One of the best things about summer is being able to listen to live bands, outside, with the kids in tow. Whether it be at a park, the beach, or a festival, let the music soothe your savage beasts, while you perhaps enjoy a cocktail, and socialize with your neighbors.
We've gathered up some of our favorite family friendly concert venues this summer and beyond for every day of the week.
Free Concerts in the Park
Millenium Park Summer Concert Series - The Loop
201 E. Randolph St
Mondays and Thursdays: 6:30pm-9:00pm
Millennium Park Summer Music Series features a wide variety of music from established and emerging artists at the iconic Jay Pritzker Pavilion.
July 1: Charlie Musselwhite and Ivan Singh
July 11: Buscabulla and French Police
July 15: Sean Kuti and 2024 Tiny Desk Concert Winner: The Philharmonik
July 22: Béla Fleck, Edgar Meyer, & Zakir Hussain with Rakesh Charuasia and Arooj Aftab
August 5: Protoje and Madison McFerrin
August 8: Corinne Bailey Rae and Terrace Martin with James Fauntleroy
Old Town School of Folk Music Happy Hour - Lakeview
Gallagher Way - 3635 N. Clark St
Select Tuesday evenings: 5pm-7pm
Old Town School Happy Hours return this summer to Gallagher Way! Join the legendary Old Town School of Folk Music for a weekly live music experience sure to end your day on a high note. From the familiar sounds of pop, rock, and folk from around the corner, to unique rhythms and melodies from around the world, many Happy Hours will also feature free dance lessons or other interactive music experiences. Old Town School Happy Hours are suitable for all ages, so bring your families and friends!
August 27: Minor Moon
September 24: Nikki O'Neill Band
Summer Concerts Series - Northcenter
Northcenter Town Square - 4100 N. Damen Ave
Wednesdays: 7:00pm-8:30pm
Bring a chair, invite your neighbors, and get to know some new ones at the annual Summer Concert Series!
July 10 - The Polkaholics
July 17 - The Dave Specter Band
July 24 - Mangoland
July 31 - One for the Ditch
August 7 - Silvertone
August 14 - Beyond the Blues
Summer Concert Series - Lincoln Square
Giddings Plaza - 4731 N Lincoln Ave
Thursdays: 6:00pm - 8:30pm
The Summer Concert Series, Lincoln Square's favorite free summer event, returns (finally!) for a limited run! Swing by Giddings Plaza between 6:00pm - 8:30pm (weather permitting) to hear the sweet sounds of local Chicago musicians.
June 13: Jonas Fiddle (American roots music/Original songs/Traditional)
June 20: Model-J (Hits that span decades and genres)
June 27: Renée and The Fam (Rock/Pop/Americana)
July 11: The StingRays (50’s, 60’s, 70’s Rock & Roll)
July 25: Chez Butter (Old-school soul)
August 1: Jacob Sweet & The Western Harmony (Soulful Country/Rock)
August 8: Los Perros Cubanos (Latin Rock/Cuban Dance
Food and Fun
Beat Kitchen - Roscoe Village
2100 W. Belmont
Bluegrass Brunch
Saturdays through August 10th: 11am-2pm (11am Show)
Rotating sets from Chicago's finest bluegrass ensembles accompanied by, you guessed is, BRUNCH! Seating is first come first serve.
Sunday Spotlight Brunch
Sundays through August 18th: 11am-2pm (11:30am Show)
City Winery - West Loop
1200 W. Randolph St
Miss Elli’s Feelin’ Groovy Kids Brunch
Saturday, July 27th: 10am Doors (11am Show)
Shoe Fest Family Brunch
Saturday, August 3rd: 10:30am Doors (11:30am Show)
Join us for our Shoe Fest Family Brunch on Saturday, August 3rd at the beautiful City Winery Chicago. Fun for the whole fam! We'll have 90 minutes of music brought to you by our festival host band, Old Shoe AND everyone who purchases tickets for this show prior to August 2nd at 4 PM CST will be entered into a raffle for fun prizes, including Shoe Fest 2024 tickets! This event is appropriate for fans of ALL AGES.
The Dock at Montrose Beach - Lakeshore
200 W. Montrose Harbor Dr
Live Music 7 days a week at 7pm
The Dock is more than just a sandy getaway from your day in the sun at Montrose Beach; it is a hub for late night luaus, delicious bites and live music throughout the summer! Kids can play in the sand within eye sight or hit the dance floor.
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Street Festivals
Lakeview Taco Fest: September 7-8
September 7
Roscoe South Stage Lineup: | Addison North Stage Lineup: |
September 8:
Roscoe South Stage Lineup: | Addison North Stage Lineup: |
Taste of Lincoln Avenue: July 26-28
July 26:
5:30pm: All American Throwbacks
8:00pm: Rod Tuffcurls and the Bench Press
July 27:
12:30pm: The 77 Solution
2:00pm: Stache!
4:00pm: SEMPLE
6:00pm: Material Issue
8:00pm: Sixteen Candles
July 28:
12:30pm: The School of Rock
2:30pm: Exit 147 The Band
4:15pm: Irish Heartbeat: A Van Morrison Tribute
6:30pm: Dancing Queen: An ABBA Salute
Thirsty Ears
- September 7-8
ACM’s Thirsty Ears Festival is Chicago’s only classical music street festival!
| 9/7: Main Stage 2pm: Chicago Chamber Music Fest 3pm: Amy Gadd 4pm: Bach to Beethoven Experience 5pm: Rose Wollman & Sarah Plum 6pm: Duo Forzando + Missing Piece 7pm: Hot Second 8pm: Michael Hall 9pm: Natasha Bogojevich 9:30pm: Mini Sound of Silent Film Festival 2pm: Instrument Petting Zoo | 9/8: Main Stage 1pm Jonathan Hannau 2pm Elaine Ubando/Susan Merdinger 3pm Chicago A Cappella 4pm Lakeshore Rush 5pm Shi-an Costello 6pm Laura Dixon Strickling 7pm Wutz-Berger Duo 8pm Wicked Drawl 1:30pm: Instrument Petting Zoo |
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Ticketed Events
PorchFest - Roscoe Village
August 18: 1pm-5pm
A neighborhood music festival featuring local musical acts performing across front porches throughout Roscoe Village. Enjoy an intimate live music experience while connecting with neighbors and supporting local musicians. Register on Eventbrite to receive an event guide with the TOP SECRET porch locations and showtimes sent via email the Friday before the program.
Kids Concert Series - Highland Park
Ravinia Festival - 201 Ravinia Park Rd
July 20: Elena Moon Park & Friends
July 27: Dan Brown’s Wild Symphony
August 3: Laura Berkner (Morning)
August 31: Fyütch
September 7: Big Drum / Small World
September 14: Joffrey Ballet: Rita Finds Home
