Welcome to the ultimate Chicago summer where you are connected to it all. At Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park, you are just steps away from the city’s most iconic landmarks and the rhythmic pulse of the lakefront. Use this guide to navigate your stay and stay connected to the best of the Windy City.

The “Must-Sees”

• The Bean (Cloud Gate) at Millennium Park: A 5-minute stroll. Head there before 8:00 AM for a crowd-free photo with the skyline reflected in its silver surface.
• The Crown Fountain: Marvel at the interactive video towers and cool off in the splashing water—a favorite for families and art lovers alike.
• Maggie Daley Park: Located directly across the street, enjoy the Ribbon (a winding path for rollerblading in summer) or the whimsical rock-climbing sculptures.
• The Art Institute of Chicago: Consistently ranked as one of the best museums in the world, it is home to A Sunday on La Grande Jatte and an incredible Impressionist collection. Don’t miss the major Willem de Kooning drawing exhibition (opening June 14) or the rare Korean National Treasures showcase available through early July, 2026.
• Navy Pier: A 1.5-mile playground extending into Lake Michigan. Perfect for families or a romantic evening stroll. Catch the Summer Fireworks every Wednesday at 9:00 PM and Saturday at 10:00 PM.
• Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower: Step out onto “The Ledge,” a glass balcony 103 floors above the city. Concierge Tip: Aim for the Golden Hour Package (available Mon–Fri, 4:30 PM – 7:00 PM) which includes expedited entry and a sunset cocktail at Kindling down on the ground floor after your descent.

Get Moving

• CityFit Tours: Join us to Sweat & Sightsee with CityFit Tours, where you can join in on a walk or run to see city highlights and scenic paths. Receive a 20% discount using code FAIRMONT for all Chicago tours.
• Architecture River Cruise: No trip to Chicago is complete without seeing our skyline from the water. We recommend the Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise on Chicago’s First Lady—docked just blocks away at Michigan Ave and Wacker Dr.

Picnic & Play

• Movies in the Park: Head to the Jay Pritzker Pavilion on Tuesday evenings (July 1 – August 19) for the Millennium Park Summer Film Series.
• Grant Park Music Festival: Experience world-class classical music under the stars. Catch the orchestra and chorus at the Pavilion most Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday evenings from June 10 through August 15.
• The Riverwalk: A few steps away lies the stunning Chicago Riverwalk, 1.25 miles of incredible architecture, riverfront cafes and bars, and catch ART on THE MART, one of the worlds largest digital art platforms that transforms an architectural landmark into a permanent, larger-than-life canvas.

 Summer 2026 Highlight Events

• Chicago Blues Festival (June 4–7): The world’s largest free blues festival, centered in Millennium Park.
• Grant Park Music Festival (June 10 – August 15): Experience world-class classical music under the stars. Catch the orchestra and chorus at the Pavilion most Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday evenings from June 10 through August 15.
• Millennium Park Summer Film Series (July 1 – August 19): Free movies in the park on Tuesday evenings at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion.
• Taste of Chicago (July 8–12): Sample the city’s diverse food scene in Grant Park.
• Lollapalooza (July 30 – August 2): One of the world’s premier music festivals, taking place in our “backyard.”
• Chicago Air and Water Show (August 15–16): Look up! You can often see the planes practicing right from our windows in the week leading up to the show, or walk to the lakefront for the full show.