Every Tuesday this summer the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago hosts free, outdoor activities, including the popular Tuesdays on the Terrace live jazz series and the SOAR (Streeterville Organization of Active Residents) Farmers Market.

From June 7 to September 27, 2016,Tuesdays on the Terrace features Chicago's quintessential jazz musicians performing outside on the MCA's terrace. Visitors can experience the musicians up close, enjoy dining al fresco, or relax with a cocktail on the sculpture garden lawn. The performances take place from 5:30-8 pm and are hosted by Al Carter-Bey and Richton Guy Thomas from WHPK 88.5 FM.

Jazz schedule

June 7: Pat Mallinger Quartet

June 14: Matt Ulery Nonet featuring eighth blackbird

June 21: Josh Berman Trio

June 28 Marquis Hill

July 5: Tammy McCann with Mike Allemana

July 12: James Sanders & Conjúnto

July 19: Maggie Brown

July 26: Caroline Davis/Rob Clearfield Group

August 2:Ari Brown

August 9: Corey Wilkes

August 16: Tomeka Reid, Mazz Swift, and Silvia Bolognesi

August 23: Mike Reed and People, Places, and Things

August 30: Fred Anderson Legacy Band

September 6: Corey Wilkes

September 13: Juli Wood's Chicago Calling

September 20: The Miyumi Project

September 27: Joshua Abrams and Jeff Parker

At Tuesdays on the Terrace, visitors can dine on the MCA terrace and enjoy a $27 buffet featuring a changing menu of themed dishes using fresh, locally grown produce from the MCA Farmers Market. Tables are limited and reservations are recommended. For reservations call 312.397.3805.

For a more impromptu evening, open seating is available on the terrace or guests can bring a blanket to relax on the sculpture garden lawn. Hamburgers, house-made sausages, and a variety of freshly made salads may be purchased from the outdoor grill along with cold beverages, wine, and seasonal cocktails from the bar on the lower terrace. Outside food and beverages are not allowed in the sculpture garden. In case of rain, the event takes place inside the MCA Café.

Every Tuesday -- June 7 to October 25

The MCA hosts the SOAR Farmers Market on the front plaza from 7 am to 2 pm. Vendors at the European-style outdoor market offer a colorful variety of fresh fruit and vegetables, cut and potted flowers, baked goods, cheeses, and spices. Out of the more than 30 popular Farmers Markets throughout Chicago, the SOAR Farmers Market at the MCA is the only one in the Streeterville area.

Every Tuesday at the MCA is Community Free Day, when Illinois residents receive free admission and the museum is open late until 8 pm. The spring and summer art exhibitions include Kerry James Marshall: Mastry (April 23 - September 25, 2016), The Propeller Group (June 4 - October 23), Witness (opening Jul 2), The Making of a Fugitive (opening July 16), BMO Harris Bank Chicago Works: Andrew Yang (opening July 26), MCA Screen: Phil Collins (through August 21), BMO Harris Bank Chicago Works: Diane Simpson (through July 3), Johnston Marklee: Grid is a Grid is a Grid is a Grid is a Grid (through October 2).

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