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Experience the joy and spirit of gospel music at this free, daylong celebration in Millennium Park, featuring powerful performances from national to local artists.

CHICAGO — Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) today announced that Grammy Award-winning gospel artist Chandler Moore will headline the 2025 Chicago Gospel Music Festival, taking place Saturday, July 12, at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park.

Free of charge to the public, the annual festival celebrates Chicago’s pivotal role in the development of gospel music — a genre that continues to shape the cultural, spiritual and artistic identity of the city. Renowned for his groundbreaking contributions to contemporary gospel, Moore will deliver a commanding headline performance that embodies the passion and power of the genre.

“The Chicago Gospel Music Festival is a profound reflection of our city’s cultural richness and spiritual resilience,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “Gospel music was born in Chicago and continues to offer healing, joy and unity across generations and borders. I look forward to welcoming residents and visitors alike to this important celebration of music, history, and community.”

The festival will also include a Mayoral Proclamation honoring Don Jackson, a trailblazer in gospel music media and founder of the Stellar Awards. Additional featured performances include the award-winning gospel vocalist Jekalyn Carr; Deandre Patterson and Janet Sutton presenting “The Chicago Unity Choir”; Lil Harry with a tribute to Chicago’s rich quartet tradition; Ray Bady and Queenie will be presenting a showcase of emerging talent from Chicago Youth United.

The festival will kick off at Cloud Gate in Millennium Park from noon to 3:45 p.m. with the Chicago Choirs & More Showcase, a vibrant presentation of local choirs and community performers. This collaboration highlights the festival’s commitment to showcasing Chicago’s rich gospel music tradition and emerging talent, setting an uplifting tone for the day’s events.

As in previous years, outside alcohol is not permitted at the Chicago Gospel Music Festival. Attendees should anticipate standard security measures at all entry points and are encouraged to review the list of prohibited items and safety guidelines by visiting the Plan Your Visit page on Chicago.gov/DCASE.

The Chicago Gospel Music Festival is presented with the support of generous sponsors including the Lloyd A. Fry Foundation, Millennium Garages, and Chicago Transit Authority. For the most up-to-date information, full schedule details, and announcements, visit Chicago.gov/DCASE and follow @ChicagoDCASE on social media.

2025 Chicago Gospel Music Festival
Saturday, July 12 (Noon to 9 p.m.)
Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park

• Chandler Moore
• Tribute to Don Jackson and Mayoral Proclamation
• Jekalyn Carr
• Deandre Patterson and Janet Sutton present “The Chicago Unity Choir”
• Lil Harry presents “A Tribute to Chicago Quartets”
• Ray Bady and Queenie presents Chicago Youth United featuring Chicago’s top youth performers

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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 the creative economy, and expands access and participation in the arts throughout Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods. As a collaborative cultural presenter, arts funder, and advocate for creative workers, our programs and events serve Chicagoans and visitors of all ages and backgrounds, downtown and in diverse communities across our 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 across the city — serving a local and global audience of 25 million people. The Department offers cultural grants and resources, manages public art, supports TV and film production 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.

Millennium Park
Millennium Park is the #1 attraction in the Midwest and among the top 10 most-visited sites in the U.S. It is also the anchor of an urban cultural campus (Millennium Park Campus) that includes the Chicago Cultural Center, Maggie Daley Park and The Art Institute of Chicago. Millennium Park is located on Michigan Avenue, bordered by Randolph St. to the north, Columbus Dr. to the east and Monroe St. to the south. The Park is open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Plan your visit at MillenniumPark.org; follow us on Facebook (@MillenniumParkChicago), Twitter and Instagram (@Millennium_Park); and join the conversation on social media using #MillenniumPark.