Chicago is an ideal place to go and see music of all kinds. You might not realize this about The Windy City, but this is a place that is well-known for amazing music as well as incredible performers of all shapes and sizes. You can be entertained for days in Chicago without even breaking a sweat.
Events in Chicago can be hosted in so many places as well. From huge amphitheaters to cute and cozy little speakeasies, there is no shortage of places where you can enjoy live music in this amazing city. There are tons of things to do in Chicago, but you should put at least one live music event on your list of things to enjoy during your visit.
1. Riviera Theatre
There are many cool old theaters in Chicago, and many of them have been turned into concert venues these days. Some of them began their lives as movie theaters, as is the case with this venue. This is a place where you can see some of music’s biggest names with ease, and you will find that nearly every genre of music is presented here each month.
Plus, there is something so cool about walking under the old movie theater marquee as you step inside the lush, old-world beauty of the venue. There aren’t many places that look like this theater these days, and you should be sure to consider putting this venue on your list during your trip.
2. Chicago Theatre
If you love beautiful old theaters, then you will enjoy being able to head to this larger venue that still exudes old-school theater charm. Headliners like Nicki Minaj visit this location, and the unmistakable sign will bring you to the front doors with ease.
There are all kinds of musical events that are hosted here throughout the week, and you can even find a mix of offerings on some nights. You might be able to take in both a comedy show and also a musical show on the same evening if the right lineup is on the board.
3. Jay Pritzker Pavilion at Millennium Park
Big park venues are so popular in Chicago, and this is one of the best. You will find that summer is the right time to check out this location for musical enjoyment. This venue is tucked in close to downtown, which makes it a simple choice if you have other plans that are bringing you into the downtown area.
The skyline is the real star of the show here, and it is very visible as you enjoy whatever musical treat you have gotten tickets for.
4. Chop Shop
Chicago makes for strange blends of concepts, and the Chop Shop is one of the delightfully zany musical venues that you can track down in the city. You will find this 6,000 square-foot venue to offer you excellent musical offerings, and there is also a deli, restaurant, bar, and a real, actual butcher in residence in the space as well.
Being able to meet the needs of everyone can be tricky in large cities, but this unique venue manages to shoot the gap between many ideas and come out on top.
5. Subterranean
Located right by the Chop Shop, this lower-level bar that has two levels offers everything from DJs to burlesque. You will be treated to all kinds of indie offerings here as well, making this a fun melting pot meet-up for lovers of all kinds of cool musical mash-ups.
This location also offers lots of showcases for local talent, which can give you the chance to discover new and exciting artists who are just getting out there in the musical world.
6. City Winery
This is a 300-seat concert venue that is also a working winery! You can have all kinds of cool experiences here beyond just taking in a musical show. You will also be able to try any of the 400 wines that are sourced from all around the world, and you will find that there are musical offerings seven nights a week on average.
7. Fox Pointe
Fox Pointe is one of the biggest and most attractive outdoor musical venues in the Chicagoland area. With a calendar packed with concerts June through September and spooky fun and a regionally-known Trick or Treat for Halloween followed by a winter Holiday Fest, your whole family can enjoy music, performances, attractions and markets at Fox Pointe. Fox Pointe’s Cultural Celebration Day gathers music, food, education and arts from around the globe for one fabulous experience in June. Most events, including the Wednesday Night concerts, are free, but the Friday Night Lights series and national acts are ticketed. From seasonal offerings for the whole family, performances from the Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra or concerts with your favorite cover bands featuring country, soul, pop, blues and rock, you’ll find all of this and more at Fox Pointe each year.
This large venue is outdoor, but the restrooms are indoors and climate-controlled. There is a covered pavilion filled with picnic tables for enjoying the delicious concession stand and two full bards. Private events are welcome at Fox Pointe. Parking at Fox Pointe is always free.
Live Music is Everywhere in Chicago
The Windy City is known for so many things, but it really stands head and shoulders above the rest of the cities in the US when it comes to musical offerings. Not only are there so many cool places to enjoy live music, there are also so many kinds of musical talent represented here in this city. The Blues call Chicago home, but there are artists of all kinds who make a living in this large and busy city.
From outdoor venues and amphitheaters to charming little bars with just a few tables, you will find a huge array of different live music venues around the city. You might have to struggle to decide between too many good options during your visit to this huge and very cool city. Make sure that you explore all of the different kinds of music that you can get access to in Chicago before you plan out the rest of your trip. You don’t want to miss out on memorable concerts and live music opportunities that you cannot enjoy anywhere else in the world!
