Inspired Chicago - Find fun things to do in Chicago!

One of my guilty pleasures is watching So You Think You Can Dance . The dance contestants continually amaze me with their ability to learn new styles of dance. I love seeing the different styles and have always thought it would be fun to learn a few of them. Chicago SummerDance offers just such an opportunity. From June 26 through September 13, Grant Park’s Spirit of Music Garden is the place to be for free dance lessons followed by music and dancing. There are so many fun options! If I lived downtown, I'd be spending many of my summer evenings learning new dances and enjoying the music. Check out the lineup below. What dances do you want to learn? For those who want a break from the activity, Chicago SummerDance Grille has food and beverages for purchase (cash only). Outside alcoholic beverages are not permitted. Want more? Chicago SummerDance In the Parks brings the free dance lessons, live music, and dancing to several of Chicago’s neighborhood parks, from July 9

It’s summer in Chicago! If you love music, this is a great time to be in the Windy City. There are free concerts almost every evening throughout the summer. On Thursdays, you are invited to Music in the Neighborhood. From June 4 through August 27, St. James Cathedral presents free concerts featuring folk, jazz, blues, and more. At 5:30 p.m., Kyle’s Place opens for light food and drink. (The steps at the south end of the plaza lead to Kyle’s Place.) The music begins at 5:45 p.m. If you’re in the neighborhood on Tuesday evenings, St. James Cathedral hosts another summer music series. For more information and a schedule, please refer to “ Join Rush Hour Concerts for Free Chamber Music .”

Rush Hour Concerts kicks off its 2015 Summer Concert Series at St. James Cathedral on June 2. Doors (enter on Wabash) open at 5 p.m. with preconcert conversations at 5:15 p.m. (Yes, there's homework! Visit Rush Hour Concerts online for suggested reading.) The free concerts, which feature chamber music, begin at 5:45 p.m. Each Tuesday, from June 2 through August 25, concerts feature 30 minutes of music by high-caliber musicians. This season will include performances by musicians from Chicago Symphony, Grant Park, Lyric Opera, and Civic Orchestras. For anyone unable to attend, the concerts are broadcast live on 98.7 WFMT.

Where can you enjoy a free jazz concert every Tuesday, from June 2 through September 29? At the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago (MCA). The MCA’s Tuesdays on the Terrace concert series takes place on the MCA’s Anne and John Kern Terrace from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Performances feature artists from Chicago’s world-renowned jazz community. Don’t have time to eat before coming to the concert? Here are some on-site options (outside food and beverages are not permitted): Reserve a spot on the terrace and enjoy a buffet ($26) featuring dishes using fresh, local produce from the MCA Farmers’ Market. Call 312.397.3805 to reserve a table. Choose from hamburgers, sausages, and salads available for purchase from the MCA’s outdoor grill and beverages from the bar on the lower terrace. Don’t have a reserved table on the terrace? Choose from the open seating on the terrace, or bring a blanket and find a spot on the lawn to relax and enjoy the concert.

This year, Millennium Park’s free Downtown Sound concert series has expanded to include contemporary and electronic music artists (formerly part of the Loops and Variations series) as well as world music artists. The music series will continue to feature cutting-edge indie rock, pop bands, and rock veterans. What a mix! Concerts are scheduled on Mondays and Thursdays, from June 1 through July 23. The seating area opens to the public at 5:30 p.m. Arrive early to get a seat in the Jay Pritzker Pavilion Seating Bowl, or bring a blanket or chairs and find a spot on the Great Lawn. The music begins at 6:30 p.m. (unless otherwise noted).