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

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6/9/23 - By Maureen Wilkey

Free outdoor concerts in Chicago mean that families can spend their summer listening to a wide array of colorful local children's musicians, cover bands, and other acts. The Chicago Park District hosts free concerts almost every day 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 make it to 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.

We recommend finding comfortable lawn chairs or a quality picnic blanket and a favorite grocer or restaurant to acquire a picnic dinner as these concerts could become a weekly or monthly staple for your kids! The shows on this list are family friendly, but be sure to check the artists ahead of time 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's 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.