Summer isn't over yet and we're still enjoying those Sweet Sounds of Summer on the North Shore! Get spoiled listening to incredible music outdoors everywhere from festivals to concert settings to lakeside parks. Rock out surrounded by gorgeous views or enjoy a picnic serenaded by classical greats. A new folk music fest adds to a jam-packed schedule of soul, country, blues and jazz everywhere you look. Something for everyone!
Out of Space: Skokie
Out of Space: Skokie
July 26–28, 2024
North Field at Illinois Science & Technology Park, Skokie
The enormously popular Out of Space live music series kicks off in a new temporary location. Check out three nights of music with tons of charm across lush green grass prime for picnicking (or snag food and bevs from many favorite local businesses onsite). Tickets go fast for Courtney Barnett and Bob Mould (July 26), Thee Sacred Souls and St. Paul & the Broken Bones (July 27), and Guster and The Lone Bellow (July 28). Free parking and easy access to public transit and the Skokie Valley Trail for cyclists.
Ravinia Festival, Highland Park
Ravinia Festival
Various dates
Highland Park
A summer must-do, concerts with dining al fresco at Ravinia is one of the great pleasures of Chicago North Shore living. Along with 140+ jazz, hip hop, soul and rock performances, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra also enjoys its summer residency in this 36-acre park. Exciting headliners this season include Gipsy Kings featuring Nicolas Reyes (July 31), Indigo Girls and Melissa Etheridge (Aug. 11), and The Roots (Aug. 24). Bring a picnic or dine at one of the park restaurants like the reimagined Tree Top Lounge.
Music on the Esplanade, Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe
Music on the Esplanade
Various dates; Mondays and Wednesday, 6:00 pm–7:30 pm
Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe
Evening music performances at the Garden are fun for the whole family! Watch the sunset and unwind on the Esplanade with Lynne Jordan & The Shivers (R&B, blues, jazz) (July 24), Reunion Jazz Orchestra (Aug. 7), and Los Tangueros del Oeste (Nuevo Tango) (Aug. 14). Picnicking is welcome during these concerts or grab a bite and beer, wine and soft drinks from onsite restaurants. While the events are free, regular parking and admission fees apply for nonmembers. BYOC (bring your own chairs!).
Skokie Backlot Bash
Backlot Bash
Aug. 23–25, 2024
Downtown Skokie
Always free for the whole family, this joyous community party has it all from carnival rides, a bingo tent, the Backlot Dash 5K run, a “color fun run” for kids, and a tasty pancake breakfast (including a Bloody Mary/mimosa bar). Food and beer tents accentuate live music every night with Arrested Development, Funkadesi, Tonic, Woolworthy, Tributosauraus becomes The Kinks, Thrift Store Halo, and nearly a dozen more bands on two stages throughout the weekend. Check out the VIP packages for an extra special experience.
Evanston Folk Festival
Evanston Folk Fest
Sep. 7–8, 2024
Dawes Park, Evanston
The first-ever Evanston Folk Festival, produced by Evanston Space, takes place right on the beautiful lakefront. Join this celebration of the rich folk music tradition with so many roots in the local community. Headliners Patty Griffin and Sierra Ferrell top a roster of phenomenal acts. Aftershows feature Steve Earle, Rufus Wainwright, and Deer Tick with an In-Conversation Tent featuring speakers, panels, and interviews with the likes of Jeff Tweedy, Ann Powers, and more. Three musical stages feature 30+ artists and pop-up performances throughout the celebration.
Wednesdays on the Green, Skokie
Community Concert Series
Various dates, locations
Tunes ring out all over the area as music fills the air night after night. Bust a move at Fountain Square in Downtown Evanston on Thursday Nights for their Downtown Summer Sounds series, and don't miss the chance to shop handmade goods at the Thursday Night Market during the August 1 and September 11 concerts. The Sounds of Summer Concerts in Wilmette continue with kids’ concerts and bands like The Disco Circus at the Wallace Bowl on Gilson Beach. Evanston’s Starlight Concert Series hosts DJs, blues, brass and party bands in different parks around town. Local restaurants provide a food truck for these relaxing, no-fuss evenings. Get your Motown groove on along with Mariachis, Polynesian dancers and more at the Wheeling Park District Concert Series in the Heritage Park Pavilion. Celebrate Hump Day with Wednesdays on the Green in Skokie where you can dance it up with jubilant cover bands and wonderful entertainers.
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