All the Outdoor Free Concerts for Families This Summer 2025

Grab your lawn chairs, coolers, and your dancing shoes — we’ve gathered the list of free concerts outdoors this summer in the western suburbs to help keep you and your family grooving all summer long. Enjoy a variety of live music from country, oldies, jazz, and even some of your favorite classic tunes by your local kids chorus.

This article is sponsored by The Forge: Lemont Quarries and Western Springs Business Association.

Free Concerts on Mondays

Millennium Park Summer Music Series (Chicago)
Select Mondays and Thursdays | times TBA
Visit the Jay Pritzker Pavilion for outdoor concerts featuring a wide array of music genres.

Town Square Concerts and Events (Schaumburg)
Mondays and Wednesdays from June 2 – July 30, 2025 | times vary
Mondays feature all-ages concerts, while Wednesday evenings are children’s groups and entertainment.

MPCB Summer Festival of Music (Mount Prospect)
Mondays from June 23 – July 28, 2025 | 7:30pm – 8:30pm
Enjoy a free outdoor concert by the Mount Prospect Community Band. Each week is a different theme.

Free Concerts on Tuesdays

Jammin’ in June (Plainfield)
Tuesdays from June 3 – June 24, 2025 | 10:30am – 11:15am
Children’s concerts hosted at Village Green on Tuesday mornings in June.

Summer Concert Series (Downers Grove)
Tuesdays from June 3 – August 12, 2025 | 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Country, rock, and oldies concerts at Fishel Park every Tuesday. Doors open and concessions sales begin at 6:00pm.

Summer Concert Series (Franklin Park)
Tuesdays from June 3 – July 22, 2025 | 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Listen to free outdoor concerts at the North Park Baseball Fields.

Millennium Carillon Summer Recital Series (Naperville)
Tuesday evenings from June 3 – August 19, 2025 | 7:00pm – 8:00pm
Visit Rotary Hill for a musical performance from the Millenium Carillon in Moser Tower. No concert on June 28, 2025.

Summer Concert Series (Bloomingdale)
Tuesdays from June 10 – August 26, 2025 | 7:00pm
Concerts begin at 7:00pm, but guests ages 4-10 can participate in numerous free activities starting at 6:30pm. No concert on July 1 or August 5, 2025.

Summer Nights in Hillside
July 22, 29 and August 5, 2025 | 5:30pm and 7:00pm
Head to Hillside Commons for an unforgettable night of music, community, and summer vibes.

Children’s Lunch Hour Entertainment Series (Naperville)
Tuesdays from June 10 – July 15, 2025 | 11:30am – 12:15pm
This free series takes place at the 95th Street Community Plaza or the Riverwalk Grand Pavilion in Naperville. Please be sure to take note of location as it alternates weekly. The Naperville Public Library will also read a story ten minutes before the entertainment begins.

Family Picnic Series (Palatine)
June 17, July 8 and 22, and August 5, 2025 | 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Enjoy children’s entertainment concerts at Fred P. Hall Ampitheater.

Summer Concert Series (Morton Grove)
Most Tuesdays from June 17 – August 19, 2025 | 6:00pm – 8:30pm
Family-friendly concert at the Harrer Park Pavilion. Food sales begin at 6:00pm, with the music starting at 7:00pm.

Kids Concert Series (Arlington Heights)
Select Tuesdays from June 24 – August 5, 2025 | 11:30am – 12:15pm
Visit North School Park for popular children’s entertainment performances.

Acoustic Jams in the Park (St. Charles)
Tuesdays from July 15 – August 26, 2025 | 6:30pm – 8:00pm
Visit Mt. St. Mary Park for original and cover songs performed acoustically.

Free Concerts on Wednesdays

Town Square Concerts and Events (Schaumburg)
Mondays and Wednesdays from June 2 – July 30, 2025 | times vary
Mondays feature all-ages concerts, while Wednesday evenings are children’s groups and entertainment.

Summer Concert in the Park (Glendale Heights)
Most Wednesdays from June 4 – July 30, 2025 | 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Food and drinks will be available for purchase at these weekly performances hosted in Camera Park.

STC Live (Downtown St. Charles)
Most Wednesdays and Fridays from June 4 – August 29, 2025 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm
Visit Downtown St. Charles businesses and the 1st Street Plaza for live music concerts.

Lunchtime Live – Summer Music Series (Town Square, Wheaton)
Most Wednesdays and Fridays from June 4 – September 26, 2025 | 11:00am – 2:00pm
Enjoy live music on the center green.

Wednesday Night Summer Concerts (Bolingbrook)
Wednesdays from June 4 – July 9, 2025 | 7:30pm – 9:00pm
The Roger C. Claar Performing Arts Center is home to Bolingbrook’s outdoor concerts.

Music on the Deck (Salt Creek Golf Club, Wood Dale)
May 28, June 18, July 9, and August 6, 2025 | 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Food can be ordered at RoccoVino’s for these monthly, outdoor concerts.

Lunch on the Lawn (Hinsdale)
June 11, July 9 and August 13, 2025 | 12:00pm – 12:45pm
Visit Burlington Park at lunchtime for children’s entertainment.

Summer Concert Series (Westmont)
June 18, July 16, and August 13, 2025 | 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Pack your picnic basket and have dinner on the lawn during Westmont’s concert series. Please note the location as they change weekly. Be sure to bring your own lawn chairs or blankets.

Summer Jazz in the Park (Glen Ellyn)
June 18, July 16, and August 20, 2025 | 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Enjoy a live concert by the Glen Ellyn Jazz Ensemble at various parks in Glen Ellyn.

Concerts on the Commons (Warrenville)
Wednesdays from June 18 – July 30, 2025 | 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Concerts take place at the Bob Walters Commons, located next to the Warrenville Public Library. Food trucks may be available on select dates. No concert July 2, 2025.

Outdoor Concert Series (Itasca)
Select Wednesdays in June, July and August, 2025 | 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Outdoor concerts featuring a variety of music genres. New in 2025: As Usher Park is being updated, the concerts will move to a variety of locations throughout Itasca.

River Rhapsody Concert Series (Batavia)
Most Wednesdays from June 18 – August 6, 2025 | 7:00pm – 8:30pm
A variety of live, eclectic performances at the Peg Bond Center. No performance on July 9, 2025.

Wacky Wednesday (La Grange Park)
June 18, July 9, 16 and 30, 2025 | 11:00am – 12:00pm
Held at Memorial Park, these children’s concerts will run on select Wednesdays.

Music Under the Stars (La Grange Park)
Wednesdays from June 25 – July 30, 2025 | 7:00pm – 8:30 pm
Variety of bands at Memorial Park each week.

Dancin’ in the Street (Clarendon Hills)
Wednesdays from June 25 – Aug 6, 2025 | 7:00pm
Join your friends and neighbors for a night under the stars with live musical performances. No concert on July 2, 2025.

Summer Concert Series (Woodridge)
June 25 – August 6, 2025 | 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Bring lawn chairs or blankets for live music in various parks across Woodridge. Please note, locations alternate weekly. No concert on July 2, 2025.

Concerts in the Park (Forest Park)
June 25, July 16, and August 13, 2025 | 6:30pm – 8:00pm
Visit the Roos Pavilion for free concerts hosted by the Park District of Forest Park.

Concerts in the Park (Berwyn)
June 25, July 23, and August 13, 2025 | 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Listen to live music on select Wednesdays hosted at Proska Park.

Summer Entertainment Series (Lisle)
July 3, 9, 16, 23 and August 6, 2025 | 7:00pm
Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and a picnic to this free live music series. Featuring every type of music from rock and roll to pop. Note: While normally happening on Wednesdays, a special concert will be held on Thursday, July 3.

Live Music Summer Concert Series (Barrington)
Wednesdays from July 9 – August 6, 2025 | 7:00pm
Free popcorn is provided at these free concerts at Citizens Park.

Wednesdays at the Plaza (Millenium Plaza, Aurora)
Wednesdays from July 9 – August 13, 2025 | 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Head to Millennium Plaza every Wednesday for a fun-filled evening of nostalgic hits.

Concerts in the Park (Geneva)
July 9, 16, 23 and 30, 2025 | 7:00pm
Enjoy some of your favorite bands at this free series at River Park.

Kiwanis Summer Concerts (Villa Park)
Wednesdays from July 9 – 30, 2025 | starts at 6:30pm
Be sure to come early to purchase food from the concession stands opening at 6:00pm. Concerts begin at 6:30pm. Don’t forget your blanket.

Summer Concert Series (Westchester)
Wednesdays in August, 2025 | 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Pre-concert DJ begins at 6:00pm, followed by outdoor concerts at Mayfair Park.

Free Concerts on Thursdays

Concerts in the Park (St. Charles)
May 21 – August 7, 2025 | 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Join the excitement in Lincoln Park every Thursday night. Be sure to arrive early to purchase snacks, and don’t forget your blanket. Note: The first week’s concert will be hosted on Wednesday, May 21, 2025.

Rockin’ in the Park (Rosemont)
May 29 – August 29, 2025 | 7:00pm – 10:00pm
There will be music, fun giveaways, and food trucks at this concert series at Rosemont. Additional dates offered on May 25, 2025 as well as select Fridays.

Thursday Night Out (Oak Park)
June 5 – August 28, 2025 | 5:00pm – 9:00pm
Listen to live music while dining al fresco enjoying special entrees, appetizers, drinks and more from local Oak Park restaurants.

Sounds Of Summer Concerts (Arlington Heights)
June 5 – August 28, 2025 | 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Enjoy live music in Harmony Park throughout the summer. No concert on July 3, 2025.

Live Music on the Hill (Hanover Park)
June 5, July 3, and August 7, 2025 | 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Enjoy live music at the Park District Community Center on the first Thursday of the month.

Sunset Soiree (Lemont)
Select dates from June 5 – July 24, 2025 | 7:00pm
Live music from some of your favorites playing in Downtown Lemont. Seating opens at 6:00pm.

Concerts on the Village Green (Burr Ridge)
June 5 – July 31, 2025 | 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Seating is not provided at this event, so bring blankets or lawn chairs to enjoy concerts at the Burr Ridge Village Center. No concert on July 3, 2025.

Summer Sounds on the Green (Hoffman Estates)
Most Thursdays from June 5 – August 14, 2025 | 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Visit the Village Green for a variety of musical performances throughout the summer. Food and drinks can be brought from home, or purchased on site. No concert on July 3, 2025.

Thursday Night Out (Barrington)
Most Thursdays from June 5 – August 28, 2025 | 4:00pm – 8:00pm
Run in conjunction with the farmers market and classic car shows.

Music at the Gazebo (Elmhurst)
select Thursdays from June 12 – August 7, 2025 | 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Bring your blanket or lawn chair for a beautiful summer night outdoor concert from various musical acts.

Concerts on Main (Roselle)
Select Thursdays from June 12 – August 28, 2025 | 6:30pm – 8:00pm
Enjoy live music at Petal Plaza in downtown Roselle.

Concerts in Lilacia Park (Lombard)
June 12, July 17, and August 4, 2025 | 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Free concerts throughout the summer. Bring your family or meet up with friends for a night of music in the park. Cancellation will occur for inclement weather.

Concert Series in the Park (Medinah)
June 12, July 10, and August 7, 2025 | 6:30pm – 8:00pm
Family-friendly concerts held in Thorndale Park.

Third Thursday (Town Square, Wheaton)
June 19, August 21, and September 18, 2025 | 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Live music, store specials, and delicious food at these monthly events.

Lunchtime Live! (Warrenville)
select Thursdays from June 12 – August 7, 2025 | 11:30am – 12:15pm
Join children’s performers for lunchtime entertainment at Cerny Park.

Summer Concert Series (The Promenade Bolingbrook)
Select Thursdays from June 12 – August 28, 2025 | 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Enjoy live music in The Row on Thursday evenings.

Uniquely Thursdays (Hinsdale)
Thursdays from June 12 – August 21, 2025 | 6:00pm – 9:00 pm
Live entertainment for all ages as well as food vendors and family activities.

Kids Entertainment Series (Bloomingdale)
Select Thursdays in June and July | 6:30pm
Bloomingdale Park District hosts children’s entertainment performances at Old Town Park on Thursday evenings, as well as Friday afternoons at Homola Picnic Shelter.

Summer Concert Series (Carol Stream)
Thursdays from June 12 – July 24, 2025 | 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Visit the Ross Ferraro Town Center for live music and entertainment. Note: There will be no concert on July 3, 2025. It will be moved to July 4, 2025, with fireworks to follow.

Free Summer Concerts (Villa Park)
Thursdays in June and August, 2025 | start at 6:30pm
Arrive early to visit the concession stands before the concert starts.

Summer Concert Series (Buffalo Grove)
Most Thursdays from June 26 – August 14, 2025 | 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Fridays June 20, August 1 and August 22, 2025 | 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Note: These concerts have moved to Mike Rylko Community Park Amphitheater in 2025! Food and drinks can be purchased at the park, or brought from home. Alcoholic drinks must be purchased on-site.

Summer Thursday Night Concert Series (Mount Prospect)
Thursdays from June 26 – July 31, 2025 | 7:30pm – 9:00pm
Outdoor concerts at the Veterans Memorial Bandshell. No show July 3, 2025.

Millennium Park Summer Music Series (Chicago)
Select Mondays and Thursdays | 6:30pm – 8:00pm
Visit the Jay Pritzker Pavilion for outdoor concerts featuring a wide array of music genres.

Rockin’ in the Park (North Riverside)
June 20 – July 25, 2024 | 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Outside food/drinks are not permitted. Arrive early to purchase food from the concession stands. July 3 concert will be moved to July 4, 2025.

Summer Concert Series (Oak Brook)
July 10 – August 7, 2025 | 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Enjoy music all summer long at the Oak Brook Park District.

Outdoor Music on Fridays

Friday Summer Concert Series on Main Street (Glen Ellyn)
May 16, June 6, August 1, and September 5, 2025 | 6:00pm – 10:00pm
No outside food or drink is allowed at these live music performances on Main Street in downtown Glen Ellyn.

Moose Cruise Night and Friday Night Live (Downers Grove)
May 23 – August 29, 2025 | 5:30pm – 8:00pm
Live music hosted in conjunction with the weekly classic car show.

Rockin’ The Quarry Concert Series at The Forge: Lemont Quarries
Select Fridays & Saturdays | 6:30pm – 10:00pm
Visit The Mount at The Forge: Lemont Quarries for outdoor concerts featuring a wide array of music genres.

Fridays on the Green (Mount Prospect)
Select Fridays from May 30 – August 29, 2025 | 5:00pm – 8:00pm
Visit Mount Prospect Village Hall for outdoor concerts. Food can be brought from home, or purchased at local restaurants in downtown Mount Prospect.

Lunchtime Live – Summer Music Series (Town Square, Wheaton)
Most Wednesdays and Fridays from June 4 – September 26, 2025 | 11:00am – 2:00pm
Enjoy live music on the center green.

STC Live (Downtown St. Charles)
Most Wednesdays and Fridays from June 4 – August 29, 2025 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm
Visit Downtown St. Charles businesses and the 1st Street Plaza for live music concerts.

Rob Roy’s Live on the Deck (Prospect Heights)
Select Fridays from June 6 – August 29, 2025 | 7:00pm – 10:00pm
Listen to live music at the 10th Hole Bar & Grill.

Fun Day In The Park (Hoffman Estates)
Select Fridays from June 6 – August 8, 2025 | 10:00am – 11:00am
Enjoy Children’s entertainment music shows at various locations in Hoffman Estates. Note: The performance on June 6 will begin at 5:30pm.

First Fridays Summer Dance Concert (Schaumburg)
June 6, July 11, August 1, 2025 | 6:30pm – 9:30pm
Visit Schaumburg Town Square for dance concerts featuring various dance styles.

Riverwalk Music Nights (Winfield)
June 13, 27, July 11, August 8, 22, and September 19, 2025 | 6:15pm – 9:30pm
Visit Riverwalk Park for 6 evenings of summertime concerts. Concerts are free, with food and drinks available to purchase.

Rockin’ the Lakes Concert (Salt Creek Rural Park District)
Select Fridays from June 13 – August 1, 2025 | 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Listen to music while overlooking Donut Lake. No outside food and drinks are allowed, but RoccoVino’s will be open for purchases.

Friday Night Concert Series (Kiwanis Park, Brookfield)
Most Fridays from June 13 – August 22, 2025 | 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Kiwanis Park is home to Brookfield’s outdoor concerts. No concert on July 4.

Tots in the Park (Buffalo Grove)
Select Fridays from June 13 – August 1, 2025 | 10:30am – 11:15am
Visit the Alcott Center for children’s entertainment performances throughout the summer.

Sounds of Summer (Palatine)
Fridays from June 13 – August 1, 2025 | 7:30pm – 9:00pm
Pack a picnic and bring a blanket to the Main Stage Concerts on Friday nights. No show on July 4, 2025.

Kids Entertainment Series (Bloomingdale)
Select Fridays in June and July | 12:00pm
Bloomingdale Park District hosts children’s entertainment performances at Old Town Park on Thursday evenings, as well as Friday afternoons at Homola Picnic Shelter.

Summer Concert at Hodges Park (Park Ridge)
Most Fridays from June 20 – August 15, 2025 | 8:00pm – 9:30pm
Outdoor concerts hosted by the Park Ridge Fine Arts Society. No concert on July 4, 2025.

Fridays Rock and Roll in Meadows (Rolling Meadows)
July 18 and August 15, 2025 | 6:00pm – 10:00pm
Enjoy two performances at each of these outdoor concerts hosted at Kimball Hill Park.

Fun Fridays (West Chicago)
Select Fridays from June 27 – August 8, 2025 | 11:00am – 12:00pm
Hosted at Reed-Keppler Park, children’s performances will be offered throughout the summer.

Summer Concerts (Oakbrook Terrace)
Most Fridays from June 27 – September 5, 2025 | 7:00pm – 10:00pm
Two bands perform each night at Terrace View Park.

Live on the Lake (Navy Pier, Chicago)
Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from May 23 – August 31, 2025 | times vary
Enjoy live music at the Navy Pier Beer Garden on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, all summer long.

Outdoor Music on Saturdays

Rockin’ The Quarry Concert Series at The Forge: Lemont Quarries
Select Fridays & Saturdays | 6:30pm – 10:00pm
Visit The Mount at The Forge: Lemont Quarries for outdoor concerts featuring a wide array of music genres.

Outdoor Concerts (Cantigny Park, Wheaton)
Most Saturdays from May 24 – August 30, 2025 | 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Enjoy a summertime concert and visit the grounds of beautiful Cantigny Park. New in 2025: Previously held on Sunday afternoons, Cantigny’s concerts have been moved to Saturday evenings.

Summer Concert Series (Downtown Lombard)
Saturdays from June 14 – August 23, 2025 | 6:00pm – 10:00pm
Held in conjunction with Cruise Nights, these outdoor concerts will run until 9:00pm. Visit the Kids’ Corner area for children’s activities. No concert on July 5, 2025.

Music in The Plaza (Zabrocki Plaza, Tinley Park)
Select Saturdays from June 21 – September 27, 2025 | 7:00pm – 10:00pm
The June concerts will be held at Zabrocki Plaza. Starting July 18, the concerts will be held at Harmony Square, which is across the street.

Summer Breeze Concerts (Schaumburg)
Select Saturdays in July and August, 2025 | 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Music is performed along the lake at the Robert O. Atcher Municipal Center.

Super Sensational Saturdays (Villa Park)
July 19 and September 13, 2025 | 10:00am – 12:00pm
Enjoy live family-friendly music, face painting, activities and more.

Live on the Lake (Navy Pier, Chicago)
Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from May 23 – August 31, 2025 | times vary
Enjoy live music at the Navy Pier Beer Garden on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, all summer long.

Free Concerts on Sundays

Concerts in Your Park (Naperville)
Select Sundays from June 8 – July 27, 2025 | 7:00pm – 8:30 pm
Bring your lawn chairs and blankets for this free live music series. Concerts take place at a different park every week.

Summer Concerts in the Park (Oak Park)
June 8 – August 24, 2025 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm
Summer concerts are happening every Sunday, all summer long in Scoville Park.

Summer Entertainment (Wheeling)
Sundays from June 8 – August 3, 2025 | 5:00pm – 6:30pm
Visit the Heritage Park Performance Pavilion for outdoor concerts. No concert on July 6, 2025.

Live on the Lake (Navy Pier, Chicago)
Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from May 23 – August 31, 2025 | times vary
Enjoy live music at the Navy Pier Beer Garden on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, all summer long.

Other Ways to Enjoy Outdoor Live Music

Summer Entertainment Series (Memorial Park, Wheaton)
June 27 – September 6, 2025
Some free concerts on summer evenings. Additional concerts for a fee happening throughout the summer.

Ravinia
June 6 – August 31, 2025
All concerts have advance ticket sales. This outdoor music venue features more than more than 100 concerts during its summer season. They have a full lineup including special family-friendly performances.

Arbor Evenings (Morton Arboretum, Lisle)
May 28 – August 20, 2025 | 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Come watch the summer sunset and listen to a variety of bands, enjoy food trucks, and engage in games and activities for all ages on Wednesdays. Tickets must be purchased in advance, and include entrance to the Arboretum, as well as the concert and activities. Children under the age of two are admitted for free.

Roaring Nights (Brookfield Zoo)
June 21 and July 18, 2025 | 7:30pm – 9:00pm
August 16, 2025 | 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Tickets must be purchased in advance (and are selling out quickly!) Performers include +Live+, Third Eye Blind, Better Than Ezra & Tonic.

Naper Nights (Naper Settlement, Naperville)
June 20 – 21, July 18 – 19, and August 15 – 16, 2025 | 5:00 – 10:00pm
Tickets are sold in advance. Tickets are $25/adult and $15/kids ages four through twelve.

Is there a summer concert event happening in your town that we might have missed? Please let us know so that we may include! And, look no further than Kidlist for more awesome ideas on outdoor family fun!