Im a huge fan of Frank Gehry's work. The music hall in LA, the Guggenhiem Museumin Bilbao...he makes the fish scale thematic with polished metal so elegant and alien at the same time. The pavilion is smaller than the works Im used to and maybe a bit less imaginative also. However, it's still a Gehry and a beautiful yet functional music venue it is. read more

Visited for a performance during World Music Festival. Sat on lawn area, great views, and acoustics. We brought some beers and wine. We saw others with a full picnic setup. All around fantastic experience! read more

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

Absolutely disgusting. I have attended events there over a couple years and the condition is always the same. The men's room is disgusting. Hand washing sinks do not work. No water, no soap. Out of 6 or 7 hand dryers only one works. No toilet paper. Floors soaked in urine. Toilet stalls the same. Smells foul. I have never seen a janitor in there. Drinking fountains around the corner do not work. Chicago is so broke they can't even maintain men's rooms. This is the impression being left on the tourists, never mind us locals who are used to suffering Chicago government. Way, way back when there was a rich old guy who was a major shareholder in the company I worked for. The first thing he did when he visited a place was check the men's room. He said that was a clear indication of the quality of the organization and its management. Still holds true. read more

There is nothing better to do during the summer than catch a free concert at Jay Pritzker. Millennium Park is one of my favorite places to wander around when it is warmer and the free summer concerts are an added bonus. You can sit in the lawn area or there is usually an abundance of seating closer to the stage. BYOB, snacks etc. read more

Jay Pritzker Pavilion is my favorite in-your-face secret spot in Chicago. Because the secret isn't the space, the secret is what Chicago does with the space. And I use the term "secret" loosely because everything is posted online but so many people don't know! Every summer, Jay Pritzker Pavilion becomes my go-to place because there's something happening here practically every night of the week! And most are free! Summer concerts on Mondays, movies on Tuesday, classical music concerts on Wednesday's, Friday's, and Saturdays, and summer workouts from 7am to 10am every Saturday! I love going to Grant Park Music Festival concerts on Wednesday nights. I just grab a friend, grab some picnic food, and lay out a blanket to enjoy the night. I enjoy the movies on Tuesdays because I can catch some cool films. My favorite thing to do is the summer workouts on Saturday mornings! Pilates, Yoga, Strength Training, and Zumba! My friend and I always try to do 2 of them. And yes Pilates starts at 7am but it's definitely worth the early alarm. I just love what the city does with the space. Free programming that's always incredible. One of my favorite memories was when they did Purple Rain and the lawn was crowded with people from all walks of life and we all sang along under the starts. I've heard this pavilion called the town square of Chicago and I truly believe it is. read more

I don't know why it took me this long to go to a concert here (especially since I've been living in this 'hood since March), but I finally checked it out last night. A friend and I caught the last concert of the summer - Bajofondo Tango Club - which was part of the International Music Program "Music Without Borders 2008" (six FREE international music concerts). From my amateur perspective, the sound was terrific. We started out by the lawn and worked our way to the seats a few sections away from the stage. By the end of the evening, the performers had the audience energized and invited everyone to come up to the front and dance. Needless to say, I grabbed my friend and dragged him to the stage to join in the fun. It felt like a party broke out in the middle of the city!!! It reminded me of why I love this town so much... There is no place like Sweet Home Chicago!!! Next year I won't wait so long to head over to the Pritzker Pavillion to enjoy the musical offerings! Definitely check it out when you get a chance... read more

To be very honest, I've never attended an event here with a paid ticket, but the views from the street-level balcony are pretty good to be honest! Most events here are free anyways.. I went to see the Joffrey Ballet performance here and quite enjoyed the views and the cool stage design. read more

I love the free concerts on Saturday evenings in the summer Bring your own food and drink read more

There was a jazz festival going on when I came here. There weren't too many people there from what I saw because everybody was checking out Cloud Gate. I thought this venue was great for the acoustics; in addition, the architect of the outside area was very cool. Great photo ops for that! The music I did hear from this place was good and if I had a chance to go to a concert, then I would want to hear how this place looks with full sound and a full audience. It did rain when I came here so the lawn was muddy and nobody was on it. Anyways, great venue for concerts and I recommend checking this place out. read more

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Summertime in Chi is amazing, and the concerts and movies held at the pavillion are the perfect way to spend a summer evening. This was my first real summer in Chicago, and I took advantage of all the free events as much as I could. From weeknight movies to weekend yoga and pilates, this venue is versatile and easily accessible. Not to mention, the space is gorgeous with a backdrop of the city's finest buildings. Saw Andrew Bird here last week and can't wait to enjoy more live music here! read more

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

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Cool venue. I went there to check out a free concert they had. Outdoors with plenty of seating. Had pop up concession stands everywhere. Plenty of people around too. It was a nice way to spend an afternoon outside in the city enjoying some live music. read more

Beautiful music surrounded by a beautiful city? Yes please! I am not sure how it took me years to mosey my way over to this park for an actual evening of music, but I am grateful that I finally did. There truly is no better way to take in a lovely Chicago night than with your favorite picnic buddy and a bottle of wine. Add some free music to the mix and 8 bazillion of your closest friends, and you've got the Music Monday experience at Millennium Park. Of course it's crowded, it's free (and the night we were there, it was Zooey Deschanel, the apple of everyone's eye, man and woman alike) and it's gorgeous. While we were unable to cram ourselves on the lawn the evening we ventured over there, we donned an appropriate patch of grass just on the other side of the fence where the listening was just as good, and the views of the stage were just as unattainable. My only gripe was the people that don't seem to get that it is inappropriate to step ON a picnic blanket (seriously?!) to cross over to the walkway. Not cool, dudes, not cool at all. However, it's summer in Chicago. I'll let a little rudeness slip away and remember to bring a second bottle of wine next time. My tips for you to maximize the experience: -Don't drive. Parking is non-existent or ridiculously expensive over here. (Tons of public transportation options too.) -Get there as early as you are able. -Plan ahead. You don't need too much to enjoy yourself, but a blanket, a bottle of wine (transported to a discreet bottle in the event you don't get to sit on the lawn proper) and a well-made sammie go a long way. -Don't fret the crowds so much. It's free. Deal with it. Marvelous. THIS is why we live in this city, folks. read more

Why is Chicago such an amazing city to be in during the summer? It's not just because the temps are up and moods are brighter - the Pritzker Pavilion celebrates the unbeatable combination of art, architecture, and music under a blanket of gorgeous sky, with the urban cityscape starring as the backdrop. It's as close to perfect as it gets. Though you might be tempted to nab fixed seats closer to the stage, the best bang for the buck lies on the Great Lawn. There, you can lay down a blanket, sprawl out with your dearest friends while imbibing wine or that homemade sangria and snacking on the goodies you packed up in your picnic basket... all the while listening to the sweet sounds of Andrew Bird or basking in the epic Ray LaMontagne and David Gray pairing (don't be jealous). The acoustics are stellar (even from the middle of the lawn) and the ambiance is magical. Friends, this is what summer is all about! The City also hosts a slew of free concerts after work, so check the official site on the regular. The Pavilion makes me miss being a Chicagoan - enjoy it! read more

This place was the setting for a free show with my favorite artist of all time, Andrew Bird. I have never heard music here, but the sound totally blew me away. The night was perfect, almost magical. It felt like a mini Ravinia for sure. It was also super clean, and when I took my daughter to the bathroom it was organized and clean which is amazing for such a large public venue. We will definately be back! read more

I've gone to two movies in the park at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion and each time I've been pleasantly surprised and disappointed at how sparse the crowd was. I've sat in the chairs each time, under the silvery canopy that protects from rain, and it's been a wonderful experience. Free movies, with BYO drinks and food, surrounded by the beautiful Chicago skyline, and wonderful architecture. I'm sure movies in the other parks are just as great, but I'm really glad that Millennium Park is doing this at the Jay Prtizker Pavilion. read more

Free show, free show, free show and for once someone is not chanting how I've managed to accidentally expose myself. Living in the city can be so harsh on the pocketbook. It's nice that I can grab some culture at the expense my taxpaying dollars. I like the casualness of sitting on the lawn, sipping on my "non-alcoholic" fermented grape juice. "Why no officer, this is just an innocent bottle of juice or sodey pop." This is also a nice place to bring out of town guests so you can show them what Chicago is really like and what a typical day is like for you. Oh yes, I'm very culturally involved. Plus walking by those spitting towers never fails to amuse me. read more

The first time I was here was for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, which was great, my peeps and I brought wine, snackies, etc. I was here for the second time last night for the Death Cab show with the lovely Paige. The concert was great. Sound amazing. I wish I had brought picnicy (it's a word) items for the DCFC, but I had never been there for a "rock" show, so I skipped it. As a local it's easy to forget how amazing our city/lakefront is. This is a great reminder. Ps- The beer vendors were selling until almost the last song. Big plus for this girl read more

Best place in the city to watch a concert. Some tips: -Bring a blanket to sit on -Saw people with foldable tables, good for groups -Bring bug spray -Bring snacks. Whether it's stopping by a deli for sammies or bringing home made stuff, they allow pretty much anything. -Beer lines for ticketed concerts are LONG. Sneak in booze. No pat downs, they just check your bags so easy to keep things in your pocket. -Hippie friendly, lots of people smoking pot on the lawn. read more

It has taken me a bit of time to warm up to this structure, now that I have, I think it is pretty funky & cool. It is a very striking part of Millennium Park--it intrigues you, you have to get closer to it to see what it is all about. Listening to music on the lawn is a treat--mind you, you will not see the performers as the stage is a bit away. You can relax on a blanket or chair, bring some beverages & snacks and just enjoy the show. It is a nice place to sit even if there is no music--perhaps over your lunch break you can go & read. read more

Now it loses 1 star only based on the fact that I did not see a show here. I was walking around the Millennium Park area with my brother, when we came across this amazing structure. Very cool looking, and we had hoped they had a show there, while we were in town, but they did not. We sat in front of the stage and enjoyed our lunch, while people watching. Later that night, while walking around the area again, we walked by this Pavilion, and they light it up so nicely, that it was worth taking a picture of it. If you are in Chicago, try to check out a show here. read more

Fabulous sound system for an outdoor venue. They really knew what they were doing when they constructed this visually appealing structure for sound and aesthetics. Here's a tip: the bathrooms are to the left of the stage. read more

How fortunate are we to have a world class Frank Gehry masterpiece in the middle of our fabulous city, have it free and accessible, have it offer the breadth and depth of programming that it does, have it juxataposed against fabulous early 20th century architecture by some of the greatest architects in the country at the time, have it within walking distance of so many downtown neighborhoods and have it set in one of the finest 21st century urban parks in the the world. read more

Jay Pritzker Pavilion - Opera al fresco! - Music Venues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This place is wonderful. I used to come here nearly every other week with my roommate and a group of friends for the summer concert series. We would pick up wine, cheese, and crackers from the Trader Joe's in River North, then walk a mile down here and lay out a picnic blanket to listen to music and ponder our youth. They really do a good job with the programming, I've heard artists here that are actually on my iTunes as well as relatively famous names in classical music which I'm less familiar with. The venue is beautiful and I give Chicago major props for the summer music scene, and I'm sure that many other people agree with me because the lawn/chairs are always completely crowded. Can't wait for next summer if I'm still in the city. read more

I needed something phenomenal to celebrate my 200th review. So I asked myself, I said: "Self. what's the biggest and best thing you've done in the past year in the city?" And the answer was the free Andrew Bird concert at Millennium Park in the Pritzker Pavilion, which actually took place in the summer of 2008. And it was free! As are so many events and concerts here. How great is that? Summer for me used to mean Ravinia, but Millennium Park has spoiled me. Easier access, no shuttle buses/parking, no hordes of people squeezing through small gates, just this open-air work of art and architecture and nature, which you can access on foot, and not have to pay $22.00 to sit on the lawn. And you may be sharing space with the homeless, the downtown high-rise crowd, suburbanites, young and old, professors and ribbon clerks - anyone and everyone. The Pavilion, where I've been privileged to see and hear Andrew B, a taping of "Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me", numerous classical and jazz concerts, and across the street at the Petrillo Band Shell, which features all the free music festivals, and all of the other attractions of Millennium and Grant Park, have to be the best collective and ongoing freebie in the city, and possibly the country. Taking advantage of them makes you forget for awhile the taxes, Laz Parking, mercenary and unwarranted ticketing, the embarrassing politics, and some other punitive aspects of big city living. But we are by nature (and weather) a place of extremes. And the positive and generous excitement produced by a place like Priztker and Millenium Park is something there for all of us. A most democratic and accessible wonder. read more

Millennium Park had it's great unveiling the first summer that I lived in Chicago. I remember going to check it out and seeing the Pavilion for the first time on a beautiful sunny day with people playing frisbee on the lawn. As a bit of an architecture nerd, and being familiar with Frank Gehry's work, I marveled at the beautiful crisscrossing trellis, the gorgeous wood stage, and the stainless steel ribbons fluttering up into the sky. I thought to myself that this was one of the greatest reasons that I moved to Chicago and I would go see concerts there all the time. Sadly, I did not. Last night I got my first peek at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion as a concert goer. With a blanket, picnic basket, and good friends, I enjoyed some latin jazz under the luminous cityscape. The sound was impeccable. The view was, well, so-so. The music and crowd were fun. I even got to do a little latin dancing. This was a recipe for a great Chicago evening. Fellas, take note! A night at the Pritzker Pavilion is a very romanitcal time. Pack a picnic and a blanket and you'll wow your special gal. I promise. read more

This was my first time at Pritzker Pavilion. I had some lovely lawn tickets for the Ray LaMontagne & David Gray concert. It was a beautiful night out...really you could not have asked for better weather but what we all wanted to ask for...was some dang screens! The lawn area is nice and the sound quality is top notch but if you think that you'll have any sort of view beyond the first 20 feet of lawn...you will be disappointed. I realize why there (probably) aren't screens but it sure would be nice. We missed all the ridiculous head bobbin that is David Gray. Sigh. The lines for the bathroom were HORRENDOUS...for both the men & women. Plus, it was really warm down there. Ick. Finally made my way into the ladies room only to find there was no water to wash your hands. Double ick. I appreciated being able to bring my own eats but beware...most ticketed events are not BYOB. Don't make the mistake that many other patrons made by bringing wine or hard liquor. It will get confiscated and your heart will be broken. I dug the surroundings and aside from a few hiccups I really enjoyed this venue. This was my first visit, but definitely not my last. read more

Unfortunately, I have to dock the pavilion one star for the security rules and regulations they instituted for events this year, rules that are completely unnecessary and a huge buzzkill. They now search bags when you enter the pavilion. If a show starts to get crowded they close off all the entry points except the one near the Bean. The bag search is cursory and pointless, but you're not allowed to bring your own alcohol anymore, so it's best to leave the alcohol at home so you're not forced to throw away. Security guards also act like the dance police (is this Footloose now?) and yell at you if you dance in the aisles or open areas near the stage. (Where else are we supposed to dance??). At last week's reggae show security put up barriers to block off some of the aisles in the seated portion of the venue, which was counterproductive to ensuring safe flow of audience traffic and access to the bathrooms. I really hope the pavilion will rethink these measures and go back to just trusting the audience. David Chavez remains an amazing programmer/curator of talent. read more

When I used to work downtown (10 min. walk to Pritzker) I'd come here all the time for lunch on a summer afternoon. I'd find a little block to nap on in the garden area. Nothing like sleeping under the warm sun on a beautiful day. From this vantage point, the city looks peaceful yet strong as the skyscrapers glitter in the sunlight. I give 4 stars alone just for the ambiance. Listening to the orchestra play on a summer night makes me feel all warm and gitty. I haven't been to many, but hope to catch some events this summer. Bringing along all the bare necessities for a summer night picnic. read more

Today I had the distinct pleasure of hearing the Dalai Lama speak at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion and I was very very impressed, not only with the Dalai Lama himself, but with the venue! The sound was flawless and the grass green and lush. I'm really eager to come back for a concert, and I plan on being here every Saturday for the free yoga/Pilate's/dance classes! On an absolutely shocking and surprising note: the bathrooms were CLEAN! Very clean at that. Sparkly clean, without the faintest hint of the stale bathroom stench clinging to the walls. read more

Saw an amazing Death Cab for Cutie show here last night, and confirmed that the sound is great even when you're sitting in the back 1/3 of the lawn area. Minus one star because there was no hope of being able to see at all, due to the fact that the lawn is not sloped nearly enough. Even my tall friends could not see. However, it was kind of cool because everyone on the lawn eventually figured out you couldn't see, and sat down again, and the whole thing was very chill and laid-back. For less than the price of a CD, we each got an hour and a half of live music while laying on our picnic blanket watching the fog roll in over the city and staring up at the skyline. Fantastic experience. And, as someone who attended the ridiculously overcrowded Decemberists show for free, I was glad they sold tickets to this one, which kept the back of the lawn nice and roomy and relaxed. I've seen other free music here, like the symphony orchestra, and it's just an all-around amazing venue. read more

This place is great for certain events. However, anytime there is a popular event, it fills up quickly and becomes a madhouse. Case in point, Disney in the Park this past Monday was a disaster. By 5:30, the lawn was full and they closed the gates. People were everywhere trying to find a place to sit. The problem is that once you're outside of the lawns you can't hear or see the screen. Why not have events that are known to draw a large crowd in grant park where more screens and speakers can be set up. The other problem was people who had seats and left to go get food were not let back in. My friend had to literally bring her two family members their chairs and purses to the gate because security would not let them re-enter. Completely ridiculous! read more

Amazing creation of Frank Gehry. I could not imagine millennium park without this pavilion. It joins the park space with the building space. And though the materials are very cold and modern, they match Chicago's style very well. Being here feels like you are in the oasis of the modern world. Also, the events that take place here are amazing. The acoustics are perfect when you sit in the middle of red area. What is even better, that usually the concerts are free and you can even come here in the middle of the day to watch rehearsals and see orchestras preparing. read more

Last night was the first time I actually saw something here - Wayne's World on its 25th anniversary introduced by the one and only Alice Cooper! The movie as always was the best, but the venue was pretty great too. Thankfully the bathrooms are convenient and relatively clean. The acoustics are awesome. Everyone loves a good lawn seat. I only docked a star because there's no real slope to the lawn so seeing the stage or screen can be tricky. Otherwise, I loved it and hope to return soon for another show! read more

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The summertime movies in the park are the best thing ever! They let you bring your own food and alcohol even though they sell it, and you can stay for a while even after the movie ends. read more

Wonderful sound, totally amazing. I have been there so many times, but today I went to see Josh Berman and His Gang, at 12:00 during my lunch hour. It was fabulous! I seriously love the Pritzker Pavilion. read more

This is amazing! It's in the Millennium park and guess what Its an outdoor theatre. The architecture and the design is stunning and impressive. Frank Gehry designed this music venue and also the beautiful metallic looking serpentine bridge beside it. read more

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

Just to correct a few misinformed Yelpers (no offense meant here): The Grant Park Festival Symphony Orchestra is NOT the Chicago Symphony. The Chicago Symphony has their own summer season up at Ravinia, although they do play about once a year at the Pavillion. The GP Orchestra is made up of musicians from Chicago and around the country who have auditioned and won positions for the 10 week festival (not "ringers", these people have worked hard for these positions and they are well-deserved!). It's an excellent group of performers who put on two completely different shows a week with very little rehearsal time, sometimes doing rarely heard works, contemporary pieces as well as the old war-horses. Just wanted to correct that little tidbit. :) For more info/website about the GPO, do a Yelp search for "Grant Park Music Festival". Cheers! read more

Great place to watch shows. I'm so happy they do free shows in the summer. I've seen bands that I probably wouldn't have seen otherwise. Even if there isn't a show going on, it's a great place to come hang out. The architecture is brilliant. read more

Came to the 2015 Gospel Fest and I love this pavillion. Plenty of seating or grass if you don't get a seat. The screen above the main stage is big enough to see the show. To your left center and right are skyscrapers so your view from where ever you are is great. read more

What a wonderful venue! I caught a concert here randomly when walking through the park and was so glad that there is a green area for you to simply chill and listen to the great music. Let's also not forget the great view of the city in this pavilion! The acoustics are amazing and they really do take advantage of all the outdoor park space. Would definitely recommend you come here and check this out! read more