Chicago Summer Show Guide

It’s almost the end of the Spring semester, which means no more 773 until next fall. ( I know you’re all wondering how you’ll bear without me, Ava Simoni: HOST of 773. Shhhh it’s okay I figured it out. I decided to make a small guide for some live music events going on this summer! This includes my favorite thing ever #streetfests as well as the must-see festivals for college students. And the part I’m most excited for: I included some of the best apps & Instagram accounts to discover more of the Chicago music scene! This includes both mainstream and underground :0 Keep reading to find out more! 

Photo: Ava Simoni

Street Fests 

Free admission (with a suggested donation!!!!!), live arts and music, small vendors, food & drinks! 

Do Division Street Fest 

May 30-June 1  

West Town 

$10 suggested donation 

Chicago Pride Fest 

June 21-22  

Northalsted 

$20 suggested donation 

West Fest  

July 18-20

 West Town 

$10 suggested donation

 Wicker Park Fest 

Date TBA (end of July) 

Wicker Park 

$10 suggested donation   

Photo: @wickerparkfest on Instagram

Music Festivals 

All your favs and soon-to-be favs in one place for one price! 

Beyond Wonderland Chicago 

Northerly Island 

June 7-8 

2-day GA: ~$220 before taxes+ shipping* 

Summer Smash Festival 

SeatGeek Stadium 

June 20-22 

3-day GA: ~$375 before shipping* 

Lollapalooza 

Grant Park 

July 31-August 3  

SOLD OUT: Resale prices vary  

REMEMBER: If you decide to buy resale tickets, always buy from a verified reseller! This includes Ticketmaster, StubHub, SeatGeek, Vivid Seats, and TickPick, just to name a few.  This does NOT include Facebook and Reddit.... be super cautious and don’t get scammed. That would be super unfortunate.  

Photo: @beyondwlandchicago on Instagram

Discovery/DIY Scene 

I like to call this section the ~discovery~ portion. If you’re new to Chicago, looking for new artists/events, don’t know where to get started in the underground music scene, young 'n turnt (but broke), this is for YOU! 

Apps to discover shows near you: 

BandsInTown app 

Songkick app 

Instagrams to discover shows, artists, etc. in Chicago: 

@chicagoshowcal  

@realonesshow & @realonesshows

 @amplified.chicago 

@braingraffitichicago 

@chicagodiyscene (check story highlights) 

@lot49.chi 

@myplaceohio 

@thedolphinloungechi 

@hiddenideas__ 

@etherassembly 

Photo: @thedolphinloungechi on Instagram

Have fun & be safe this summer! And of course, make sure to tune into 773 on UIC Radio again in the fall:)