Chicago’s music festival scene is a lively mix of culture, energy, and unforgettable experiences. Every year, massive events like Lollapalooza draw crowds of over 115,000 daily, contributing more than $330 million annually to the city’s economy.
The Sueños Music Festival has also grown rapidly, attracting 130,000 attendees in 2024 and boosting the local economy by $243.7 million. Beyond these major festivals, Chicago hosts iconic events like the Chicago Blues Festival, Chicago Jazz Festival, and the Taste of Chicago, each adding its own unique flavor to the city’s rich musical industry.
Here’s everything you need to know about dates, venues, lineups, and ticket prices for 2025!
Top Music Festivals In Chicago 2025
Chicago’s reputation as a music festival hotspot continues to grow in 2025, with an incredible lineup of events spanning various genres and venues.
Here’s a quick view of the major festivals coming to your city this year:
| Music Festival | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Sueños Music Festival | May 24-25, 2025 | Grant Park |
| Beyond Wonderland Chicago | June 7-8, 2025 | Huntington Bank Pavilion |
| Summer Smash Festival | June 20-22, 2025 | Seat Geek Stadium |
| NASCAR Chicago Street Race | July 5-6, 2025 | Grant Park |
| Windy City Smokeout | July 10-13, 2025 | United Center |
| Square Roots Festival | July 11-13, 2025 | Lincoln Square |
| Lollapalooza | July 31 – August 3, 2025 | Grant Park |
| ARC Music Festival | August 29- 31, 2025 | Union Park |
| North Coast Music Festival | August 29-31, 2025 | SeatGeek Stadium |
| Riot Fest | September 19-21, 2025 | Douglass Park |
| Festival of Wood and Barrel-Aged Beer | November 7-8, 2025 | Credit Union 1 |
These festivals are perfect for making your summer weekends memorable, as each offers its own unique atmosphere and musical experience.
Let’s look into the details of what you can expect at each event.
1. Sueños Music Festival (May 24-25, 2025)
| Dates | Saturday, May 24- Sunday, May 25, 2025 |
| Venue | Grant Park, Chicago, IL |
| Expected Headliners | Shakira, Peso Pluma, and Don Omar |
| Ticket Price | Starting at $199 for single-day passes |
Sueños has quickly become one of Chicago’s most anticipated festivals, celebrating Latin music and culture in the heart of downtown.
Featuring artists like Shakira, Peso Pluma, and Don Omar, you can enjoy multiple bars, top-tier local food vendors, immersive experiences, art installations, a Ferris wheel, and a merch store.
Tickets Details:
1-Day Passes:
- General Admission (GA): Starting at $199. Includes access to live performances, bars, food vendors, art installations, a Ferris wheel, a glam station, and more.
- GA+: Starting at $279. Offers all GA benefits plus a dedicated entrance, exclusive area, and dedicated bathrooms.
- El Sueño: Starting at $999. Provides all GA+ perks along with a complimentary full-service bar and food, access to an exclusive lounge, upfront stage viewing, premium air-conditioned bathrooms, and unlimited access to all GA, GA+, and VIP areas.
2-Day Passes:
- General Admission (GA): Starting at $320. Includes access to live performances, bars, food vendors, art installations, a Ferris wheel, a glam station, and more over both days.
- GA+: Starting at $400. Offers all GA benefits plus a dedicated entrance, exclusive area, and dedicated bathrooms for both days.
- VIP: Starting at $560. Includes all GA+ perks with additional exclusive amenities.
- El Sueño: Starting at $999. Provides all GA+ perks along with complimentary full-service bar and food, access to an exclusive lounge, upfront stage viewing, premium air-conditioned bathrooms, and unlimited access to all GA, GA+, and VIP areas for both days.
2. Beyond Wonderland Chicago (June 7-8, 2025)
| Dates | Saturday, June 7- Sunday, June 8, 2024 |
| Venue | Huntington Bank Pavilion, 1300 S Linn White Dr, Chicago |
| Expected Headliners | Afrojack, Illenium, Subtronics, Marshmello, |
| Ticket Price | Starting at $119 |
Beyond Wonderland Chicago 2025 offers a journey through various electronic music genres, including house, techno, bass, and trance.
The festival features artists like some amazing lineups such as Afrojack, Illenium, Subtronics, Marshmello, and more.
The festival is renowned for its immersive Alice in Wonderland-themed experience, featuring cutting-edge stage production and interactive art installations.
Ticket Details:
- 2-Day GA Pass: $219.98 ($179.99 + $39.99 fees)
Access to all festival areas for both days, with free water refill stations, food and beverage options, and bar access. - Saturday GA Pass: $119.98 ($99.99 + $19.99 fees)
Access to all festival areas on Saturday, including water refill stations, food, and bar access. - Sunday GA Pass: $119.98 ($99.99 + $19.99 fees)
Access to all festival areas on Sunday, with free water refill stations, food options, and bar access. - 2-Day GA+ Pass: $259.98 ($219.99 + $39.99 fees)
Includes all GA benefits plus expedited entry and access to premium, air-conditioned restrooms. - 2-Day VIP Pass: $339.98 ($289.99 + $49.99 fees)
All GA+ perks with exclusive VIP food and beverage options and a dedicated VIP viewing area
3. Summer Smash Festival (June 20-22,2025)
| Dates | Friday, June 20 to Sunday, June 22, 2025 |
| Venue | Seat Geek Stadium, Chicago, IL |
| Expected Headliners | Not yet announced |
| Ticket Price | Starting at $332 for 3 days |
The Summer Smash Festival is one of the leading hip-hop music festivals, held annually at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Illinois.
Known for its vibrant atmosphere, the festival previously featured a stellar lineup of top hip-hop artists, emerging talent, and dynamic performances across multiple stages.
Ticket Details:
- 3-Day General Admission (Blind Presale): This presale offers discounted early access before the lineup announcement.
- 3-Day General Admission: From $332.17 offering full access to all performances and general festival areas for the entire event.
- There are no 1-Day GA available as of now.
- 3-Day Parking tickets: For $101.06
4. NASCAR Chicago Street Race (July 5-6, 2025)
| Dates | Saturday, July 5- Sunday, July 6, 2025 |
| Venue | Grant Park, Chicago, IL |
| Expected Headliners | Zac Brown Band |
| Ticket Price | Starting at $99 |
The NASCAR Chicago Street Race offers a unique blend of high-speed racing and live music in Chicago. The event features the NASCAR Cup Series and Xfinity Series races on a 12-turn, 2.2-mile street circuit, providing fans with an exciting urban racing experience.
A weekend highlight is a performance by the multi-platinum GRAMMY Award-winning Zac Brown Band on Saturday evening as part of the Busch Light Summer Music Series.
Ticket Details:
- Grounds Pass: Starting at $99, this pass includes standing-room-only trackside viewing, access to interactive displays, the NASCAR Kids Zone, driver appearances, merchandise shops, and various food and beverage options. Notably, children 12 and under can attend for free with a ticketed adult.
- Reserved Seating: Starting at $199, these tickets offer reserved bench seating with views of specific track sections, such as Michigan (Turns 9, 10, 11), Turn 8 (Turns 8 & 9), and Congress (Turns 9 & 10).
- Frontstretch Premier Reserved: Starting at $350, this option provides weekend reserved chair seats near the start/finish line, offering views of the front stretch and pit road.
- Premium Clubs: These hospitality packages include reserved seating and complimentary food and beverages, offering an elevated race-day experience.
5. Windy City Smokeout (July 10-13, 2025)
| Dates | Thursday, July 10 to Sunday, July 13, 2025 |
| Venue | United Center, Parking Lot C: 1901 W. Madison St., Chicago, Illinois 60612. |
| Expected Headliners | Bailey Zimmerman, Old Dominion, Kane Brown, and Jon Pardi |
| Ticket Price | Starting at $54 |
The Windy City Smokeout is an annual celebration of country music and barbecue in Chicago, IL.
The festival features top country artists such as Bailey Zimmerman, Old Dominion, Kane Brown, and Jon Pardi, alongside emerging talents like Megan Moroney and Riley Green. As one of the Top 10 Country Music Festivals in the U.S., this Windy City event is a must-visit for any country music fan.
Ticket Details:
- 4-Day General Admission: Priced at $219.95 plus a $49.43 fee, this pass grants access to all live performances, diverse BBQ vendors, multiple bars and concessions, and allows in-and-out privileges throughout the festival.
- 4-Day General Admission + BBQ Brunch: For $279.95 plus a $60.85 fee, enjoy all general admission benefits plus entry to the Sunday BBQ Brunch, featuring a pitmaster buffet, bacon bar, mimosas, and a Bloody Mary bar.
- Single-Day General Admission: Tickets range from $54.95 to $79.95, depending on the day, each with an additional fee between $22.42 and $26.00. These provide access to daily live performances, BBQ vendors, bars, and concessions.
- Sunday General Admission + BBQ Brunch: At $119.95 plus a $34.57 fee, this ticket offers Sunday general admission benefits along with the exclusive BBQ Brunch experience.
6. Square Roots Festival (July 11-13,2025)
| Dates | Friday, July 11 to Sunday, July 13, 2025 |
| Venue | Lincoln Square, Chicago, IL |
| Expected Headliners | Yet to be announced |
| Ticket Price | Operates on a donation basis |
The Square Roots Festival is an annual celebration held in Chicago that has a diverse lineup of live music, family-friendly activities, local cuisine, and an extensive craft beer selection.
The 2024 festival featured artists such as X, The New Pornographers, The Big Star Quintet, The Nude Party, Jon Spencer, Lydia Loveless, and Waco Brothers, among others. The 2025 lineup is yet to be announced but is expected to maintain the festival’s tradition of diverse musical offerings.
Ticket Details:
While specific ticket prices for the 2025 festival have not been released, the event traditionally operates on a suggested donation basis, with proceeds supporting the Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce and the Old Town School of Folk Music.
Specialties:
- Craft Beer: This festival is the centre for the largest craft beer showcased among Chicago street festivals, featuring numerous local breweries.
- Culinary Delights: You can taste a variety of dishes from local restaurants and food vendors, offering a taste of Chicago’s culinary spread.
- Kid Zone: A dedicated area for families, the Kid Zone offers activities such as crafts, games, and musical experiences, ensuring entertainment for children of all ages.
7. Lollapalooza (July 31 – August 3, 2025)
| Dates | Thursday, July 31 – Sunday, August 3, 2025 |
| Venue | Grant Park, Chicago, IL |
| Expected Headliners | The Cure, Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar, The Killers |
| Ticket Price | Starting at $149 for single-day passes |
When I attended Lollapalooza last year, I was blown away by the huge crowd at the event. Spanning 115 acres across eight stages, this four-day festival is Chicago’s largest music event, attracting over 400,000 attendees annually.
The festival offers an amazing mix of rock, pop, hip-hop, electronic, and alternative music. Beyond the music, you’ll find an impressive variety of food vendors, art installations, and brand activations that create a mini-city within Grant Park.
Tickets Details:
These are the various kinds of tickets, along with their pricing
- Single-Day Passes: $149-$185
- 4-Day General Admission: $385
- 4-Day GA+: $650 includes air-conditioned lounges and premium restrooms.
- 4-Day VIP: $1,800 with access to preferred viewing areas and exclusive lounges.
- 4-Day Platinum: $4,500 includes on-stage viewing, golf cart transportation.
8. ARC Music Festival (August 29- 31, 2025)
| Dates | Friday, 29 August to Sunday, 31 August, 2025 |
| Venue | Union Park1501 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60606 |
| Expected Headliners | Eric Prydz, Jamie xx, FISHER, John Summit, Amelie Lens |
| Ticket Price | Yet to be announced |
ARC Music Festival is Chicago’s premier house and techno event with diverse lineups featuring top-tier artists such as Eric Prydz, Jamie xx, FISHER, John Summit, Amelie Lens, and Skepta’s Más Tiempo project.
You can also look forward to unique back-to-back sets, including Cajmere b2b Carl Craig, Boys Noize b2b VTSS, Green Velvet b2b SkeptaMásTiempo, Skream b2b Hamdi, and Honey Dijon b2b Derrick Carter.
This year’s lineup is noted as the festival’s most ambitious and musically diverse to date.
Ticket Details:
Here are the types of tickets offered to choose from.
- 3-Day General Admission (ARChitect): Provides general entry to the festival for all three days, access to purchase tickets for all ARC After Dark events, and exclusive year-round invites via ARC+, including private presales and pop-up parties.
- 3-Day Global (VIP): Includes all General Admission benefits, plus expedited entry, access to the Global Lounge with premium air-conditioned restrooms, exclusive VIP food and beverage options (available for purchase), and dedicated VIP viewing areas at select stages.
- 3-Day Icon (VIP+): This includes all Global benefits, with additional perks such as access to the ICON Skydeck (tented) and Global Skydeck, all-inclusive private bars offering top-shelf selections and speciality cocktails, catered food from local restaurants, massage services, lockers, cell phone charging stations, an official ARC Festival merchandise package, and access to purchase tickets for all ARC After Dark events.
9. North Coast Music Festival (August 29-31, 2025)
| Dates | Friday, August 29 to Sunday, August 31, 2025 |
| Venue | SeatGeek Stadium,7000 S Harlem Ave, Bridgeview, IL 60455 |
| Expected Headliners | Marshmello, Madeon, The Chainsmokers |
| Ticket Price | Starting at $361 |
North Coast Music Festival celebrates its 15-year anniversary in 2025 at Chicago’s Union Park. Known for its vibrant blend of electronic, hip-hop, and indie music, this festival features big-name performances, immersive experiences, and a lively community atmosphere.
You can expect dynamic acts across multiple stages, including EDM heavyweights like Marshmello, Madeon, The Chainsmokers, and Zedd, as well as renowned hip-hop artists like Lil Uzi Vert and Travis Scott.
Ticket Details:
- 3-Day GA (Tier 4): $361 – Access to 7 stages, water stations, food courts, and festival merch. Includes a cloth wristband.
- 3-Day GA+ (Tier 4): $428.67 – All GA benefits plus air-conditioned restrooms, express entry, and a complimentary anniversary pin.
- 3-Day VIP (Tier 6): $619.63 – Includes VIP viewing areas, private bars, air-conditioned bathrooms, express entry, and a Ferris wheel ride.
- 3-Day VIP Platinum (21+): $1,361.35 – Includes VIP benefits plus all-you-can-eat and drink in Platinum Lounge, exclusive skybox viewing, and complimentary locker.
10. Riot Fest (September 19- 21,2025)
| Dates | Friday, September 19 to Sunday, September 21, 2025 |
| Venue | Douglass Park, Chicago, IL |
| Expected Headliners | Yet to be announced |
| Ticket Price | Starting from $259 |
Riot Fest is a multi-genre music festival featuring punk, rock, alternative, metal, and hip-hop. Expect performances from legendary and emerging artists.
The festival’s unique offerings include carnival rides, unique food vendors, and immersive art installations.
Ticket Details:
- 3-Day General Admission Presale: $259.98
- 3-Day VIP: $349.98, includes access to VIP lounge and exclusive amenities.
- 3-Day Deluxe Presale: $799.98, offering VIP plus deluxe viewing areas, bars, and snacks.
- 3-Day Deluxe+ Presale: $1,299.98, includes all Deluxe benefits plus luxury seating, catering, and concierge service.
- VIP ($299): Includes all GA perks, VIP lounge access, air-conditioned restrooms, unlimited re-entry, and exclusive vendors.
- Deluxe ($499): Includes all VIP benefits, plus access to dedicated viewing areas, open bar, and complimentary snacks.
- Deluxe+ ($799): Includes all Deluxe benefits, plus elevated stage views, luxury seating, concierge service, and daily catering.
11. Festival of Wood and Barrel-Aged Beer (November 07-08, 2025)
| Dates | Friday, 07 November and Saturday, 08 November, 2025 |
| Venue | Credit Union 1, 525 S Racine Ave, Chicago, IL |
| Expected Headliners | Not yet announced |
| Ticket Price | Starting from $85 (Sale of tickets starts from November 2025) |
The FOBAB Festival (Festival of Wood and Barrel-Aged Beers) celebrates innovative craft beer with a special focus on wood and barrel-aged brews. You can expect a diverse lineup of brewers offering experimental, unique flavors in a relaxed, fun environment.
The festival features tastings, seminars, and showcases of the best in the barrel-aged beer scene.
Ticket Details:
- GA tickets start from $85, and the sale starts in the month of November 2025.
- Ticket options include general admission and VIP access, with the VIP package offering early entry, exclusive tasting areas, and more.
- Prices and benefits vary; check the official site for the most up-to-date information.
Which Are The Must Attend Chicago Music Festivals?
These are some absolute must-attend events for any music lover. Each offers something truly special that you won’t find anywhere else.
- Lollapalooza: If you can only attend one festival, make it Lolla. The diversity of artists across 8 stages means you’ll discover new favorites while seeing mainstream headliners. The festival’s prime downtown location against Chicago’s skyline creates a magical atmosphere that’s hard to beat.
- Chicago Blues Festival: This free festival represents the soul of Chicago’s musical heritage. The authenticity of performances and their audience create a community feeling that’s increasingly rare at commercial festivals.
- Chicago Jazz Festival: The sophisticated ambiance and world-class performances make this free festival an incredible value. The Labor Day weekend timing provides a perfect end-of-summer celebration.
- Chicago House Music Festival: The diverse crowd creates a uniquely close atmosphere that brings love, unity, and respect. You can experience different generations dancing together, proving there’s no age bar for music lovers.
- Riot Fest: The rock spirit and carnival atmosphere make this festival unlike any other. The community feeling among music fans creates an accepting environment for everyone. Doing all this while riding a Ferris wheel is an experience you simply can’t enjoy elsewhere.
Must-See Concerts & Tours in Chicago
Chicago’s music scene is always buzzing, and 2025 is no exception! From legendary rock bands to chart-topping pop and hip-hop artists, the city is hosting some of the biggest concerts and tours of the year.
Here’s a look at the must-see performances that will make Chicago the ultimate destination for music lovers.
1. Rauw Alejandro’s Chicago Concert
Chicago’s music scene isn’t just about festivals—Rauw Alejandro is bringing his highly anticipated 2025 Tour to the United Center for two electrifying nights on May 9-10, 2025.
As the final stop on his Central US leg, this back-to-back concert promises an unforgettable experience packed with high-energy performances and Latin pop vibes. If you’re exploring the city’s incredible festival lineup, this is one show you won’t want to miss!
2. Halsey’s Chicago Concert
Chicago’s music scene gets even better with Halsey’s 2025 Tour, making a highly anticipated stop at the Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island on June 17, 2025.
Known for her powerful vocals and genre-blending sound, Halsey promises an unforgettable night by the waterfront. If you’re exploring the city’s top festivals and concerts, this is a must-see event for pop and alternative music fans!
3. Kendrick Lamar’s Chicago Concert
Chicago hip-hop fans, get ready! Kendrick Lamar is bringing his 2025 tour to Soldier Field on June 6, 2025.
Known for his powerful lyrics and high-energy performances, this show is set to be a must-see event. With Chicago’s music scene buzzing with festivals and concerts, Kendrick’s live performance is one you definitely won’t want to miss!
4. System Of A Down Live In Chicago
The System of a Down Tour 2025 is bringing two epic nights of rock to Soldier Field on August 31 & September 1, 2025.
This time, they’re co-headlining with Avenged Sevenfold, delivering a powerhouse show packed with legendary hits and high-energy performances. Kicking things off, Polyphia will set the stage with their signature instrumental sound. Don’t miss this must-see event for rock and metal fans!
5. BLACKPINK Live In Chicago
K-pop fans, mark your calendars! The BLACKPINK World Tour 2025 is stopping at Soldier Field on July 18, 2025, at 8:00 PM. With their electrifying performances and global hits, this concert promises an unforgettable night. If you’re a BLINK, this is your chance to see them live and experience their energy firsthand!
Tips To Attend Chicago Music Festivals
These are some hacks to enhance your experience further:
- Plan your transportation: Public transport is usually your best bet, particularly for festivals like Lollapalooza and Blues Fest. You’ll find Metro trains and CTA buses/trains get you closest to festival entrances without the parking hassles. If you must drive, book parking in advance through apps like SpotHero or ParkWhiz.
- Dress for unpredictable weather: Chicago’s weather can change a lot in a single day. Check the forecast and pack both sunscreen and a lightweight rain poncho. Comfortable, broken-in shoes are a must-have.
- Stay hydrated and pack snacks: Festival food can be expensive, and lines get long. I always bring an empty refillable water bottle (most festivals have filling stations) and energy-dense snacks that won’t melt in the heat, such as protein bars. This has saved me from being hungry many times.
- Create a schedule but remain flexible: Study the lineup and mark must-see acts, but be ready to change plans. Some of my most memorable festival moments have come from spontaneously discovering new artists when I wandered away from my original schedule.
- Protect your belongings: Unfortunately, pickpocketing happens at crowded events. I use a slim money belt under my clothes for valuables and keep my phone in a front pocket or crossbody bag that stays in front of my body, especially in dense crowds.
- Take necessary health precautions: Bring hand sanitizer, basic medications (pain relievers, allergy meds), and earplugs to protect your hearing.
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Conclusion: Lollapalooza Is The Best Chicago Festival To Be Held From July 31 – August 3, 2025
After exploring countless festivals across the country, it’s clear that Lollapalooza stands out as Chicago’s premier music event. With its impressive lineup featuring everything from chart-topping stars to underground sensations, combined with the breathtaking urban backdrop of Grant Park, it offers a festival experience like no other.
On the other hand, the NASCAR Chicago Street Race delivers a one-of-a-kind experience by blending the thrill of racing with live music, creating an exciting mix for fans of both.
Meanwhile, the Festival of Wood and Barrel-Aged Beer offers a unique opportunity to indulge in exceptional beer-tasting while enjoying fantastic music, making it a memorable experience for attendees.
With such diverse and dynamic events, it’s no wonder Chicago is a top destination for music festival enthusiasts seeking variety and excitement.
FAQs
Lollapalooza is undoubtedly Chicago’s largest music festival, spanning 115 acres in Grant Park and attracting more than 400,000 attendees across four days.
Lollapalooza is Chicago’s premier 4-day festival, running Thursday through Sunday (July 31 – August 3, 2025).
Chicago’s 2025 summer festival season includes Lollapalooza (July 31 – August 3), Pitchfork Music Festival (July 18-20), Spring Awakening (June 13-15), Chicago Blues Festival (June 6-8), Chicago House Music Festival (May 24-25), and Chicago Jazz Festival (August 29 – September 1).
Chicago’s annual music festival calendar typically includes Lollapalooza, Pitchfork Music Festival, Riot Fest, Chicago Blues Festival, Chicago Jazz Festival, Chicago House Music Festival, Spring Awakening, and North Coast Music Festival.
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