Things to do in Chicago for music fans

Welcome to our highlights for concerts, festivals and live music in Chicago. From free shows at Millennium Park to big festivals like Ravinia and Lollapalooza, to intimate shows at small local venues, our guide has all the latest in musical entertainment. Bookmark this page and come back for updates on concerts and events.
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
When: Live shows from May 27 to June 13
What: The Chicago Symphony Orchestra returns with live performances from May 27 to June 13. The first program (May 27-30) directed by Michael Mulcahy features the iconic Aaron Copland “Fanfare for the common man” and Samuel Barber’s twentieth-century interpretation of a Bach chorale paired with works by Tilson Thomas, Bernstein and Schuller. Erina Yashima conducts (June 3-6) two “Novelettes” by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, Symphony No.5 by Schubert, string orchestral version by Jessie Montgomery “To scratch” and the orchestral âDances of Galántaâ by Kodály; and Edo de Waart (June 10-13) conducts Mozart’s overture to “Don Giovanni”, From Wagner “Siegfried’s Idyll” and Mozart’s Symphony No. 40.
Or: Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan
Tickets: $ 29 and more; cso.org
Shannon mcnally
When: Show broadcast live on May 28 at 8 p.m. from City Winery Nashville
What: Singer-songwriter Shannon mcnally celebrates the release of his new album, “The Waylon Sessions” with a show broadcast live from City Winery Nashville. She brought together a star group with special guests Rodney Crowell, Buddy Miller and Kenny Vaughn. On the album, McNally puts a feminine touch to the outlaw classics of Jennings and his cohorts. The result is not so much a tribute but a questioning of a catalog long considered a bastion of masculinity.
Tuesdays on the terrace
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When: 5.30 p.m. Tuesdays June 1-August. 31
Or: Outdoor Sculpture Garden at the Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago
What: Tuesday on the terrace returns to the outdoor sculpture garden of the Museum of Contemporary Art. The popular jazz concert series features an array of Chicago jazz musicians. First of all, June 1 is Ancestral Awakenings by Alexis Lombre. Free upon prior reservation. Visit mcachicago.org.
Chicken coop walkers
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When: Free broadcast from May 28 to June 13
Or: Town winery, 1200 W. Randolph
Tickets: $ 35. Visit citywinter.com/chicago
More information: Get ready for some furious fingerpicking and perfect harmonies when the Chicago bluegrass band Chicken coop walkers celebrates the release of a new album “The Departure” with four shows at City Winery.
Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra
When: Free broadcast from May 28 to June 13
Or: Visit ipomusic.org.
What: The final online event of the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra season includes “Fanfare for the Common Man” by Aaron Copland and Symphony in Brass by Eric Ewazen, “Portrait of Josephine” by Valerie Coleman and “Fanfare for the Uncommon Woman. No. 1 âby Joan Tower, who is often seen as a feminist counterpoint to Copland’s work of the same name.
Lollapalooza
When: July 29-August. 1
Or: Grant Park
What: Lollapalooza returns to Grant Park from July 29 through August. 1 featuring Foo Fighters, Post Malone, Tyler, the Creator, Miley Cyrus, Dababy, Marchmello, Journey, Megan Thee Stallion, Roddy Ricch, Kaytranada and more. $ 375 + / festival pass. Visit lollapalooza.com.
Riots festival
When: September 17-19
Or: Douglass Park, Chicago
What: Riots festival is back, this year with Nine Inch Nails, The Smashing Pumpkins, Run the Jewels, Pixies, Faith No More, Devo, Lupe Fiasco and more.
Tickets: $ 125 + / day $ 155 + / festival pass. Visit riotfest.org.
Pitchfork Music Festival
When: September 19-12
Or: Union Park, 1501 W. Randolph
What: the Pitchfork Music Festival returns to Union Park, 1501 W. Randolph. Performers include Erykah Badu Phoebe Bridgers, St. Vincent, The Fiery Furnaces, Angel Olsen, Kim Gordon Waxahatchee, Flying Lotus, Thundercat and more.
Tickets: $ 90 / day, $ 195 festival pass. Visit pitchforkmusicfestival.com.