Free July Music Festivals

Photo courtesy of Live on the Lake

The joy of Summertime Chi is just heating up as the season gears up with festivals, block parties and outdoor events. One of the best ways to enjoy summer in Chicago is by dancing to free outdoor music fests. Check out the exciting line-up for the rest of the month.

One of the city’s most beloved music events is the cutting-edge Wicker Park Fest on July 26-28, 2024. Music lovers from across the country head to this trendy neighborhood to hear a diverse offering of sounds.

Wicker Park Fest’s music calendar is curated by the popular Subterranean Lounge and this year’s musicians include Chicago’s own Jamila Woods, Seattle rock band La Luz and a special “The Home of House” program in honor of the genre’s 40th anniversary.

For a taste of Latin American rhythms, head to Fiesta del Sol on July 25-28, 2024. This iconic festival in the Pilsen neighborhood provides an impressive array of genres, including cumbia, banda, mariachi and a special House of Sol DJ line-up.

Photo courtesy of Navy Pier

For an old-school good time, complete with 90s music, drop by the Summer Block Party at Navy Pier on July 31, 2024. Groove to your favorite tunes from back in the day or test your knowledge at the interactive 90s music trivia wall.

The block party also features an artisan market, 90s-themed hip-hop dance performances and workshops and double dutch and hula hoop areas.

Relax on the grass at the Millennium Park Summer Music Series on Mondays and Thursdays through August 8, 2024. The series provides a chance to hear music from all over the world, including British pop star Corinne Bailey Rae and Jamaican dancehall DJ Protoje.

Don’t miss the special 20th anniversary of Millenium Park concerts including Grammy-winning MC Common and R&B singer Syleena Johnson on July 20-21, 2024.

Photo courtesy of Grant Park

Drop by the classic Chicago summer event, the Grant Park Music Festival, through August 17, 2024. Enjoy classical melodies as well as Broadway tunes and movie soundtracks at this weekly offering.

The festival also hosts Night Out in the Parks in neighborhoods across the city.

Absorb the beauty of the lake as well as live bands every weekend at the Live on the Lake summer concert series at Navy Pier, through September 29, 2024.

Grab a beer at the beer garden and get ready to dance the day and night away.