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.


Click date(s) to narrow results
April Dropdown Icon
2025 Dropdown Icon
S M T W T F S
01 02 03 04 05
06 07 08 09 10 11 12
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
27 28 29 30
 
    stcparks.org

    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, IL
    mortonarb.org

    Morton 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
    dgparks.org

    Downers Grove Park District Summer Concert Series

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

    Erin P. said:  Enjoy cover bands, pop tributes, and many other Chicagoland favorite artists. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.

    Downers Grove, IL

    Summer 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, IL

    Village 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, IL
    pdop.org

    Park 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, IL
    cityofevanston.org

    Evanston'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, IL
    Courtesy of Ravinia Festival

    Ravinia Festival Kids Concerts

    The Kids Concerts series extends Ravinia’s signature mix of genres and artists in kid-friendly environments, bringing the joy of music to thousands throughout the Chicago area.

    Highland Park, IL
    villageoflombard.org

    Lombard's Cruise Nights and Summer Concert Series

    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
    City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events

    Millennium Park Summer Music Series

    Millennium Park Summer Music Series features a wide variety of music from established and emerging artists at the iconic Jay Pritzker Pavilion.

    Chicago, IL

Primary photo:   Courtesy of Ravinia Festival

Upparent collects community-submitted recommendations and reviews, and any ideas that are shared reflect the opinions of individual contributors.

View Map
10 places in this list