Mayor Emanuel and the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events have designated 2018 as the Year of Creative Youth – a citywide celebration of Chicago’s young artists and the mentors who inspire them. Presented by Allstate Insurance Company, the Year of Creative Youth showcase event will be at the city’s first Creative Youth Festival on Saturday, September 22 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., with dozens of free cultural events across the Millennium Park Campus including at Millennium Park (201 E. Randolph Street) and the Chicago Cultural Center (78 E. Washington Street). Showcasing the talents of thousands of young artists in dance, theater, music, spoken word, the visual arts and more, the new Creative Youth Festival will include: performances and art exhibitions from youth groups across the city, on stages across Millennium Park and popping up at landmarks such as Maggie Daley Park and Cloud Gate; interactive mural painting; an open mic with DJs; family friendly and hands-on activities featuring artmaking, multimedia demonstrations and more. For more information and the most up-to-date festival schedule, visit cityofchicago.org/YOCY.