Guide to Chicago Summer Music Festivals


Chicago has been a true innovator in music for more than a century. We’re a hotbed of blues and jazz, invented house, created some of the most forward-thinking hip-hop ever devised, and are a leader in contemporary EDM. Fully experiencing the Chicago social calendar isn’t complete without attending one of the annual Chicago summer music festivals. Live music in Chicago is a true treat, and we’ll tell you about several great Chicago summer music festival options. 

Do you know what else can make your Chicago trip perfect? A visit to Skydeck Chicago to get a 360-degree view of the Chicago skyline from its highest point! Come get a ticket today, then check out some of the famous places in Chicago to plan your trip around.

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Lollapalooza

One of the world’s premier music festivals, Lollapalooza is a four-day takeover of downtown Grant Park from Thursday to Sunday in early August. The dog days of summer are when music’s hottest acts come to play, from rock to hip-hop to EDM. Whether you’re there for a day or there to experience the entire event, this is bar none the hottest Chicago live music event and worthy of centering an entire Chicago vacation around.

Pitchfork Music Festival

At Union Park in the West Loop is where Pitchfork Music Festival happens. This Chicago summer music festival is the training ground for music’s up-and-comers. It’s a three-day event near the Ashland Green Line stop near downtown and Skydeck Chicago. If you’re looking for the rising stars in the music scene, this Chicago summer music festival is a respectable option.

Riot Fest

This three-day event is one of the world’s largest music festivals that’s still independently owned. If you like to mosh, Riot Fest is a punk rock festival that sets up shop in Douglass Park in North Lawndale. It’s the perfect event for people looking for live music in Chicago that’s a little off the beaten path. And this Chicago live music event would go perfectly with The Ledge, 103 floors up where you can look down through glass at everything Chicago offers.

Skydeck Chicago Makes It All Complete

Chicago live music is one of the best things about visiting the city. However, live music in Chicago is just a small part of this city’s many attractions. Willis Tower should be your next destination. It’s your place to experience Skydeck Chicago, one of the most thrilling attractions this wonderful city features. The Chicago summer music festivals and this marquee Chicago attraction are just the beginning. We’d love to give you some suggestions on fun things to do in our world-class city!