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 (July) and Thursdays (August): 6:30pm-9:00pm (Gates open at 5:00pm)
Millennium Park Summer Music Series features a wide variety of music from established and emerging artists at the iconic Jay Pritzker Pavilion.
July 7: Fred Wesley and the New JBs
July 14: Monsieur Periné
July 17: Digable Planets
July 24: Steel Pulse
July 28: Horsegirl
August 4: Orchestra Resavoir
August 7: Ten City - GRAMMY Legacies And Looking Ahead
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!
July 8: Jacob Sweet & The Western Harmony
July 15: Cicada Summer
July 29: Moya Cultural Arts
August 12: Walkin' on Sunshine (Steve Dawson)
September 9: Disaster Kid
September 30: Lisa DeRosia & Lush Budgett
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 9 - The Polkaholics
July 16 - The Dave Specter Band
July 23 -Windy City Winds
July 30 -Cat Gaddis Project
August 6 -Things That Fly
August 13 - Silvertone
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.
July 10: The StingRays (50’s, 60’s, 70’s Rock & Roll)
July 17: The Beaus (Broadway/Pop Mashup Sing-alongs)
July 24: Model-J (Songs You Forgot You Loved)
July 31: Would You Kindly (Powerful, Female Fronted, Alternative Rock)
August 7: Diamond Back (Country, Americana, Rock and Blues)
August 14: Le Travaillant (Cajun and Zydeco)
Food and Fun
Beat Kitchen - Roscoe Village
2100 W. Belmont
Bluegrass Brunch
Saturdays through July 26th: 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 July 27th: 11:30am-2pm (11:30am Show)
City Winery - West Loop
1200 W. Randolph St
Family Grooves Brunch - Tickets on sale now!
Saturday, October 25th: 10:30am Doors (12:00pm Show)
Family Grooves is a brand new children's event that promises a day of fun, music, and laughter for the whole family!
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.
July 2 & 9: Jacob on the Moon LIVE!
July 3: Ivy Drip LIVE!
July 4: Discount Vinyl LIVE!
July 5: Midnight Hour LIVE!
July 6: Sidestreets Band LIVE!
July 7 & 14: Rio Bamba LIVE!
July 8 & 15: Breezy Rodio LIVE!
July 10: The Screamin End LIVE!
July 11: AKiVA the Band LIVE!
July 12: Okay Kiddos LIVE!
Stay tuned for more dates or visit The Dock's website.
Street Festivals
Lakeview Taco Fest: August 22nd-24th
August 22nd
Roscoe South Stage Lineup: TBA | Addison North Stage Lineup: TBA |
August 23rd
Roscoe South Stage Lineup: TBA | Addison North Stage Lineup: TBA |
August 24th
Roscoe South Stage Lineup: TBA | Addison North Stage Lineup: TBA |
Roscoe Village Burger Fest: July 18th-20th
July 18th
Damen Stage Entertainment: 6:00PM – Blackberry Jam |
July 19th
Damen Stage Entertainment: 12:30PM – School of Rock | Leavitt Stage Entertainment: 12:45PM – Full Volume Band |
July 20th
Damen Stage Entertainment: 12:30PM – Caught Steelin’ | Leavitt Stage Entertainment: 12:30PM – School of Rock |
Taste of Lincoln Avenue: July 25th-26th
July 25:
TBA
July 26:
TBA
 |
Ticketed Events
PorchFest - Roscoe Village
August 17: 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 19: Laura Doherty & the Heartbeats
August 9: Laura Berkner
August 16: Lucy Kalantari & the Jazz Cats
August 30: Magic Piano & The Chopin Shorts
