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Chicago's Best Free Concerts and Outdoor Music Festivals for Families This Summer

Take in a free summer concert in Chicago. Photo courtesy of Wiggleworms at Gallagher Way
Take in a free summer concert in Chicago. Photo courtesy of Wiggleworms at Gallagher Way
6/7/24 - By Maureen Wilkey

Free summer concerts in Chicago mean families can enjoy being outside and listening to everything from local children's musicians to cover bands and other acts. The Chicago Park District hosts free summer concerts almost daily in different parks throughout the city, or families can hear music at Navy Pier, Harper Court, or Gallagher Way. Suburban families don't have to hit the city limits to get in on the action—many suburban park districts host free weekly outdoor concerts and shows near Chicago for kids of all ages.

The shows on this list are family-friendly, but check the artists in advance to ensure your child(ren) will be interested enough in the music to sit through a whole set. Consider sitting farther back or bringing earplugs for sound-sensitive kids.

Here are some great free concerts in Chicago this summer, and don't forget to check out our Ultimate Chicago Kids Summer Vacation Guide for more fun things to do.

 

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There are plenty of free outdoor music opportunities in Chicago this summer. Photo courtesy of the Grant Park Music Festival
There are plenty of free outdoor music opportunities in Chicago this summer. Photo courtesy of the Grant Park Music Festival

Free Concerts in Chicago

Wiggleworms at Gallagher Way

Wrigleyville
Tuesdays through September 24
Kids and parents can enjoy music together with a different teaching artist each week at Gallagher Way near Wrigley Field. Performances include original music, movement, and bubbles! READ MORE

Millennium Park Summer Music Series

Downtown
Mondays and Thursdays, July 1-August 8
The whole family can enjoy a free, world-class concert at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park! The music series features a wide variety of music from top local, national, and international artists. READ MORE

Grant Park Music Festival

Downtown
Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, June 12 through August 17
Chicagoans of all ages can enjoy the Grant Park Music Festival, a 10-week celebration featuring world-class classical music concerts and community engagement—a Chicago tradition for more than 80 years. READ MORE

Night Out in the Parks Summer Concerts

Chicago Parks
Though Labor Day
Chicago Park District invites families to explore many kinds of music through its Night Out in the Parks programs. Performers, including student musicians, kids' artists, cover bands, multicultural musicians and Broadway showcases will take over a different park almost every night this summer. READ MORE

Wave Wall Wax

Downtown
Saturdays, May 25-August 31
Dance the summer away at Navy Pier with performances from Chicago's top DJs and house musicians at the Wave Wall at Navy Pier.  Each event is free and open to the public. READ MORE

North Center Summer Concert Series

North Center
Wednesdays, July 10-August 14
Bring a chair and get to know your neighbors at Northcenter Town Square this summer. Local bands, dancers and entertainers will take the stage. READ MORE

Skyline Sessions

Downtown
Thursdays and Fridays through August 30
Enjoy free concerts and views of the skyline at Navy Pier's Wave Wall this summer. Soloists and small ensembles from a variety of musical genres will play every Thursday and Friday throughout summer. READ MORE

Jazz in the Court

Hyde Park
First Friday in June, July, August, and September
The University of Chicago sponsors free outdoor jazz concerts on the first Friday of each month throughout the summer. Hurricane Reggae Band plays on June 7, Tony Carpenter take the stage on July 5, Thaddeus Tukes entertains audiences on August 2, and Corey Wilkes perform on September 6. READ MORE

Harper Court Summer Music Series

Hyde Park
June 6, July 11, August 1, and September 5
Families can enjoy outdoor music at Harper Court in this collaboration between the University of Chicago and The Silver Room. Each concert features and opening act and a headliner including genres like steppin', house, bebop, hip hop, soul, and R&B. READ MORE

Tuesdays on the Terrace

Streeterville
Tuesdays, June 27-July 25
Museum of Contemporary Art showcases some of Chicago's favorite musiciansin a weekly concert on its terrace. This year’s series includes the jazz music always featured at MCA, along with other Chicago favorite genres like hip-hop, house, blues, bomba, and more. READ MORE
Plenty of room to dance and play during the concert. Photo courtesy of the Park District of Oak Park
Plenty of room to dance and play during the concert. Photo courtesy of the Park District of Oak Park

Free Music in the Western Suburbs

Oak Park Concerts in the Park

Oak Park
Sundays, June 9-August 25
The Park District of Oak Park hosts free summer concerts in Scoville Park from June 9- August 25. Guests are asked to remember to carry out anything they brought in and use appropriate trash and recycling cans. READ MORE

Wednesday Nights Live

Elmhurst
Wednesdays, June 5-August 7
There's a block party every week in Elmhurst City Centre with a stage set up for local bands to play at North York Plaza. Cover bands will play tributes to the Rolling Stones, Taylor Swift, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Tom Petty. READ MORE

Naperville Municipal Band Concerts

Naperville
Thursdays, June 6-August 24
Families can enjoy concerts with a different theme each week, as well as take part in a raffle or buy treats from a bake sale sponsored by local charities and organizations. READ MORE

Sounds of Summer Concert Series

Wood Dale
Fridays through August 30
The City of Wood Dale listens for the sounds of summer at this annual concert series in Community Square. Families can bring lawn chairs and picnic blankets and baskets to hear Arra, Local Band Night, Ginger Road, and more. READ MORE

Fishel Park Summer Concert Series

Downers Grove
Tuesdays through August 13
The Downers Grove Park District invites families to Fishel Park for outdoor music, dancing, and fun. Enjoy music from a different local cover band each week, as well as food and beverages available for purchase. READ MORE

Music at the Gazebo

Elmhurst
June 6 and 20, July 11 and 18, and August 1
Families can bring lawn chairs and blankets to listen to music throughout the evening at the Gazebo at Spring Road and the Prairie Path. A different local band is featured each week. READ MORE

Wheaton Municipal Band Concerts

Wheaton
Tuesdays, June 6-August 1
Families can enjoy themed concerts from the Wheaton Municipal Band each Thursday during the summer at Memorial Park. A different theme will be featured each week throughout the season. READ MORE

Jazz in the Park

Glen Ellyn
June 19, July 17, and August 21
Music lovers can enjoy some free, outdoor big band tunes at various parks throughout Glen Ellyn over the summer. The Glen Ellyn Jazz Ensemble will perform at Maryknoll Park on June 19, at Newton Park on July 17, and at Lake Ellyn Park on August 21. Families are welcome to bring a picnic blanket and/or lawn chairs and a picnic dinner. READ MORE

Concerts in Lilacia Park

Lombard
June 19, July 24, and August 7
Families can enjoy covers of music from grandma and grandpa's era and mom and dad's childhood through today's hits at concerts at Lilacia Park. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and a picnic snack. READ MORE

June and August Summer Concerts

Villa Park
Thursdays in June and August
A variety of local acts play music at the Cortesi Veterans Memorial Park in Villa Park hosted by the Kiwanis Club. Families can bring picnic blankets and lawn chairs and enjoy concessions such as hot dogs, hamburgers, brats, popcorn , and soft drinks for sale. READ MORE

Kiwanis Club Summer Concerts

Villa Park
Wednesdays in July
A variety of local acts play music at the Ruggard Gazebo near the Prairie Path in Villa Park hosted by the Kiwanis Club. Families can bring picnic blankets and lawn chairs and enjoy concessions such as hot dogs, hamburgers, brats, popcorn , and soft drinks for sale. READ MORE

Naperville Concerts in Your Park

Naperville
Sundays, June 9-July 28
Family-friendly music plays at parks all around Naperville on Sunday nights throughout the summer. Families can bring lawn chairs and picnic blankets to enjoy music in a different park each week. READ MORE

Lunchtime Live!

Warrenville
Second and Fourth Thursdays of June, July, and August
Kids can enjoy live music in Cerny Park in Warrenville. Bring your own lunch and picnic blanket to see and hear a different children's artist each week. READ MORE

Roselle Summer Concert Series

Roselle
June 13 and 27, July 11 and 25
Roselle Park District presents concerts showcasing several genres and eras of music each Thursday throughout the summer. Families can bring picnic blankets, lawn chairs and their dance moves to Main Street to join in the fun. Different eateries, breweries and wineries will feature their goods for sale each week. READ MORE
Starlight Concerts in the Park, event photo courtesy of the City of Evanston.
Starlight Concerts in the Park, event photo courtesy of the City of Evanston.

Free Music in the Northern Suburbs

Starlight Concerts in the Park

Evanston
Tuesdays, June 4-July 30
Evanston Park District and Lifeway Foods host eight free concerts in the park during June and July Concerts take place in Lovelace Park, Larimer Park, Baker Park, James Park, Twiggs Park, Leahy Park, Kamen Park, and Elk Park. READ MORE

Bearfoot Summer Concerts

Glenview
Wednesdays, June 5-August 7
Glenview-Northbrook Kiwanis sponsors a series of ten concerts at Jackman Park throughout summer. Families should bring their own lawn chairs or picnic blankets to hear and see local musicians perform live. Glenview is hoping for a zero waste event, so please bring reusable containers and utensils for food. READ MORE

Bitter Jest Musical Festival

Highland Park
June 7, 8, 14, and 15
Each week, a different local band and food vendor will team up to entertain Highland Park families. The series finale will feature the best bands of the fest at Navy Pier on Labor Day weekend. READ MORE

Skokie Wednesdays on the Green

Skokie
Wednesdays, June 12-August 14
The Skokie Chamber of Commerce, Skokie Public Library, Skokie Park District, and Village of Skokie are teaming up to bring a series of concerts to north suburban residents on Wednesdays nights throughout the summer. Highlights include Kaleidoscope Dance Night on August 7 featuring local dance groups and the Skokie Idol Champions concert on July 10. READ MORE

Wednesdays in the Woods Evening Concerts

Winnetka
Wednesdays, June 19-August 28 except July 3
Visit Winnetka's Hubbard Woods Park for free music every Wednesday evening. Cover bands and kids favorites rotate every week, and different food and beverage options are available for purchase. Bring our own chairs and blanket. READ MORE

Wilmette Sounds of Summer Concerts

Wilmette
June 20, 23, 26 and 27, July 14, 17, 18, and 25-28, August 1 and 14
Grab your chairs and bring the family to this summer concerts. Wilmette Park District hosts summer concerts at Mallinckrodt Gazebo and Wallace Bowl on various dates throughout summer. READ MORE

Northbrook Tuesdays in the Park Summer Concert Series

Northbrook
Tuesdays, June 25-August 6
Celebrate summer on Northbrook's Village Green with free music each Tuesday throughout June, July, and the first half of August. Concerts include a children's band at 6:30 followed by a local cover band at 7:15. READ MORE

Rockin' in the Park in Rosemont

Rosemont
Thursdays through September 5
Listen to a different local band every Thursday and select holidays throughout the summer at Parkway Bank Park in Rosemont. Fireworks follow select shows. READ MORE

Wednesdays in the Woods Children's Concerts

Winnetka
Wednesdays, June 19-August 7
Visit Winnetka's Hubbard Woods Park for free music every Wednesday morning. Kids' performers encourage dancing, music and magic at these lunchtime jam sessions. READ MORE

Summer Family Concert at Hodges Park

Park Ridge
Fridays, June 21-August 16, except July 5
Rock, roll, pop, and punk your way through Friday evening concerts in Hodges Park in Park Ridge. A different artist will play each week. READ MORE
Summer Soiree Free Summer Concerts. Photo courtesy of the Lemont Park District
Summer Soiree Free Summer Concerts. Photo courtesy of the Lemont Park District

Free Music in the South and Southwest Suburbs

Summer Soiree Free Summer Concerts

Lemont
Thursdays, June 5-July 25, except July 4
The Park District of Lemont and the Village of Lemont present weekly concerts in the historic downtown Lemont area on select Thursdays in June and July. Acts include Beyond the Blonde, Whiskey Road, and the Tim Gleason Band. READ MORE

Concerts on the Village Green

Burr Ridge
Thursdays, June 6-August 1, except July 4
Families can bring their lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy concerts at Burr Ridge Village Center every Thursday night throughout June and July. Dinner is available for purchase from local vendors. READ MORE

Music in the Park—Village of Beecher

Beecher
June 8, July 6, August 10, September 7
South suburban residents can enjoy music from The All American Throwbacks, Anthem, One of These Nights, and Rearview at Fireman's Park on select Saturdays throughout summer. Food and beverage vendors will be on hand. READ MORE

Evergreen Park Recreation Department Concerts in the Park

Evergreen Park
June 9 and 23, July 14, August 2 and 11, September 2
Visit Kleing Park for concerts from local cover bands like The StingRays, Coax & Folks, The Neverly Brothers, The Smiley Tillmon Band, and Rick Lindy and the Wild Ones. A bonus concert from The Cit yLights Orchestra takes place in James J. Sexton Park on September 2. READ MORE

Frankfort Concerts on the Green

Frankfort
Sundays, June 16-August 25
Country, rock, brass bands, pop, and jazz are all represented at this year's Frankfort Concerts on the Green. Bring your own blanket, chairs, picnic, friends, and family to join in on the fun every Sunday night at 6:30pm. READ MORE

Thursdays in the Park Concert and Movie Series Tinley Park

Tinley Park
June 27, July 18, and August 8
Alternating music and movies
Enjoy a concert or a movie every Thursday night this summer at the Band Shell on the east side of Bettehausen Recreation Center in Tinley Park. A concession stand will sell light refreshments. READ MORE

Oak Lawn Summer Concert Series

Oak Lawn
June 2 and 23, July 14 and 21, August 4 and 18
The Village of Oak Lawn and Oak Lawn Park District invite southwest suburban families to listen to family friendly music on the Village Green. All shows are free. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Millennium Park, Jay Pritzker Pavilion
Various Chicago Parks
North Center Town Square
Museum of Contemporary Art
Naperville Community Concert Center
Cortesi Veterans Memorial Park
Naperville Parks
Village Green Park Skokie
Tony Bettenhausen Recreation Center