🌆🍷 Summer Fun & Potluck Party at Buckingham Fountain! 🎉🥖

🌆🍷 Summer Fun & Potluck Party at Buckingham Fountain! 🎉🥖

✨ Water • Light Show • Fireworks • Food • Wine • Great Company! ✨

Join us for one of our favorite summer traditions! Our Buckingham Fountain potlucks have been a big hit, and we're back for another relaxing evening of food, friends, fountain shows, and the spectacular Navy Pier fireworks in the distance.

We did this last fall and again around the 4th of July this summer! The July gathering had a smaller turnout because of the heat, but everyone had a great time. Now we're back for another beautiful summer evening at one of Chicago's most iconic landmarks.

Pack a favorite dish to share, bring your favorite beverage, and enjoy a beautiful summer evening with great conversation. Think of it as our Millennium Park picnics — just with the magic of Buckingham Fountain as the backdrop!

👥 Multi-group event — expect a great crowd!

***

🗓️ Wednesday, August 26, 2026
⏰ 6:30–9:30 PM
📍 Buckingham Fountain
301 S. Columbus Dr., Chicago
🌦️ Casual • Outdoors • Weather permitting
🍽️ Theme: Picnic Potluck

***

🥖 WHAT TO BRING
🍷 Wine, beer, or your favorite beverages (please be discreet)
🧀 Snacks or food to share — cheese, crackers, fruit, dips, baked goodies, sandwiches, or your favorite picnic dish
🪑 Blanket or lawn chair (chairs are recommended!)
🍽️ Cups, plates, napkins, utensils, toothpicks, bottle opener, or corkscrew if you can bring them
🧥 Dress for the weather — evenings near the lake can cool off quickly

***

📌 GOOD TO KNOW
✔️ I'll bring folding tables for the food.
✔️ Restrooms are available nearby.
✔️ Concessions are usually open, but plan to bring your own food and drinks.
✔️ We set up on the southeast side of Buckingham Fountain, closer to Lake Michigan, where we have beautiful views of the fountain, skyline, and Navy Pier fireworks.
✔️ Look for the large group with lawn chairs, blankets, food, and coolers!
✔️ Picnics are allowed — please be discreet with wine/beer (hide bottles in bags or use thermoses).

***

🏛️ ABOUT BUCKINGHAM FOUNTAIN
Dedicated in 1927, the Clarence Buckingham Memorial Fountain is one of the world's largest fountains and one of Chicago's most iconic landmarks.

Designed by architect Edward H. Bennett and French sculptor Marcel Loyau, the fountain features spectacular water displays reaching up to 150 feet. The evening water and light show creates the perfect backdrop for a summer gathering.

Philanthropist Kate Sturges Buckingham donated the fountain in honor of her brother Clarence, and the design was inspired by the Latona Fountain at Versailles. The four bronze sea horses represent the four states bordering Lake Michigan.

***

🚗 PARKING & TRANSPORTATION
🚇 CTA Trip Planner:
https://www.transitchicago.com/planatrip/
🚗 Driving options:
• Grant Park South Garage recommended
• Limited metered parking nearby
• SpotHero or ParkWhiz may have better rates

***

⚠️ RSVP REMINDER
✔️ Please update your RSVP if your plans change.
✔️ RSVP changes must be made before the event begins.
❌ Three no-shows without updating your RSVP will result in a 3-month RSVP restriction.

***

📱 Running late or can't find us?
Call or text Giovina at 312-835-4259

🌆🍷 Bring your favorite food, beverage, and a chair, then relax with great company as we enjoy one of Chicago's most beautiful summer evenings — beneath the lights of Buckingham Fountain with the lakefront and fireworks as our backdrop! 🎆✨