Summer Season at Columbia
Campus gets quieter during the summer term, but there is no shortage of events and entertainment to keep you busy.
Summer in Chicago brings countless opportunities to engage with the arts, culture, education, and civics that align with the values of creativity, authenticity, and diversity and inclusivity that are at the core of Columbia.
Here is a nonexhaustive list to help you create the perfect start to the summer calendar.
Plan a Trip to the Museum of Contemporary Photography
Located at 600 S. Michigan Ave, the Museum of Contemporary Photography (MoCP) holds thought-provoking and groundbreaking photography exhibitions and programming that draw from a collection of over 16,800 works. The museum is free and open to the public seven days a week. Groups of more than 10 can schedule free, docent-led tours.
Those looking to further support the MoCP can purchase tickets to the museum’s annual benefit DARKROOM on June 8. The benefit includes a renowned photography auction featuring important works by over 45 contemporary artists from around the world.
Celebrate Pride With Columbia
Columbia College Chicago is excited to celebrate Pride in support of the college’s thriving LGBTQ+ community. On June 25, cool off from the excitement of the city’s Pride parade on the Columbia-sponsored CTA community bus, which will be parked right outside the Belmont L station.
During Pride month CTA riders can also catch digital displays celebrating Columbia’sLGBTQ+ community at L stops across the city.
A Walk to Grant Park
The college’s neighbor to the east of Michigan Avenue, Grant Park, truly comes alive in the summer months. Beyond a good picnic, pick-up game, or walk in the gardens, visitors can attend one of the numerous events Grant Park hosts during the season.
Most notably, this summer will include the first-ever NASCAR Cup Series Chicago Street Race, which will take over the park in late June and early July.
This is followed by the world-renowned Lollapalooza music festival in early August. This four-day festival will feature big names like Kendrick Lamar, Billie Eilish, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Although there’s no official tie between Columbia and these events, students, faculty, staff, and alumni always pop up, performing, managing, or otherwise producing the biggest shows in Chicago.
Culture Across Chicago
Even if the shows aren’t hosted at Columbia College Chicago, there’s still plenty of options to take in the arts across the city. Visit one of Chicago’s many museums including the Field Museum, Chicago History Museum, and Art Institute of Chicago (after stopping off at the MOCP, of course).
Having fun doesn’t have to be expensive, either. Stroll only a few blocks north of campus to Millennium Park where there are regular free shows, including movies, summer music series, summer park workouts, and concerts from the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
Weather might not always allow for an outdoor show, but there is no shortage of indoor options available. Find theatre and dance performances or comedy shows to keep you occupied when the storm clouds gather over Lake Michigan.