Free Concerts and Music Festivals for Families in Summer 2025 in Chicago

Free Concerts in Chicago

Wiggleworms at Gallagher Way
Wrigleyville
Tuesdays through September 30
Kids and parents can enjoy music together with a different teaching artist each week at Gallagher Way near Wrigley Field. Performances include original music, movement, and bubbles! After each class, a movie will play on the big screen. Visit the website here.

Millennium Park Summer Music Series
Downtown
Mondays and Thursdays, June 26-August 7
The whole family can enjoy a free, world-class concert at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park! The music series features a wide variety of music from top local, national, and international artists. Visit the website here.

Grant Park Music Festival
Downtown
Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, June 11 through August 16
Chicagoans of all ages can enjoy the Grant Park Music Festival, a 10-week celebration featuring world-class classical music concerts and community engagement—a Chicago tradition for more than 80 years. Visit the website here.

Night Out in the Parks Summer Concerts
Chicago Parks
Though September
Chicago Park District invites families to explore many kinds of music through its Night Out in the Parks programs. Performers, including student musicians, kids' artists, cover bands, multicultural musicians and Broadway showcases will take over a different park almost every night this summer. Visit the website here.

Wave Wall Wax
Downtown
Saturdays, May 24-August 30
Dance the summer away at Navy Pier with performances from Chicago's top DJs and house musicians at the Wave Wall at Navy Pier. Each event is free and open to the public. Visit the website here.

North Center Summer Concert Series
North Center
Wednesdays, July 9-August 13
Bring a chair and get to know your neighbors at Northcenter Town Square this summer. Local bands, dancers and entertainers will take the stage. Visit the website here.

Skyline Sessions
Downtown
Thursdays and Fridays through August 29
Enjoy free concerts and views of the skyline at Navy Pier's Wave Wall this summer. Soloists and small ensembles from a variety of musical genres will play every Thursday and Friday throughout summer. Visit the website here.

Jazz in the Court
Hyde Park
Fridays, July 11, August 8, and September 5
The University of Chicago sponsors free outdoor jazz concerts on the first Friday of each month throughout the summer. Jeremiah Collier and the Re-Up Band on June 6, Bethany Pickens takes the stage on July 11, Dee Alexander entertains audiences on August 8, and Tim Gant Project performs on September 5. Visit the website here.

Harper Court Summer Music Series
Hyde Park
June 5, July 10, August 7, and September 4
Families can enjoy outdoor music at Harper Court in this collaboration between the University of Chicago and The Silver Room. Each concert features and opening act and a headliner including genres like steppin', house, bebop, hip hop, soul, and R&B. Visit the website here.

Tuesdays on the Terrace
Streeterville
Tuesdays, June 24-August 26
Museum of Contemporary Art showcases some of Chicago's favorite musiciansin a weekly concert on its terrace. This year’s series includes the jazz music always featured at MCA, along with other Chicago favorite genres like hip-hop, house, blues, bomba, and more. Visit the website here.

Free Music in Chicago's Western Suburbs
Oak Park Concerts in the Park
Oak Park
Sundays, June 8-August 24
The Park District of Oak Park hosts free summer concerts in Scoville Park from June 8- August 24. Guests are asked to remember to carry out anything they brought in and use appropriate trash and recycling cans. Visit the website here.

Wednesday Nights Live
Elmhurst
Wednesdays, June 4-August 27
There's a block party every week in Elmhurst City Centre with a stage set up for local bands to play at North York Plaza. Cover bands will play tributes to the John Mayer, Fleetwood Mac, Lady Gaga, Tom Petty, and more. Visit the website here.

Naperville Municipal Band Concerts
Naperville
Thursdays, June 5-August 14
Families can enjoy concerts with a different theme each week, as well as take part in a raffle or buy treats from a bake sale sponsored by local charities and organizations. Visit the website here.

Sounds of Summer Concert Series
Wood Dale
Fridays, July 11- August 15
The City of Wood Dale listens for the sounds of summer at this annual concert series in Community Square. Families can bring lawn chairs and picnic blankets and baskets to hear Chicago Tribute Anthology, GOOROO, Rocks Off, and more. Visit the website here.

Fishel Park Summer Concert Series
Downers Grove
Tuesdays through August 12
The Downers Grove Park District invites families to Fishel Park for outdoor music, dancing, and fun. Enjoy music from a different local cover band each week, as well as food and beverages available for purchase. Visit the website here.

Music at the Gazebo
The Gazebo at Spring Road, Elmhurst
June 12 and 26, July 10, 24 and 31, and August 7
Families can bring lawn chairs and blankets to listen to music throughout the evening at the Gazebo at Spring Road and the Prairie Path. A different local band is featured each week. Visit the website here.

Wheaton Municipal Band Concerts
Wheaton
Tuesdays, June 12-August 7
Families can enjoy themed concerts from the Wheaton Municipal Band each Thursday during the summer at Memorial Park. A different theme will be featured each week throughout the season. Visit the website here.

Jazz in the Park
Glen Ellyn
June 18, July 16, and August 20
Music lovers can enjoy some free, outdoor big band tunes at various parks throughout Glen Ellyn over the summer. The Glen Ellyn Jazz Ensemble will perform at Lake Ellyn on June 18, at Newton Park on July 16, and at Maryknoll Park on August 20. Families are welcome to bring a picnic blanket and/or lawn chairs and a picnic dinner. Visit the website here.

Concerts in Lilacia Park
Lombard
June 12, July 17, and August 14
Families can enjoy covers of music from grandma and grandpa's era and mom and dad's childhood through today's hits at concerts at Lilacia Park. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and a picnic snack. Visit the website here.

Villa Park Summer Concerts
Villa Park
Thursdays in August
A variety of local acts play music at the Cortesi Veterans Memorial Park in Villa Park hosted by the Kiwanis Club. Families can bring picnic blankets and lawn chairs and enjoy concessions such as hot dogs, hamburgers, brats, popcorn , and soft drinks for sale. Visit the website here.

Kiwanis Club Summer Concerts
Villa Park
Wednesdays in July
A variety of local acts play music at the Ruggard Gazebo near the Prairie Path in Villa Park hosted by the Kiwanis Club. Families can bring picnic blankets and lawn chairs and enjoy concessions such as hot dogs, hamburgers, brats, popcorn , and soft drinks for sale. Visit the website here.

Naperville Concerts in Your Park
Naperville
June 29, July 13, July 20, July 27
Family-friendly music plays at parks all around Naperville on Sunday nights throughout the summer. Families can bring lawn chairs and picnic blankets to enjoy music in a different park each week. Visit the website here.

Lunchtime Live!
Warrenville
June 12 and 26, July 10 and 24, August 7
Kids can enjoy live music in Cerny Park in Warrenville. Bring your own lunch and picnic blanket to see and hear a different children's artist each week. Visit the website here.

Roselle Summer Concert Series
Roselle
Second and Fourth Thursdays of June, July and August
Roselle Park District presents concerts showcasing several genres and eras of music each Thursday throughout the summer. Families can bring picnic blankets, lawn chairs and their dance moves to Main Street to join in the fun. Different eateries, breweries and wineries will feature their goods for sale each week. Visit the website here.

Free Music in Chicago's Northern Suburbs

Starlight Concerts in the Park
Evanston
Select Tuesdays, June 10-August 26
Evanston Park District and Lifeway Foods host six free concerts in the park during summer. Concerts take place in Tallmadge Park, Harbart Payne Park, Leah LoMar Park, Kamen Park West, Beck Park, and Independence Park. Visit the website here.

Bearfoot Summer Concerts
Glenview
Wednesdays, June 4-August 6
Glenview-Northbrook Kiwanis sponsors a series of ten concerts at Jackman Park throughout summer. Families should bring their own lawn chairs or picnic blankets to hear and see local musicians perform live. Glenview is hoping for a zero waste event, so please bring reusable containers and utensils for food. Visit the website here.

Bitter Jest Musical Festival
Highland Park
June 2,6,7, 9, 13,14, and 28
Each week, a different local band and food vendor will team up to entertain Highland Park families. The series finale will feature the best bands of the fest at Navy Pier on Labor Day weekend. Visit the website here.

Skokie Wednesdays on the Green
Skokie
Wednesdays, June 11-August 13
The Skokie Chamber of Commerce, Skokie Public Library, Skokie Park District, and Village of Skokie are teaming up to bring a series of concerts to north suburban residents on Wednesdays nights throughout the summer. Visit the website here.

Wilmette Sounds of Summer Concerts
Wilmette
Every other Tuesday, July 8- September 25
Grab your chairs and bring the family to this summer concerts. Wilmette Park District hosts summer concerts at Wallace Bowl every other Tuesday throughout July through September. Visit the website here.

Northbrook Tuesdays in the Park Summer Concert Series
Northbrook
Tuesdays, June 24-August 5
Celebrate summer on Northbrook's Village Green with free music each Tuesday throughout June, July, and the first half of August. Concerts include a children's band at 6:30 followed by a local cover band at 7:15. Visit the website here.

Rockin' in the Park in Rosemont
Rosemont
Thursdays through August 29
Listen to a different local band every Thursday and select holidays throughout the summer at Parkway Bank Park in Rosemont. Fireworks follow select shows. Visit the website here.

Wednesdays in the Woods Children's Concerts
Winnetka
Wednesdays, June 18-August 6
Visit Winnetka's Hubbard Woods Park for free music every Wednesday morning. Kids' performers encourage dancing, music and magic at these lunchtime jam sessions. Visit the website here.

Summer Family Concert at Hodges Park
Park Ridge
Fridays, June 20-August 15, except July 4
Rock, roll, pop, and punk your way through Friday evening concerts in Hodges Park in Park Ridge. A different artist will play each week. Visit the website here.

Free Music in the South and Southwest Suburbs of Chicago

Sunset Soiree Free Summer Concerts
Lemont
Thursdays, June 5-July 25, except July 4
The Park District of Lemont and the Village of Lemont present weekly concerts in the historic downtown Lemont area on select Thursdays in June and July. Acts include Serendipity Band, The Red Roses, and the Fortunate Sons. Visit the website here.

Concerts on the Village Green
Burr Ridge
Thursdays, June 5-July 31, except July 3
Families can bring their lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy concerts at Burr Ridge Village Center every Thursday night throughout June and July. Dinner is available for purchase from local vendors. Visit the website here.

Music in the Park—Village of Beecher
Beecher
June 7, July 3, August 16, September 6
South suburban residents can enjoy music from The All American Throwbacks, Southtown Soul and Groove, One of These Nights, and The Jukebox Heroes at Fireman's Park on select Saturdays throughout summer. Food and beverage vendors will be on hand. Visit the website here.

Evergreen Park Recreation Department Concerts in the Park
Evergreen Park
June 8 and 22, July 20, August 1 and 10, September 1
Visit Kleing Park for concerts from local cover bands like The StingRays, Coax & Folks, The Neverly Brothers, The Juke Shakers and Liam Durkin Trio. A bonus concert from The City Lights Orchestra takes place in James J. Sexton Park on September 1. Visit the website here.

Frankfort Concerts on the Green
Frankfort
Sundays, June 15-August 24
Country, rock, brass bands, pop, and jazz are all represented at this year's Frankfort Concerts on the Green. Bring your own blanket, chairs, picnic, friends, and family to join in on the fun every Sunday night at 6:30pm. Visit the website here.

Thursdays in the Park Concert and Movie Series Tinley Park
Tinley Park
July 17 and 31, and August 7
Alternating music and movies
Enjoy a concert or a movie every Thursday night this summer at the Band Shell on the east side of Bettehausen Recreation Center in Tinley Park. A concession stand will sell light refreshments. Visit the website here.

Oak Lawn Summer Concert Series
Oak Lawn
July 13 and 27, August 3 and 17
The Village of Oak Lawn and Oak Lawn Park District invite southwest suburban families to listen to family friendly music on the Village Green. All shows are free. Visit the website here.