6 Summer Concerts in Chicago You Can’t Miss

There’s no better place than Chicago to experience live music this summer. With an abundance of iconic venues and artists, there are dozens of notable concerts taking place in the city every month of the summer. To help you on your search, we’ve chosen six concerts taking place in the Windy City that you can’t miss.

Lyrical Lemonade

The Lyrical Lemonade Summer Smash festival is a three-day event taking place at Douglass Park on the 17th, 18th, and 19th of June. With headliners such as Post Malone and Playboi Carti, the festival is one of the premier hip-hop oriented events in the entire country. Tickets will grant you access to 60+ performances.

A general admission three-day pass can be purchased for $275, while a V.I.P. ticket is $449. Paying the extra amount will grant you access to express entry, improved concert viewing, premium food options, and many other perks offered by Lyrical Lemonade. V.I.P. or not, Lyrical Lemonade Summer Smash is the perfect event for every hip-hop fan.

Dead & Company

For those who are more enthusiastic about rock than hip-hop, Dead & Company is playing in Chicago on June 24th and 25th. The performance will include three former members of the Grateful Dead and John Mayer. The band will perform at Wrigley Field and will be a summer concert you’ll never forget.

Ticket prices vary but start around $130. Head to Wrigley Field for a nostalgic experience of one of the country’s most iconic bands.

Zac Brown Band

Country fans won’t want to miss out on Zac Brown Band’s appearance at Wrigley Field on July 9th. Catch fan favorite songs such as “Chicken Fried,” “Knee Deep,” and “Homegrown.” Fans near the area can’t pass up on seeing one of the greatest live performing country bands.

Formed in 2000, the Atlanta-based group won Best New Artist at the Grammys in 2010, and has a myriad of hits you’ll enjoy at Wrigley Field. Country enthusiasts should make their way to Chicago in July for some of the best live music they’ll see.

Lollapalooza

With a wide array of artists and genres, Lollapalooza is one of America’s most iconic music festivals. This year’s event takes place over four days from July 28th to the 31st. Headliners in 2022 include J. Cole, Metallica, Green Day, Don Toliver, and dozens of other world famous artists. The festival first started in 1991 and has been held at Grant Park in Chicago every year since 2005.

Four-day general admission tickets start at $350. However, if you don’t want to spend that much, consider buying a single day ticket whenever the lineup looks most appealing. Check out the schedule and consider a one-day pass for $125. As a staple of Chicago’s summer music scene, everyone should consider going to Lollapalooza at least once.

Swedish House Mafia, August 13

For fans of house music, DJ supergroup Swedish House Mafia’s appearance in Chicago this August will be one you’ll always remember. Axwell, Steve Angello, and Sebastian Ingrosso make up three of the most talented artists in house music. Enjoy songs from their album “Paradise Again” released this April, along with older classics such as “Don’t You Worry Child.”

Tickets can be purchased online for an incredible night of house music at the United Center.

Kendrick Lamar

Coming off his long-awaited album release, Kendrick Lamar will stop in Chicago as part of The Big Steppers Tour on August 19th at the United Center. As one of the biggest names in modern hip-hop, Kendrick Lamar’s album tours provide some of the best concert experiences the genre has to offer.

The concert will also feature Baby Keem and Tarna Leone. Tickets are available now and more information can be found on the United Center’s website.

Planning your trip

Whether you’re looking for a big music festival or a more laid back concert experience, Chicago is the place to go. If you’re seeking an unforgettable concert in Chicago this summer, consider booking a room at a boutique hotel like Hotel EMC2, which is close to many of the city’s music venues. Now you’re ready to see exciting music festivals and concerts during your summer trip to Chicago.

Need a place to stay when visiting Chicago? Book your reservation here.