Sweepstakes open until April 17 to be selected to turn on historic Chicago landmark at the 12th annual Switch on Summer festival
CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Apr. 6, 2026--
ComEd and the Chicago Park District invite everyone to welcome in the summer season at the 12th annual Switch on Summer festival on Saturday, May 9 at the site of Chicago’s historic Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park. As part of the event, one lucky Illinois resident will have the chance to switch on the jets that turn on the iconic fountain.
This free, family-friendly event runs from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., and includes preview performances of the Park District’s 14th annual Night Out in the Parks summer event lineup. This year’s featured entertainment includes artistic performances from local groups representing a variety of cultures. Attendees will also have onsite access to ComEd customer resources and information on bill assistance programs, energy efficiency offerings, home energy saving tips and more.
Ahead of the event, Illinois residents are invited to enter a sweepstakesfor the chance to be selected to switch on Buckingham Fountain at the event. All entries must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. CT Friday, April 17. To be selected to flip the switch, correctly answer two energy trivia questions and submit the form. Click here to enter the sweepstakes.
“When water is flowing through Buckingham Fountain it means summer is returning to Chicago,” said Gil Quiniones, ComEd President and CEO. “Switch on Summer brings people together to celebrate the season at one of the city’s most iconic attractions, while also connecting ComEd customers with programs and support that can help them save on their electric bill."
Grant Park’s Buckingham Fountain is a coveted local landmark and major tourist attraction, welcoming millions of visitors every year as the scenic backdrop for summertime events and activities along Chicago’s lakefront.
“As the premier start-of-summer event, Switch on Summer has welcomed visitors for a dozen years to get a first look at the outdoor entertainment Chicago’s parks will have to offer the public citywide,” said Chicago Park District General Superintendent and CEO, Carlos Ramirez-Rosa. “We’re excited to partner with ComEd once more to turn on our historic Buckingham Fountain for the 99th season, and to see it in all its glory as the backdrop to all of Chicago’s summer events.”
The Park District’s Night Out in the Parks makes summer in Chicago even more special with its series of free events for people of all ages and abilities. These weekly events celebrate Chicago’s vibrant cultures and support local performing arts professionals, bringing world-class entertainment such as dance performances, theater productions, outdoor movies and more to all 77 Chicago community areas in 250 parks throughout the city.
For the latest Switch on Summer updates, visit ComEd.com/SwitchOnSummer.
About ComEd
ComEd is a unit of Chicago-based Exelon Corporation (NASDAQ: EXC), a Fortune 200 company and one of the nation’s largest utility companies, serving more than 10.7 million electricity and natural gas customers. ComEd
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About Chicago Park District
The Chicago Park District is a Gold Medal Award winner, recognized for excellence in park and recreation management across the nation. For more information about the Chicago Park District’s more than 8,800 acres of parkland, more than 600 parks, 26 miles of lakefront, 11 museums, two world-class conservatories, 16 historic lagoons, nearly 50 nature areas, thousands of special events, sports and entertaining programs, please visit www.chicagoparkdistrict.com or contact the Chicago Park District at 312/742.PLAY. Follow us @ChicagoParks & @ChicagoParkDistrict on social media. Want to share your talent? Volunteer in the parks by calling, 312/742.PLAY.
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ComEd
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Chicago Park District
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312-742-4798
Source: ComEd
