The Best Chicago Music Festivals To Rock Out At

Photograph: Courtesy VolleywoodThe best Chicago music festivals to rock out at in 2024

Explore the best summer music festivals in Chicago—from Lollapalooza to Pitchfork to Riot Fest.

There’s nothing quite like Chicago’s festival season, which brings a full roster of musical acts to town from May through September. Not sure where to start? Kick things off with reggaeton-focused Sueños Music Festival over Memorial Day weekend, or head to Chicago Blues Festival in early June. As summer goes on, make room in your schedule for returning favorites like Windy City Smokeout and Taste of Randolph plus big-name festivals in the city’s amazing parks, including Lollapalooza, Pitchfork Music Festival and Riot Fest. And if you’re hoping to save money, don’t forget about Chicago’s free summer music series programming! We’ll keep updating this list as more festivals announce lineups—in the meantime, take a look through some of the best summer music festivals coming to Chicago in 2024.

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Sueños Music Festival

Started in 2022, this two-day extravaganza returns to Grant Park over Memorial Day weekend. Taking place on a single stage in Grant Park’s Hutchinson Field, Sueños will feature headlining sets from Peso Pluma, Ivan Cornejo, Rauw Alejandro and Maluma. Other notable names on the lineup include Bad Gyal, Mora, Manuel Turizo, Xavi, Gabito Ballesteros and more.

In addition to two days of music, you can try food from some of Chicago’s best Latin restaurants, a host of experiential activations and a Ferris wheel in the park that you can ride between (or during) sets. It’s one of the largest new festivals to come to launch in Chicago in years and a fitting addition to a summer festival calendar that’s more crowded than ever.

Belmont-Sheffield Music Festival

Love cover bands? Head to Lakeview (right by the Belmont Red Line station) for three days of music, featuring local tribute acts like 16 Candles and Rod Tuffcurls & the Bench Press. A second stage hosts an eclectic array of community performers, plus karaoke with Trader Todd’s. Plus, you’ll find beer, wine and plenty of neighborhood vendors to browse while you hang out on the street.

Jazz’n on the Steps

The South Side Jazz Coalition hosts a series of free monthly jazz performances every summer on the steps of St.

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