The restrictions are gone. The festivals are back. And Chicago’s music festival scene is more robust than ever. What a blessing it is to live in a city like this, where every music genre imaginable will have some sort of presence during the summer. Many local and beloved music acts will make appearances, while some of the biggest national and international artists and bands will make headlining stops throughout the city. Dive into our list of some of the best of the bunch this year.
Originally hailing from Oak Park, Jackson is a folk and country phenom taking the indie music world by storm. Earlier this spring, she released “Why Does the Earth Give Us People to Love?”, her 13-track debut album traversing the emotional landscape of lingering grief. A former National Youth Poet Laureate, Jackson’s deft songwriting skills are a perfect complement to lush arrangements and emotive melodies. Here, she opens for Los Angeles-based artist Jess Williamson for a two-night set of performances at the Judson & Moore Distillery. 8 p.m. at Judson & Moore Distillery, 3057 N. Rockwell St., Building 5; tickets $25-$27 (21+) at eventbrite.com
Older millennials and Gen Xers may be shocked to learn it’s been 20 years since the Yeah Yeah Yeahs released their revolutionary debut album, “Fever to Tell.” But the band has made sure to remind fans with their latest tour, which kicked off this month. Celebrate more than two decades of this iconic New York City indie rock band as they play their hits as well as selections from their latest release, 2022′s Grammy Award-nominated “Cool it Down.” Set to hit the stage at Huntington Bank Pavilion, this show is sure to scratch the itch of those interested in a rowdy outdoor experience without the packed confines of a music festival. 8 p.m. at Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island, 1300 S. Linn White Dr.; tickets $29-$89 at livenation.com
Although Stuck is a relatively new local band, they’ve amassed an impressive array of local and international press in praise of their two previous releases, 2020′s “Change Is Bad” and 2021′s “Content That Makes You Feel Good.” This should come as no surprise for anyone who has spent time listening to the group’s one-of-a-kind brand of unnerving, yet compelling post-punk music. And the group turns the energy up a notch on their new album, “Freak Frequency.” Their early single “The Punisher” is a prickling, propulsive throwback sure to please finicky music fans. This show celebrates the release of “Freak Frequency.” 9 p.m. at Sleeping Village, 3734 W. Belmont Ave.; tickets $14 (21+) at sleeping-village.com
Street festivals are not only great and free (or low-cost) ways to spend time in the city, they’re also often excellent opportunities to check out local acts before they make major strides outside of the city. And this year’s Do Division Street Fest is no exception. We’re particularly excited to see OK Cool, the super young but super talented duo, perform an early afternoon set. Fresh off the success of their latest eight-song collection of music, “fawn,” band members Bridget Stiebris and Haley Blomquist are sure to impress audiences with their fresh brand of short and sweet experimental rock. 3:45 p.m. at Do Division Street Fest, West/Leavitt Stage; free, $10 suggested donation, more information at westtownchamber.org/do-division
Few Chicago acts have made the city proud quite like Fall Out Boy. And the perennial pop-punk group returns for one of their biggest local shows ever, this time at Wrigley Field. Besides the decades of nostalgia, the group is also celebrating the critical and commercial success of their latest album, “So Much (for) Stardust.” Released earlier this spring, the record is a smart, authentic return to the sound and form that made them such a success in the first place. 6:15 p.m. at Wrigley Field, 1060 W. Addison St.; tickets $49-$210 at mlb.com
Speaking of nostalgia, there is perhaps no better lineup than this summer’s “Hot Summer Nights.” Fans of ‘90s pop-leaning R&B will get a kick out of this lineup, which features one-hit wonders like Shaggy and Sean Kingston. But the real stars of the evening are two of the most successful girl groups of the decade: TLC and En Vogue. While each group’s music diverged in sound (with TLC leaning more hip-hop influence, compared with En Vogue’s throwback multipart harmonies), they both proved to be formidable forces in helping to define one the most beloved decades for music. This show should prove to be a good time for sentimental millennials looking for a sweet trip down memory lane. 7 p.m. at Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre, 19100 Ridgeland Ave., Tinley Park; tickets $25-$125; livenation.com
Blending reverb-laden guitars with charming, memorable melodies has elevated Japanese Breakfast from a strong, emerging band to a formidable force on the indie music scene. Nothing underlines this point as much as the group’s two-night set of shows at the recently opened and eclectic Salt Shed music venue. While night one may be sold out, night two still features a number of tickets at various price points for fans old and new to bask in the beauty and heartbreak of the group’s last critically acclaimed record, “Jubilee.” 8 p.m. at The Salt Shed, 1357 N. Elston Ave.; tickets $55-$95; ticketmaster.com
The Millennium Park Summer Music Series has, for years, proven to be a successful and accessible venue for discovering and rediscovering a mix of local and national musicians, and this year’s festival lineup is no exception. We’re particularly excited about this show supported by queer party collectives Slo’ Mo & Futurehood. Slo’ Mo fans who may miss out on capturing tickets for the ever-popular dance party get a chance to replicate the vibes at this free event. But the evening’s biggest draw is Big Freedia, who continues to garner fans both big (Beyoncé) and small for her brash brand of rap. Featuring performances and DJ sets by fan-favorite local acts like Mister Wallace & Friends as well as Slo’ Mo resident VITIGRRL, the evening is sure to please dance music fans from start to finish. 6:30 p.m. at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, 201 E. Randolph St.; free, more information at chicago.gov
It’s hard to know how long Madonna will continue performing (though she’s certainly not shy about trying to stay in the spotlight), so longtime fans should probably make a point of checking out this local show. Unlike her most recent local performance, which took place nearly four years ago and focused on her love of Portugal and her latest album, “Madame X,” this new performance is a two-night ode to Madge’s storied career, and the first night is already sold-out. Expect an abundance of classic tunes spanning five decades of music during this evening, affectionately dubbed “The Celebration Tour.” 8:30 p.m. at United Center, 1901 W. Madison St.; tickets $102-$560 at ticketmaster.com
It’s hard to believe it’s been 10 years since local phenom Chance the Rapper dropped his breakthrough mixtape “Acid Rap.” Since then, the beloved local hero has gone on to find mainstream success, garnering multiple Grammy Awards for his critically acclaimed third mixtape, “Coloring Book.” But “Acid Rap,” which seamlessly blended hip-hop with elements of jazz and spoke frankly about the transition into adulthood, is the centerpiece of this latest local show. Longtime fans of the musician should not miss this special and rare local set. Saba, an incredible artist in his own right, opens. 8 p.m. at United Center, 1901 W. Madison St.; tickets $125-$195 at ticketmaster.com
[ 88 concerts for summer: Taylor Swift to Drake, this is a huge year for live music ]
[ 20 Chicago festivals for 2023: Pitchfork to Pride, outdoor movies to Summer Smash, we have the list ]
Britt Julious is a freelance critic.
