Chicago’s summer music lineup is jam-packed with can’t-miss acts.
A proper summer spent in Chicago is not complete without a stop at Lollapalooza.
LOLLAPALOOZA
Chicagoans and visitors from around the world just couldn’t get enough of Lollapalooza—so a fourth day was added in 2016. The iconic fest taking over Grant Park each year always offers a stellar lineup across all nine stages, as well as some of the city’s best bites. This year, more than 170 acts including headliners Dua Lipa, Green Day and Machine Gun Kelly are on the roster. July 28-31, Grant Park
Pitchfork returns to Union Park for a weekend of stellar food and tunes.
PITCHFORK
Pitchfork is an annual tradition at Union Park. This year’s lineup ranges from The National on Friday to Japanese Breakfast on Saturday and The Roots on Sunday. There’s also no shortage of great cuisine from local vendors including Billy Goat Tavern and Chicago’s Dog House. Go just one day or all three—the choice is yours. July 15-17, Union Park
RAVINIA
With its first concerts held in 1904, Ravinia is the oldest outdoor music festival in North America—and it lasts all summer long. The venue offers the best chance to see a diverse selection of musicians in a space rooted in history. Some of the biggest names in music have performed here, and this summer, stars such as Common, Trombone Shorty, Why Don’t We and Sheryl Crow will take the stage. Through Sept. 18, 200 Ravinia Park Road, Highland Park
Black Pumas will perform at Sacred Rose Friday, Aug. 26.
SACRED ROSE
Making its debut this year, Sacred Rose Festival aims to be a groovy, psychedelic throwback inspired by ’60s counterculture and hippie spirit. Featuring acts across genres from Americana, psych-rock and indie to soul, funk and bluegrass, the lineup features Umphrey’s McGee and Black Pumas among others; Phil Lesh, a founding member of The Grateful Dead, will also be performing in his current band, Phil Lesh & Friends. The name Sacred Rose pays homage to The Grateful Dead, an inspiration to the festival’s creators, and festival founder Michael Berg’s pianist grandfather. Aug. 26-28, Seatgeek Stadium Campus, 7000 S. Harlem Ave., Bridgeview
THE SALT SHED
An exciting new venue joins the Chicago music scene this year with a series of summer shows at the Salt Shed. Any true Chicagoan has driven past the iconic building countless times and knows the Morton Salt shed’s logo, reading “When it rains it pours.” Now the space is transformed into a venue welcoming the likes of Jorja Smith, Mt. Joy, Courtney Barnett and Lake Street Dive with Madison Cunningham. In the future, the venue is slated to host local vendors, bars, markets and pop-ups in addition to the concerts. Aug. 2-Sept. 23, 1357 N. Elston Ave.
The Salt Shed
WINDY CITY SMOKEOUT
Known for its country music and out-of-this-world barbecue, the Windy City Smokeout is a guaranteed good time. Headliners this year include big names like Miranda Lambert, Willie Nelson and Family, Sam Hunt and Tim McGraw. Don’t miss the BBQ Brunch on Sunday, an enormous gathering for the love of the grill. Aug. 4-7, United Center parking lot, 1901 W. Madison St.
Photography by: FROM TOP: LOLLAPALOOZA PHOTO BY MICKEY PIERRE-LOUIS FOR LOLLAPALOOZA; PHOTO BY ALEXA VISCUS/COURTESY OF PITCHFORK; BLACK PUMAS PHOTO BY JODY DOMINGUE STUDIOS; PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAND
