Kid-Friendly Outdoor Summer Concerts Around Chicago

Watch the sunset and unwind with live music on the Esplanade. Bring your own chairs, because the Garden has a limited supply. Picnicking is welcome during evening concerts, or stop by one of their dining locations to grab a bite and some drinks. 

6-7:30pm

 Concerts often feature local and national artists, cover bands, tributes, classical orchestra, and even dueling pianos.

This free event, which is hosted in several different locations in Naperville, features a variety of engaging performances that will delight kids and adults alike!

11:30am

Rockin’ in the Park at Parkway Bank Park is held every Thursday and select Fridays throughout the summer. Fireworks follow every show EXCEPT Friday night concerts! 

7pm

The Village of Arlington Heights' Sounds of Summer Concert series is held Thursdays, 7-8:30p.m.. June-August in Harmony Park!

7-8:30pm

This series offers a unique experience that brings classic and custom cars, live music, and Lombard’s local businesses together for a free and family-friendly summer event in Downtown Lombard. 

6-10pm

Unwind with family and friends on Wednesday evenings at The Morton Arboretum this summer. Bring your picnic spread from home or enjoy their rotating food trucks that will be onsite each week.

6-8pm

The Park District of Oak Park invites you to Scoville Park every Sunday for an outdoor concert featuring family-friendly music and entertainment.

6-7:30pm

The Starlight Concerts in the Park feature outdoor summer concerts at parks throughout Evanston. Some concerts will also include food trucks!

6-8pm

Create your ultimate summer evenings at Roaring Nights at Brookfield Zoo! Get ready to turn up the volume for unforgettable nights of live music, dancing, and good vibes. Grab your tickets, bring your crew, and enjoy this one-of-a-kind concert series while supporting animal care and conservation!

The Kids Concerts series extends Ravinia’s signature mix of genres and artists in kid-friendly environments, bringing the joy of music to thousands throughout the Chicago area.

The free concerts are held on Tuesday evenings and will feature rock, country, blues, and oldies.

7-8:30pm

Live on the Lake! is an outdoor live music series featuring Chicago’s best bands, along with regional and national acts, who will perform countless genres and styles of popular music every weekend. Bring your friends, enjoy the music, and enjoy the lakeside summer views.

4:30-9:45pm

Millennium Park Summer Music Series features a wide variety of music from established and emerging artists at the iconic Jay Pritzker Pavilion.

Make sure to bring a chair or blanket. Guests are encouraged to picnic on the lawn from one of the many nearby restaurants!

7pm

Enjoy free summer concerts for the whole family throughout some of DeKalb's most popular park sites! Free summer concerts include Kids’ Concerts in the Park on select Tuesdays from 10:30 – 11:15 am at the Hopkins Park Bandshell, as well as Tuesday evening concerts in Hopkins Park, and Music at the Mansion on Wednesday evenings at the historic and beautiful Ellwood House Museum.

ASDTA said:  Wednesdays at the Plaza is a free concert series at Millennium Plaza on Stolp Avenue.

5-8pm

Pack blankets, chairs, and a picnic and nab a spot on the large lawn at the Village Green and enjoy some great live music. Concessions are available for purchase if you don't feel like bringing your own food!

7-9pm

Enjoy a variety of bands, including tribute bands. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, coolers, and food for a relaxing, enjoyable night out.

7-8:30pm

Summer Sounds on the Green brings great music to the Village Green across the street from the NOW Arena on select Thursdays during the summer months. The music varies from rock, pop, soul, big band, country, and more! The venue provides a Ravinia-like experience with a large lawn area with plenty of space for concert-goers to set up foldable chairs and picnic areas. 

7pm

Enjoy different genres of music from reggae to country to Beatles tribute bands. Bring blankets/lawn chairs, and food. You can even reserve a pontoon for prime viewing!

7pm