McAninch Arts Center (MAC), located at 425 Fawell Blvd. on the campus of College of DuPage (COD), is pleased to announce the return of the Lakeside Pavilion Free Outdoor Summer Series. Now on Wednesdays and Thursdays, the 2026 concert series runs July 8-Aug. 6 at 7:30 p.m. Serving as both a celebratory finale to the Lakeside Series and an exciting prelude to its 40th anniversary season, the MAC hosts a free one-day 40th Anniversary Festival Sunday, Aug. 23 headlined by Sixteen Candles.
The Lakeside Series opens with the 30-member Chicago Brass Band (Wednesday, July 8) and is followed by a special pops concert by New Philharmonic, the professional symphony orchestra in residence at the MAC, under the baton of Maestro Kirk Muspratt (Thursday, July 9). The series continues with Electric Avenue – The 80s MTV Experience, a must-see tribute band performing the works of the MTV era (Thursday, July 16); an evening of Broadway and pop favorites by The Barricade Boys (Thursday, July 23); and a showcase of R&B and the fresh hits of today by Uptown Soul (Thursday, July 30). A dazzling tribute to the women of country music featuring iconic country hits performed by the Rhinestone Cowgirls, (Thursday, Aug. 6) completes the series.
Maestro Kirk Muspratt conducts New Philharmonic at the Lakeside Pavilion. Photo courtesy of the MAC
The Lakeside Series also includes two WDCB LIVE jazz concerts: C.J. Chenier & the Red Hot Louisiana Band performing a program of high-energy Louisiana Zydeco & Blues (Wednesday, July 15); and an unforgettable night of world-class jazz and masterful improvisation follows with legendary saxophonists Eric Alexander & Vincent Herring (Wednesday, July 22).
Capping off the series will be the MAC’s 40th Anniversary Festival noon-5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 23. Chicago’s 1980s dance party band Sixteen Candles will headline the daylong celebration featuring art, food, face painting, mural painting, food trucks, and more. Additional programming will be announced at a later date.
All Lakeside Pavilion concerts and the 40th Anniversary Festival are free. This summer, the MAC is changing some of the policies in response to audience requests – those picnicking will have a designated area, and the main central lawn will be reserved for seating only, to help accommodate a maximum number of guests. Audiences are encouraged to bring a donation of a nonperishable food item to benefit the Glen House Food Pantry and College of DuPage Student Fuel Pantry. All concerts are scheduled to take place outdoors. In the case of excessive heat or inclement weather, concerts will be moved indoors to the Belushi Performance Hall. To enhance the concert experience for all attendees, large blankets, coolers, tables, grills, umbrellas, wagons, picnic baskets and outside alcohol are not allowed in the main lawn seating area. Concessions will be available for purchase. The Pavilion will open 90 minutes before the event start time. Reserving space and holding areas is not allowed.
All concerts, with the exception of The Barricade Boys and Eric Alexander & Vincent Herring, are part of the MAC’s celebration of the America’s 250th anniversary. For more information, call 630.942.4000 or visit AtTheMAC.org.
Also, this summer:
COD College Theater Department presents two student productions:
- “Footloose” Friday-Sunday July 10-19. This feel‑good celebration of courage, community and the unstoppable power of music is based on the 1984 film of the same name features the popular songs “Holding Out for a Hero,” “Let's Hear it for the Boy,” “Almost Paradise” and of course, “Footloose.” Tickets are $20 ($18 for Students/Seniors) and go on sale March 16. This production will take place indoors in the MAC’s Playhouse Theatre. Please note: this play contains mature themes and language.
- “Sherwood’s Merry Mateys,” directed by Daniel Millhouse with original script developed by Millhouse and cast performs on July 18 and 19 with free admission. This hour-long family-friendly show about Robin and a crew of swashbuckling pirates who must work together to set things right from a greedy sea captain. With imagination, audience participation, and plenty of high-seas fun, the Mateys will have audiences cheering as the crew discovers the power of friendship, fairness, and believing in yourself - because the best crews sail together!
In honor of the United States’ 250th anniversary, the McAninch Arts Center (MAC) and Cleve Carney Museum of Art (CCMA), in association with the College of DuPage Foundation, present “Walking With Giants.” This free, outdoor, walkable exhibition offers a family-friendly celebration of American artistic achievement. The exhibition will feature 10 larger-than-life painted silhouette sculptures of Americans who have made significant contributions to the arts in music, theater and dance. The sculptures will be installed along a walkable route surrounding the MAC on the College of DuPage (COD) campus. Each will stand approximately 10 feet tall and depict one of a selection of influential American artists. The exhibition will open in June and continue throughout the summer. For more information, visit theccma.org/walking-with-giants.
For more information about the MAC’s 2026 summer programming, visit AtTheMAC.org or call the box office at 630.942.4000.
About the MAC
McAninch Arts Center at College of DuPage is located 25 miles west of Chicago near I-88 and I-355. It houses three indoor performance spaces (780-seat proscenium Belushi Performance Hall; 186-seat soft-thrust Playhouse Theatre; and a versatile black box Studio Theatre), outdoor Lakeside Pavilion, plus the Cleve Carney Museum of Art and classrooms for the college’s academic programming. The MAC has presented theater, music, dance and visual art to more than 1.5 million people since its opening in 1986 and typically welcomes more than 100,000 patrons from the greater Chicago area to more than 230 performances each season.
The mission of the MAC is to foster enlightened educational and performance opportunities, which encourage artistic expression, establish a lasting relationship between people and art, and enrich the cultural vitality of the community. For more information about the MAC, visit www.AtTheMAC.org or @AtTheMAC on Facebook and Instagram.
Support for the McAninch Arts Center is provided in part by Enjoy Illinois, DuPage County Board, Illinois Arts Council, Ball Horticultural, Wight & Company, Anonymous, The DuPage Foundation, the Les and Mary Wiberg fund of the DuPage Foundation, Arts DuPage, JCS Arts Health & Education Fund, Capstone Financial Advisors Molex, Brookdale Senior Living Glen Ellyn, Frank Modruson & Lynne Shigley, Sullivan Taylor Family Trust, The Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Chicago, DoubleTree by Hilton Lisle/Naperville, DuMore DuPage, WDCB 90.9 FM, and College of DuPage Foundation.
Established as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit charitable organization in 1967, the College of DuPage Foundation raises monetary and in-kind gifts to increase access to education and to enhance cultural opportunities for the surrounding community. For more information about the College of DuPage Foundation, visit www.foundation.cod.edu or call 630.942.2462.
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2026 Lakeside Pavilion Free Outdoor Summer Series
(Schedule and Artists Subject to Change)
The Lakeside Pavilion is adjacent to the McAninch Arts Center located at 425 Fawell Blvd. on the campus of College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn, Ill. All Lakeside Pavilion concerts and the 40th Anniversary Festival are free. This summer, the MAC is changing some of the policies in response to audience requests – those picnicking will have a designated area, and the main central lawn will be reserved for seating only, to help accommodate a maximum number of guests. Audiences are encouraged to bring a donation of a nonperishable food item to benefit the Glen House Food Pantry and College of DuPage Student Fuel Pantry.
All concerts are scheduled to take place outdoors. In the case of excessive heat or inclement weather, concerts will be moved indoors to the Belushi Performance Hall. To enhance the concert experience for all attendees, large blankets, coolers, tables, grills, umbrellas, wagons, picnic baskets and outside alcohol are not allowed in the main lawn seating area. Concessions will be available for purchase. The Pavilion will open 90 minutes before the event start time. Reserving space and holding areas is not allowed..
Public Art Programming this Summer at the MAC: “Walking With Giants”
This summer, in honor of the United States’ 250th anniversary, the College of DuPage (COD) in association with the McAninch Arts Center (MAC) and the Cleve Carney Museum of Art (CCMA), presents “Walking With Giants,” a free outdoor accessible, family-friendly art exhibition celebrating American artistic achievement. Responding to the national call to reflect on our nation’s past, honor the contributions of all Americans and look toward the future, the exhibition will feature a selection of 10 larger-than-life painted silhouette sculptures developed with community input and created by contemporary artists.
The sculptures will be installed along a walkable route across the MAC and COD campus. Opening in June, works will remain on display throughout the summer. For more information visit theccma.org/walking-with-giants.
FREE OUTDOOR SUMMER SERIES CONCERTS
Wednesday, July 8, 7:30 p.m.
Chicago Brass Band
This 30-piece brass and percussion ensemble is also one of North America’s premiere British-style brass bands fusing classical tradition with modern energy and vibrant musical expression. It performs bold and dynamic concerts in the Chicago area and in festivals and competitions around the world. Composed of cornets, flugel and tenor horns, baritones, euphoniums, trombones, tubas and percussion, the Band's repertoire includes classical transcriptions, popular music, jazz, traditional, show tunes, marches and original works for brass band.
Thursday, July 9, 7:30 p.m.
New Philharmonic
Under the direction of Maestro Kirk Muspratt, the acclaimed New Philharmonic symphony orchestra performs an inspiring evening of orchestral music featuring works by Irving Berlin, Duke Ellington, Francis Scott Key, John Williams, and more in honor of America’s 250th anniversary.
Wednesday, July 15, 7:30 p.m.
WDCB LIVE Jazz Concert: CJ Chenier & The Red Hot Louisiana Band
C.J. Chenier and the Red Hot Louisiana Band are a ready-made zydeco party, bringing audiences to their feet with irresistibly danceable music. Son of the late “King of Zydeco” Clifton Chenier, Creole-born C.J. Chenier has been Zydeco’s leading light himself for nearly 40 years now. His discography includes three highly regarded albums for Chicago’s venerable blues label, Alligator Records. With his brilliant, bluesy accordion style and soulful vocals, C.J. Chenier is an audience favorite on the worldwide festival circuit, with frequent appearances at major events like the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. .
Friday, July 16, 7:30 p.m.
Electric Avenue – The 80s MTV Experience
With their personal stash of vintage synthesizers and rare signal processors,[GU6.1] Electric Avenue recreates every nuance and flavor of the greatest New Wave and Radio Pop hits of the 80s. These musicians have been session players with artists including Lionel Richie, Paul Simon, Zac Brown Band, Tracy Chapman, Collective Soul, Sister Hazel, Boyz II Men, and more.
Wednesday, July 22, 7:30 p.m.
WDCB LIVE Jazz Concert: The Battle: Eric Alexander & Vincent Herring
World class jazz saxophonists Eric Alexander and Vincent Herring will treat audiences to an unforgettable night of hard swinging sounds and masterful improvisation. Alexander & Herring, who’ve been performing together for more than 20 years, will lock horns in the tradition of saxophone “battles” made famous by jazz legends like Gene Ammons and Sonny Stitt.
Thursday, July 23, 7:30 p.m.
The Barricade Boys
Stars of London’s West End return with a show filled with powerhouse vocals, slick dance routines and an incredible array of music. From the emotion of “Les Misérables” to the raw energy of “West Side Story,” these phenomenal artists conduct a magical musical journey, which includes melodies from the world’s greatest songwriters including Billy Joel, Elton John and Queen.
Thursday, July 30, 7:30 p.m.
Uptown Soul
The six young men of Uptown Soul embrace the smooth stylings of R&B with the fresh hits of today. With their Bruno Mars-like caliber stage presence, cool moves and vocal dexterity of Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye, they deliver the perfect summer evening concert.
Thursday, Aug. 6, 7:30 p.m.
Rhinestone Cowgirls
This dazzling tribute to the legendary ladies of country music features iconic hits and high energy performances celebrating the evolution of country music from its humble beginnings with Patsy Cline and Tammy Wynette to the giants of today’s music industry including Martina McBride and Carrie Underwood.
Sunday, Aug. 23, noon-5 p.m.
MAC’s 40th Anniversary Festival
In celebration of the MAC’s landmark year, it presents the MAC’s 40th Anniversary Festival. Chicago’s 1980s dance party band Sixteen Candles will headline the daylong celebration featuring art, food, face painting and more. Additional programming will be announced at a later date.
MAC SUMMER 2026 ADDITIONAL PROGRAMMING: COD COLLEGE THEATER EVENTS
MAC’s Playhouse Theatre: COD College Theater Presents “Footloose”
Stage Adaptation by Dean Pitchford and Walter Bobbie
Based on the Original Screenplay by Dean Pitchford
Music by Tom Snow
Lyrics by Dean Pitchford
Additional Music by Eric Carmen, Sammy Hagar, Kenny Loggins and Jim Steinman
Directed by Amelia Barrett
Music Direction by Dan Brennan
Choreography by Kyle Donahue
July 10-19; Friday-Saturday 7 p.m., Sunday 2 and 7 p.m.
Tickets: $20 ($2 supports COD scholarships)
In the quiet Southern town of Bomont, dancing has been outlawed and prom is practically a crime after a tragic accident shook the community. But everything changes when Ren McCormack arrives from the city. With rhythm in his heart and rebellion in his step, Ren turns the town upside down—especially when he catches the attention of Ariel, the spirited daughter of the stern Reverend Moore. Packed with an Oscar‑nominated score and iconic 80s anthems, “Footloose” is a feel‑good celebration of courage, community and the unstoppable power of music. “The score is the best kind of blast from the past,” says the Cincinnati Enquirer. “Exhilarating! You'll have a hard time staying in your seat!” says WNBC. Please note: play contains mature themes and language.
Lakeside Pavilion: COD College Theater Presents “Sherwood’s Merry Mateys”
Original Script created by Daniel Millhouse and the Cast
Directed by Daniel Millhouse
July 18-19; Seating begins at noon
Tickets: Free
Join Robin and a crew of swashbuckling pirates as they sail to find a greedy sea captain who has hoarded all the treasure and made sailing unfair for everybody. Robin and the crew must work together to set things right. With imagination, audience participation and plenty of high-seas fun, the Mateys will have audiences cheering as the crew discovers the power of friendship, fairness and believing in yourself - because the best crews sail together!
COD College Theater productions are made possible by a generous gift from the College of DuPage Foundation’s Dr. Donald and Helen (Gum) Westlake Fund for Student Productions.