
Kid-Friendly Outdoor Summer Concerts Around Chicago
We're rounding up Chicago summer concerts and free outdoor music series to enjoy with your kids this year!
Check the calendar and map to find a fun family concert in Chicago or the suburbs to add to your summer bucket list. Many of these events encourage bringing your own lawn chairs and picnic food while you take in the fresh air and live entertainment.
Has your family gone to any of these summer concerts around Chicago? Add a review to share your tips with fellow parents.
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St. Charles Summer Concerts
Make sure to bring a chair or blanket. Guests are encouraged to picnic on the lawn from one of the many nearby restaurants!
St Charles, ILLive on the Lake! Navy Pier
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.
Chicago, IL
Rockin’ in the Park at Parkway Bank Park
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!
Rosemont, ILMorton Arboretum - Arbor Evenings
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.
Lisle, IL
Chicago Botanic Garden - Music on the Esplanade
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.
Glencoe, IL
Downers Grove Park District Summer Concert Series
The free concerts are held on Tuesday evenings and will feature rock, country, blues, and oldies.
Downers Grove, ILVillage of Arlington Heights' Sounds of Summer Concerts
The Village of Arlington Heights' Sounds of Summer Concert series is held Thursdays, 7-8:30p.m.. June-August in Harmony Park!
Arlington Heights, ILSummer Sounds on the Green in Hoffman Estates
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!
Hoffman Estates, ILBurr Ridge Concerts on the Green
Enjoy a variety of bands, including tribute bands. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, coolers, and food for a relaxing, enjoyable night out.
Burr Ridge, ILSummer Sounds on the Green - Hoffman Estates
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.
Hoffman Estates, ILPark District of Oak Park - Summer Concerts
The Park District of Oak Park invites you to Scoville Park every Sunday for an outdoor concert featuring family-friendly music and entertainment.
Oak Park, ILDeKalb Park District The Sounds of Summer
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.
Dekalb, ILIndependence Grove Concerts in the Plaza
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!
Libertyville, ILEvanston's Starlight Concerts in the Park
The Starlight Concerts in the Park feature outdoor summer concerts at parks throughout Evanston. Some concerts will also include food trucks!
Evanston, ILChildren's Lunch Hour Entertainment by Naperville Park District
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!
Naperville, ILPrimary photo: Courtesy of Ravinia Festival
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