. If you prefer to sit in seats or have a picnic on the lawn...either way it is a real treat. Keep in mind that there are shows that will always have seating available, yet others that are crowded. My recommendation is to arrive at least 30 minutes or more before show time. Hope you enjoy this splendid place as much as I do. read more

The best place to listen to live music under the planet. You will not only listen to the music through an amazing sound system, but you will have a stunning view of downtown Chicago, especially around sunset. Don't forget to bring a bottle of wine and some snacks :) read more

The audio was great, but I have never been to any event that had longer lines to get beer. Hour or longer waits at least. They didn't do much of a search so just bring your own alcohol. read more

Really cool place to go catch some orchestra. They play for free every so often, around the lunch hour. Look up a time when they will be there and enjoy the show! read more

Wonderful setting for an event. I attended an event here a month or so ago and it was a blast. They opened the stage to let all the guests see Millenium Park and all the gorgeous views. I would certainly reccommend the Pritzker Pavilion for any corporate or even social event! read more

Wonderful sound and architecture. But if you're not in the reserved seating section, and choose to be on the lawn, FORGET ABOUT IT. You will not be able to see the stage and thus the performers. One more example of pandering to monied interests and screwing the rest of us. I brought out-of[-town visitors to a concert and we were so disappointed that we couldn't sit on the lawn with a picnic (the selling point of the park) AND see the performance. If they can raise the stage, they should do it. read more

Great place to take your lady on a warm summer night. Really cool place for live music

Want to enjoy a quality outdoor concert? Visit the Jay Pritzker Pavilion. Orchestras and bands perform beautiful music at this architectural marvel. Best part is, most of the shows are absolutely free. The landscape is beautiful, and is kept clean and clear of litter. The bathrooms are relatively nice. The JPP has a wonderful view of the amazing Chicago Skyline. I am definitely coming back for another concert here. read more