Beat on the Street: Summer Music Festivals and Outdoor Concerts

Whether you battled crowds at Pitchfork, Lollapalooza, or Country Thunder, took advantage of the free Monday-night concerts at Millennium Park, or enjoyed a show upon a picnic blanket at Ravinia, attending an outdoor concert of some sort is always a must-do during the summertime. The open-air setting and free-form spirit of these venues are fun and flexible, allowing for plenty of dancing, delicious food, and socializing!

The increasingly popular trend of music festivals has led to shows like Pitchfork, Lollapalooza, Coachella, Country Thunder, and many others. These venues allow for people to purchase passes that give them full access to various sets, giving them the ability to design their own experience. This setting is ideal for people hoping to have a power-packed three days full of old favorites, or even for people hoping to discover new music and artists.

On the other hand, places like the Jay Pritzker Pavilion at Millennium Park and Ravinia usually feature one artist at a time, giving the option of traditional auditorium seating, or general admission on their lawns.  While the ampitheatre at Millenium Park is a smaller venue, the beautiful architecture of both the stage itself and the surrounding city make for a one-of-a-kind experience. Ravinia, however, is complete with an expansive lawn where people feast on extravagant picnics before and during their shows. This venue is ideal for people who hope to make a day of it while dining and mingling in the process.

No matter where it is, there is something unquestionably summery about an open-air concert in Chicago. Whether you are listening to mellow alternative tunes, upbeat pop hits, soulful hip-hop beats, edgy rock anthems, or otherwise, enjoying your favorites under the sun and with your favorite company is an irresistible opportunity that should not be passed up if given the chance.