As the summer season kicks off in Millennium Park, some important changes are coming to dramatically improve security and the visitor experience at the park.

Coinciding with the start of the busy summer season on May 19, Millennium Park will implement a security perimeter and bag check for all concerts and events that take place at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion. Firearms, knives and other weapons will be prohibited to ensure the public’s safety.

“In the wake of terror attacks in major cities and entertainment venues across the globe, the City’s public safety officials have reassessed and strengthened the security measures at one of Chicago’s busiest tourist and cultural destinations,” said OEMC Executive Director Alicia Tate-Nadeau. “We want everyone to enjoy their experience in a safe and secure environment.”

Outside alcohol will be prohibited at the seven Jay Pritzker Pavilion events with the highest attendance:

• May 26: Chicago House Music Festival
• June 8–10: Chicago Blues Festival
• June 24: Chicago Mariachi Festival
• July 4: Grant Park Music Festival Independence Day Salute
• August 9: Wait, Wait Don’t Tell Me
• August 13: Broadway in Chicago Summer Concert
• August 29–September 2: Chicago Jazz Festival

Outside alcohol will be allowed at the other 70 public concerts and programs happening in Millennium Park this summer.

Visitors will have additional food and beverage options at various price points available for purchase inside the venue at the events where outside alcohol is restricted. Subject to bagsearch at the security perimeter, guests will continue to be allowed to bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages to all events at Millennium Park's Jay Pritzker Pavilion.

"We want everyone who comes to Millennium Park for one of the 80 free summer cultural programs to have a great experience," said Mark Kelly, Commissioner of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, which manages the programs in Millennium Park. "DCASE will be working to implement the new security plan and alcohol policy with the visitor's experience in mind."

The Chicago Blues Festival did not allow alcohol in Millennium Park last year or in previous years at Grant Park, and like previous years, alcohol will also be prohibited at the two ticketed concerts presented by Jam Productions.

Attendees are reminded that if they see something suspicious to say something to on-site security personnel or call 9-1-1. OEMC works closely with the City's public safety departments and DCASE by planning well in advance of events to ensure the safety of performers, music fans and residents. Participants are urged to be familiar with the surrounding area and to heed warnings, if need be.

Located within Millennium Park, the Jay Pritzker Pavilion is the city’s premier outdoor music venue, offering more than 80 free concerts, movies and other cultural events throughout the summer. For the latest news and events, download the Millennium Park app, visit millenniumpark.org, or follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, @Millennium_Park.

####