Children playing with bubbles at an outdoor summer concert in a park, surrounded by families enjoying the event.

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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    Navy Pier

    Live on the Lake! Navy Pier

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    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
    pdop.org

    Park District of Oak Park - Summer Concerts

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    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, IL
    chicagobotanic.org

    Chicago Botanic Garden - Music on the Esplanade

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    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
    DeKalb Park District

    DeKalb Park District The Sounds of Summer

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    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, IL

    Independence Grove Concerts in the Plaza

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    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, IL
    dgparks.org

    Downers Grove Park District Summer Concert Series

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

    Downers Grove, IL
    napervilleparks.org

    Children's Lunch Hour Entertainment by Naperville Park District

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    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, IL
    mortonarb.org

    Morton Arboretum - Arbor Evenings

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    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
    stcparks.org

    St. Charles Summer Concerts

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    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, IL

    Burr Ridge Concerts on the Green

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

    Burr Ridge, IL

    Summer Sounds on the Green - Hoffman Estates

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    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, IL
    rosemont.com

    Rockin’ in the Park at Parkway Bank Park

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    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, IL

    Summer Sounds on the Green in Hoffman Estates

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    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, IL

    Village of Arlington Heights' Sounds of Summer Concerts

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

    Arlington Heights, IL
    villageoflombard.org

    Lombard's Cruise Nights and Summer Concert Series

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    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. 

    Lombard, IL

Primary photo:   Courtesy of Ravinia Festival

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