With warmer weather, there is more happening outdoors in Chicagoland. This summer, families can enjoy making crafts, watching movies and catching a concert at the parks in their area.
Make sure to pack some snacks and a blanket or chair and hit the park early for a great spot to hear some tunes.
Looking for more things to do with kids in Chicagoland? Check out our summer family guide!
Note: Some events are free, while others require a fee for parking or admission. Call ahead to be sure.
This story was updated on June 22, 2024 by Chicago Parent’s Audience Development Coordinator, Kari Zaffarano. Her research included fact checking the 2024 dates for music in the park events and adding them to Chicago Parent’s events calendar. Questions? Email her at kari@chicagoparent.com.
Music in the Park events in Chicago
Broadway in your Backyard
June 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25, 27; July 2, 9, 11, 16; Aug. 6, 2024
- Address: Various Chicago Park Districts
- Cost: Free
Join Porchlight Music Theatre at various Chicago Park Districts for a free summer series that will feature hits from the Broadway songbook.
Wednesdays in the Woods: Children’s Concerts at Winnetka Park District
June 19-Aug. 7, 2024 (Wednesdays)
- Address: 540 Hibbard Road, Winnetka
- Cost: Free
Pack a picnic lunch, play in the splash pad at the park and enjoy a free, interactive children’s concert. Pre-registration recommended.
Millennium Park Summer Music Series at Jay Pritzker Pavilion
July 1-Aug. 8, 2024 (Mondays and Thursdays)
- Address: 201 E. Randolph St., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Bring a blanket, picnic and enjoy a night of music at Millennium Park’s Jay Pritzker Pavillion, happening Mondays and Thursdays.
Live on The Lake! at Navy Pier Beer Garden
Through Sept. 2, 2024 (Weekends)
- Address: 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Enjoy free live music every weekend in the Navy Pier Beer Garden, featuring Chicago’s best bands and regional and national acts. View the 2024 summer schedule.
Old Town School of Folk Music Happy Hour at Gallagher Way
Through Sept. 24, 2024 (Select dates)
- Address: 3635 N. Clark St., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Enjoy a summer concert featuring rock, pop and folk music, free dance lessons and other interactive music experiences. For all ages.
Music in the Park events in the North/Northwestern Suburbs
Kids Concert Series at Ravinia Festival
Through Sept. 14, 2024 (Select dates)
- Address: 201 Ravinia Park Road, Highland Park
- Cost: Tickets start at $15, varies by performance
Laurie Berkner, Dan Brown’s Wild Symphony and Joffrey Ballet are some of the performances featured in the Kids Concert Series.
Kids Concert Series in Arlington Heights
Through July 30, 2024 (Select dates)
- Address: 307 N. Evergreen Ave., Arlington Heights
- Cost: Free
Enjoy a kid-friendly concert at North School Park featuring Ben Tater and the Tater Tots, Jeanie B and Nanny Nikki.
Rockin’ in the Park at Parkway Bank Park
Through Aug. 30, 2024
- Address: 5501 Park Place, Rosemont
- Cost: Free
Check out a summer concert series at Parkway Bank Park every Thursday and select Friday evenings. All Thursday night concerts will feature a musical fireworks display.
Music in the Park events in the South Suburbs
Evergreen Park Recreation Department’s Summer Concerts
June 9, 23; July 14; Aug. 2, 11, 2024; 5 p.m. Sept. 2, 2024
- Address: Klein Park, 9700 S. Homan Ave., Evergreen Park; James J. Sexton Park, S. Rockwell St., Evergreen Park
- Cost: Free
Families can come out to Klein Park and James J. Sexton Park on select summer nights for a concert in the park event. June 9 is The StingRays, June 23 is Coax & Folks, July 14 is The Neverly Brothers, Aug. 2 is The Smiley Tillmon Band, Aug. 11 is Rick Lindy & The Wild Ones and Sept. 2 is The City Lights Orchestra.
Concerts on the Green at Breidert Green
June 16-Aug. 28, 2024
- Address: Kansas & White St., Downtown Frankfort
- Cost: Free
Bring a lawn chair or blanket to Breidert Green for their summer concert series on Sunday evenings. Hear genres such as rock, jazz, swing, country and more.
Summer Concert Series at the Village Green
June 23; July 14, 21; Aug. 4, 18, 2024
- Address: 9446 Raymond Ave., Oak Lawn
- Cost: Free
Gather at the Village Green for good music and fun with the whole family. June 23 is Los Tamales Jazz Band. July 14 is Roundhousers. July 21 is Serenity Now!. Aug. 4 is Coax and Folk. Aug. 18 is Strung Out.
Thursday in the Park Concert & Movie Series at The Band Shell
Through July 25, 2024 (Select dates)
- Address: 8125 W. 171st St., Tinley Park
- Cost: Free
Head to The Head Shell to enjoy a Thursday movie of live music and movies this summer.
Music in the Park Events in the Western Suburbs
Summer Concert Series in Fishel Park
Sept. 2, 2024 (Select dates)
- Address: 1047 Curtiss St., Downers Grove
- Cost: Free
Families can come out to Fishel Park on Tuesday evenings for concerts that will feature rock, country, blues and oldies.
Cantigny Summer Concert Series
Through Sept. 2, 2024 (Select dates)
- Address: 1 S. 151 Winfield Road, Wheaton
- Cost: $20/car
Families can enjoy an outdoor concert, which features lawn seating. Bring your own chairs, blankets and picnics.
Concerts in Your Park in Naperville
Through July 30, 2024
- Address: Various parks in Naperville
- Cost: Free
Families can enjoy a Sunday evening live concert in the park. Each concert is held in a different neighborhood.
Lunchtime Live in Warrenville
Through Aug. 8, 2024
- Address: 4S150 River Road, Warrenville
- Cost: Free
Pack a lunch and join Cerny Park for a lunchtime kids concert with performers like Mr. Dave, ScribbleMonster and more.
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