Free Lakeside Summer Series Kicks off July 8 with Chicago Brass Band followed by New Philharmonic July 9

McAninch Arts Center (MAC), located at 425 Fawell Blvd. on the campus of College of DuPage (COD), presents the return of the Lakeside Pavilion Free Outdoor Summer Series. Now on Wednesdays and Thursdays, the 2026 concert series runs July 8-Aug. 6 with performances beginning at 7:30 p.m.

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).

Chicago Brass Band is a 30-piece brass and percussion ensemble and 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. For the July 8 concert Chicago Brass Band will perform a patriotic Americana concert celebrating our nation’s history, spirit, and music. Veterans are invited to please call the MAC Box Office at 630-942-4000 to reserve complimentary preferred VIP seating for the concert.

Under the direction of Maestro Kirk Muspratt, the award-winning New Philharmonic will present an inspiring evening of orchestral music in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. The program features works by Irving Berlin, Scott Joplin, John Philip Sousa, John Williams and more, honoring the rich legacy and spirit of American music.

To enhance the Lakeside several food vendors and a bar will be available. No outside alcohol is permitted. Picnicking is welcome in a designated area, while the central lawn will be reserved for seating to maximize capacity. Guests are encouraged to bring nonperishable food donations to benefit the Glen House Food Pantry and COD Student Fuel Pantry.

The Lakeside Pavilion opens 90 minutes before each performance. Concessions will be available. In case of inclement weather, events will move indoors to the Belushi Performance Hall.

In addition to the Lakeside Pavilion Series events, attendees can also can take in the free outdoor exhibition “Walking With Giants” honoring America’s artistic legacy with 10-foot-tall sculptures of 10 of America’s favorite visual, music, theater and dance artists. To learn more about these or any MAC events visit AtTheMAC.org or call 630.942.4000.