Grant Park is one of the “forever free and open” spaces envisioned by famed architect and city planner Daniel Burnham back in 1909. It remains a popular gathering spot, and is home to many of Chicago’s festivals, including Taste of Chicago and Lollapalooza. During the warm weather months, don’t miss the beautiful Buckingham Fountain and its colorful nighttime water display. While in operation, every hour on the hour for 20 minutes the Fountain produces a major water display and the center jet shoots 150 feet into the air. The initial major display begins at 9:00am and thereafter, is every hour on the hour. Beginning at dusk, every hour on the hour for 20 minutes the Fountain's major water display is accompanied by a major light and music display. The final display of the evening begins at 10:35pm. The fountain shuts down just after the last display, around 10:55pm.

Buckingham Fountain Hours of Operation: 8:00am - 11:00pm, mid-April to mid-October. FREE.

Buckingham Fountain is Stop #2 on our Grant Park / Art Institute Self-Guided Walking Tour (see "Tours" section of eVisitorGuide).