The Chicago Water Music

Handel penned his famous Water Music in 1717 for a boat party on the River Thames, and we performed it for thousands of onlookers on the Chicago River for the first time in 2024. Join us on September 9, 2026, for Chicago's newest beloved tradition, now in its third year!

With the group’s first-rate music director, Jane Glover, leading the festivities, the performances were exactly what one would have hoped for — sparkling and verveful — with the musicians and singers obviously vibing off the electricity of this unusual event. -Kyle MacMillan, Chicago Sun-Times

Dame Jane Glover, the Music of the Baroque Chorus & Orchestra, and the “Strong Voices” Chorus, made up of young musicians from the ensemble’s choral education program in 7 Chicago public high schools, will cruise the river performing excerpts from Handel's Water Music, Music for the Royal Fireworks, the opening of Vivaldi's Gloria, and more. Watch for free from the Riverwalk and celebrate Chicago as the city's majestic architecture reflects this glorious music.

The event will culminate in Hallelujah, Chicago!, a citywide singalong of the "Hallelujah" Chorus from Handel's Messiah.

View the 2025 program book

APPROXIMATE SCHEDULE

(Timing and locations are subject to change depending on river traffic; if you have accessibility needs, click here to learn about entry points)

7:10 PM - Dame Jane Glover and the musicians travel from Riverwalk East End towards Merchandise Mart, performing en-route; the same program will be repeated for the duration of the evening

7:20 PM - Entire program performed at Merchandise Mart

7:45 PM - Navigate to LaSalle and Clark Street, south side of Riverwalk

7:50 PM - Entire program performed at the cement steps between LaSalle and Clark.

8:15 PM - Return to Riverwalk East End

WHERE TO WATCH

Experience The Chicago Water Music along the Riverwalk and on the bridges from Riverwalk East End to Merchandise Mart. There will be short stops at Merchandise Mart and between LaSalle and Clark streets.

The general route we'll take up and down the river

View video from 2024 (and hear the music as it sounded live on the boat)

INCLEMENT WEATHER

We will be monitoring the weather forecast on September 9. If The Chicago Water Music is unable to proceed as planned, we will notify you the day of the event via text and/or email. We will also post information on our website and social media channels.

If you do not currently receive Music of the Baroque emails, please sign up here and include your email and cell phone number. You will be given the opportunity to select your desired frequency of communications. We will only use your cell phone if important day-of-concert updates are necessary. If you have questions, please call Audience Services at (312) 551-1414.