25 Outdoor Concerts You Can Still Catch Before Summer Ends
CHICAGO – Summer may be winding down, but Chicago’s outdoor concert season is far from over. With Lollapalooza behind us and fall just around the corner, the city and its surrounding venues are brimming with open-air music events that still have tickets available. Whether you’re into indie, EDM, classic rock, or jazz, there’s something left for everyone under the late-summer sky.
Here are 25 outdoor concerts and festivals happening from now through mid-September — a perfect send-off to summer 2025.
Cyndi Lauper’s Farewell Tour – Aug. 5, Tinley Park
Catch the pop icon one last time as her “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Farewell Tour” hits Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre. A music legend with a Broadway résumé to match.
King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard – Aug. 6, Ravinia Festival
Joined by the Chicago Philharmonic, this psych-rock collective offers a visually and musically electric experience.
Rod Stewart – Aug. 8, Tinley Park
At 80, Stewart shows no signs of slowing. His “One Last Time Tour” follows a 2024 big band album release.
LatiNxt Festival – Aug. 9–10, Navy Pier
A free weekend celebration of contemporary Latin music on the lakefront — an annual Chicago favorite.
Goo Goo Dolls & Dashboard Confessional – Aug. 13, Northerly Island
A nostalgic “Summer Anthem Tour” featuring two fan-favorite alt-rock acts.
Nelly, Ja Rule, Eve, Chingy – Aug. 13, Tinley Park
The “Where The Party At Tour” brings a full lineup of hip-hop stars to Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre.
Billy Idol & Joan Jett – Aug. 14, Tinley Park
Rock legends reunite for the “It’s A Nice Day To … Tour Again”.
Indigo Girls & Melissa Etheridge – Aug. 17, Millennium Park
A special ticketed show at Jay Pritzker Pavilion, featuring solo sets and duets.
Chicago House Music Festival – Aug. 22–23, Millennium Park
A free multi-day tribute to Chicago’s own globally recognized genre.
John Legend – Aug. 23–24, Ravinia Festival
Celebrating 20 years of “Get Lifted,” the Grammy-winner headlines two nights at Ravinia.
Lil Wayne with Tyga – Aug. 24, Tinley Park
On the road again for “Tha Carter VI”, this set features new hits and Carter-era throwbacks.
Jonas Brothers – Aug. 26, Tinley Park
The rescheduled “JONAS20 Greetings From Your Hometown” tour stops in the suburbs, not Wrigley.
Neil Young & Chrome Hearts – Aug. 27, Northerly Island
After postponing his 2024 show, Young returns with new backing energy and old-school vibes.
Chris Brown – Aug. 28, Wrigley Field
The “Breezy Bowl XX Stadium World Tour” features support from Summer Walker and Bryson Tiller.
Chicago Jazz Festival – Aug. 28–31, Millennium Park
An all-star Labor Day lineup including Esperanza Spalding, Monty Alexander, and Eliades Ochoa.
My Chemical Romance – Aug. 29, Soldier Field
Expect full emotional overload as they play “The Black Parade” in its entirety.
North Coast Music Festival – Aug. 29–31, Bridgeview
An EDM extravaganza with ZEDD, deadmau5, Excision, and more at SeatGeek Stadium.
ARC Music Festival – Aug. 29–31, Union Park
Featuring techno and house powerhouses like Eric Prydz, Jamie xx, and John Summit.
System of a Down & Avenged Sevenfold – Aug. 31–Sept. 1, Soldier Field
A metal double bill you don’t want to miss.
Evanston Folk Festival – Sept. 6–7, Dawes Park
Highlights include Margo Price, Iron & Wine, and talks from artists like Rosanne Cash.
The Miracle in Mundelein – Sept. 6–7
A 21+ cannabis-friendly music fest featuring the Marley brothers and jam staples like Umphrey’s McGee.
Beach Bunny Pool Party Festival – Sept. 7, Salt Shed Fairgrounds
With acts like Soccer Mommy and Sidney Gish, it’s pure Gen-Z summer magic.
Waxahatchee – Sept. 9, Salt Shed Fairgrounds
Katie Crutchfield’s indie-rock project shares the stage with Jessica Pratt and Sharp Pins.
Pixies with Spoon & Fazerdaze – Sept. 15, Salt Shed
An alt-rock trifecta ready to shake the North Branch.
Riot Fest – Sept. 19–21, Douglass Park
A monster lineup: Blink-182, Weezer, Green Day, Jack White, Sex Pistols, Weird Al, and more.
Still planning your final summer soundtrack? Let us know which show you’re attending or which artist you’re most excited to see before fall arrives. Drop your thoughts in the comments at ChicagoMusicGuide.com and share your concert pics with us!