The Best Outdoor Concerts in Chicago
Happy Friday, everyone! Since last week’s roundup was all about the best street festivals in Chicago, I thought I’d continue on that summer theme with the best outdoor concerts in Chicago! It’s no secret that we don’t get a ton of opportunities to spend time outside all evening… so why not pair those magical nights with live music?!
Some of the concerts I’ve listed here are a part of a bigger series, so don’t forget to click through to see their whole lineup. Also, if it has a * next to it, that means it’s FREE! Wahooo!
The best outdoor concerts in Chicago
*means FREE concerts in Chicago! Woo!
June 15 – Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit + Father John Misty
Location: Huntington Bank Pavilion on Northerly Island | I don’t know Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, but I loooove Father John Misty!
June 16 to September 2 (select dates) – LIVE ON THE LAKE*
Location: Navy Pier | The concerts are on Saturdays and Sundays, but I’d recommend going to a Saturday show because then you can see the Navy Pier fireworks, too!
June 16 – Vampire Weekend + Chicano Batman + Richard Pictures
Location: Huntington Bank Pavilion on Northerly Island
June 20 to August 29 – Lincoln Square Summer Concert series*
Location: Giddings Plaza | Not too far from us now – we’re going to bring Luna to one of these!
June 21st – Tony Bennett
Location: Ravinia
June 21 to June 23 – Country LakeShake Festival
Location: Huntington Bank Pavilion on Northerly Island
June 27 – Flora Cash and Susto*
Location: Millennium Park | This is a part of the FREE Millennium Park Summer Music Series… aka the best free concerts in Chicago, happening all summer long! All you need is a blanket, snacks, and plenty of wine ?
June 28 – The National
Location: Huntington Bank Pavilion on Northerly Island
June 29 – Pride in the Park: Iggy Azalea + Steve Aoki
Location: Grant Park
July 5 and 6 – Dave Matthews Band
July 5 and 6 – Gershwin Piano Concerto*
Location: Millennium Park | This is a part of the Grant Park Music Festival, which has FREE concerts all summer long!
July 10 – The Wizard of Oz*
Location: Millennium Park | This movie will be played on a giant HD screen as the Grant Park Orchestra performs the score live. So cool, right?!
July 12 to July 14 – Windy City Smokeout
Location: United Center Parking Lot
July 14 – Jennifer Hudson with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Location: Ravinia | This event benefits Ravnia’s Reach Teach Play programs, which works to ensure that music education remains accessible to all children. Such an awesome cause.
July 19 to July 21 – Pitchfork Music Festival
August 1 to August 4 – Lollapalooza
Location: Grant Park | You guys know I love going to Lolla – but for one day ONLY ? I just need to decide which day looks the best… Maggie Rogers is playing on Friday, so that’s the front runner for me right now. Although, who wouldn’t want to see Ariana Grande? (Don’t lie!!)
August 23 and August 24 – Mamby on the Beach
Location: Montrose Beach | I was surprised to see that this festival moved up to Montrose Beach – and I’m not mad about it! (And ARIZONA is playing!)
August 23 to September 1 – Chicago Jazz Festival*
Location: various venues
August 30 and August 31 – North Coast Music Festival
Location: Huntington Bank Pavilion on Northerly Island
September 15 – Coco: Film with Chicago Philharmonic Orchestra
Are you going to any outdoor concerts in Chicago this summer?
Did I leave any good ones off this list? Also please let me know in the comments if you have any other roundup requests for summer! I really want to make sure I’m covering what YOU guys want to see – plus these are super fun to put together 
Hooray for (almost) Summertime Chi!
