Chicago SummerDance Returns for 2026 Featuring More Than 30 Dance Styles Across Neighborhood Parks and Grant Park

CHICAGO - Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) today announced the return of Chicago SummerDance 2026, the City's free social dancing series that invites residents and visitors of all ages to experience Chicago's vibrant cultural traditions through free dance lessons, live music and community celebration.

"Chicago SummerDance is one of many ways that DCASE activates and transforms public spaces into vibrant areas for people to connect through culture," said DCASE Commissioner Kenya K. Merritt. "These live performances and free dance lessons celebrate the traditions and communities that define Chicago while making arts and culture accessible in neighborhoods across the city. It's another way we're embracing what makes Chicago unique and reinforcing our place as a global cultural capital."

Representing Chicago's rich cultural diversity, this year's lineup features an array of dance styles representing traditions from around the world, including salsa, plena, East Coast swing, Bollywood, vintage swing, square dance, Brazilian samba and Chicago Steppin'. Professional dance instructors will lead free lessons before live performances by acclaimed bands and DJs, making each event accessible for beginners and experienced dancers alike.

Following its kickoff during Taste of Chicago, SummerDance travels to neighborhood parks throughout the city as part of the Chicago Park District's Night Out in the Parks initiative, bringing free cultural programming directly into communities. The season concludes at Spirit of Music Garden in Grant Park with nine evenings of dancing under the stars.

Chicago SummerDance is presented in partnership with the Chicago Park District as part of the Night Out in the Parks series. A special thanks goes to the Chicago Transit Authority for being a proud sponsor of the dance series. Their partnership helps expand access to free cultural programming across Chicago.

2026 Chicago SummerDance - Complete Schedule + Line-up

Subject to change. Updates (including weather-related announcements) will be shared on Facebook, Instagram @DCASE and ChicagoSummerDance.org ASL interpretation will be offered at select locations.

SummerDance in the Parks
Presented as part of the Chicago Park District's Night Out in the Parks

Wednesday, July 15
Theme: Salsa
Calumet Park
9801 S. Avenue G

• 5 p.m. - Dance Instruction by Latin Street Dancing
• 6-7:30 p.m. - Music by Carpacho y Su Super Combo

Wednesday, July 22
Theme: House Music
Harrison Park
1824 S. Wood St.

• 5-7:30 p.m. - Music by A Party Called Tribe

Wednesday, July 29
Theme: Bomba & Plena
Humboldt Park Boathouse
1301 N. Humboldt Blvd.

• 5-7:30 p.m. - Music, dance and spoken word by Chicago Poet Laureate Mayda de Velle with musical accompaniment by Las BomPleneras

Wednesday, Aug. 5
Theme: Mexican Son & Cumbia
Riis Park
6100 W. Fullerton Ave.

• 5 p.m. - Dance Instruction & Music by Son Monarcas
• 6-7:30 p.m. - Music by Son Monarcas

Wednesday, Aug. 12
Theme: Line Dancing
Hamilton Park
513 W. 72nd St.

• 5 p.m. - Dance Instruction & Music by DJ Dre and Just Jammin' with Janelle and Company
• 6-7:30 p.m. - Music by DJ Dre

SummerDance at the Spirit of Music Garden
Grant Park
112 E. Balbo Dr. (Corner of Balbo Dr. and Michigan Ave.)

Each evening begins with dance lessons, followed by live music.

Thursday, Aug. 13
Theme: Salsa

• 6 p.m. - Dance Instruction by Latin Street Dancing
• 7:15 p.m. - Music by Latin Swing Factor

Friday, Aug. 14
Theme: Plena

• 6 p.m. - Dance Instruction
• 7:15 p.m. - Music by Plenazo Tribe

Saturday, Aug. 15
Theme: Swing

• 6 p.m. - Dance Instruction by MayIHaveThisDance
• 7:15 p.m. - Music by Outcast Jazz Band

Thursday, Aug. 20
Theme: Bollywood Music & Dance

• 6 p.m. - Dance Instruction by Raji Venkat, Mandala Arts
• 7:15 p.m. - Music by Do the Needful

Friday, Aug. 21
Theme: Ballroom & Vintage Swing

• 6 p.m. - Dance Instruction by Margot Toppen & Riley Wimes, Jr.
• 7:15 p.m. - Music by Nancy Hays & The Romance of Dance Orchestra

Saturday, Aug. 22
Theme: Country & Chicago Honky Tonk

• 6 p.m. - Dance Instruction by Michelle Billingsley
• 7:15 p.m. - Music by The Lawrence Peters Outfit

Thursday, Aug. 27
Theme: Brazilian Samba

• 6 p.m. - Dance Instruction by Planeta Azul Samba Dance Group
• 7:15 p.m. - Music by Planeta Azul

Friday, Aug. 28
Theme: House Music

• 6-9 p.m. - Chicago House Music Festival

Saturday, Aug. 29
Theme: Chicago Steppin'

• 6 p.m. - Dance Instruction by Majestic Gents
• 7:15 p.m. - Music by DJ Cross

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Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events
The City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) supports artists and cultural organizations, invests in Chicago's creative economy, and expands access to and participation in the arts throughout the city's 77 neighborhoods. As a collaborative cultural presenter, arts funder, and advocate for creative workers, DCASE engages Chicagoans and visitors of all ages and backgrounds, from downtown to neighborhoods across the city, to strengthen and celebrate Chicago. DCASE produces some of the city's most iconic festivals, markets, events and exhibitions at the Chicago Cultural Center, Millennium Park and in communities throughout Chicago, serving a local and global audience of 25 million people. The Department offers cultural grants and resources, manages public art, supports film, television and other creative industries, and permits special events throughout Chicago. For details, visit Chicago.gov/DCASE and stay connected via our newsletters and social media.

Night Out in the Parks
Chicago SummerDance in the Parks is presented as part of the Chicago Park District's Night Out in the Parks series, supported by the Mayor's Office and Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. The Night Out in the Parks program presents cultural events year-round in neighborhood parks throughout the city. The Chicago Park District in partnership with 100 local artists and organizations, present engaging events and performances that enhance quality of life across Chicago and amplify the artistic and cultural vibrancy in every neighborhood. Through multiple disciplines, which include theater, music, movies, dance, site-specific work, nature programs, and community festivals, the series aims to support Chicago-based artists, facilitate community-based partnerships and programs, cultivate civic engagement, and ensure equity in access to the arts for all Chicagoans. For more information, please visit www.NightOutInTheParks.com.

Chicago Park District
The Chicago Park District has served Chicago residents for more than 85 years. It is a Gold Medal Award-winning organization, which recognizes excellence in park and recreation management across the nation. For more information about the Chicago Park District's more than 8,800 acres of parkland, more than 600 parks, 26 miles of lakefront, 12 museums, two world-class conservatories, 16 historic lagoons, over 75 nature areas, thousands of special events, sports and entertainment programs, please visit www.ChicagoParkDistrict.com or contact the Chicago Park District at 312/742.PLAY or 312/747.2001 (TTY). Want to share your talent? Volunteer in the parks by calling, 312/742.PLAY. Follow us on Facebook @ChicagoParkDistrict and on Instagram and Twitter @chicagoparks.