All the Outdoor Free Concerts for Summer 2023

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Outdoor Places to Go

Grab your lawn chairs, coolers, and your dancing shoes β€” 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.

Live Music at The Forge This Summer

The Forge: Lemont Quarries has an impressive lineup of live music this summer with big names, including The Revivalists, Everclear, and Sister Hazel!

In addition to live music throughout the summer, The Forge also hosts the Lemont Food Truck Festival and The Forge Art Fest in addition to being an adventure destination with aerial challenge courses, archery, climbing towers, ziplines, biking, axe throwing, as well as outdoor recreation programming, a designated kids’ activity zone, and more.

Tuesdays

Summer Concert Series (Downers Grove)
May 23 – August 15, 2023 | 7:00 pm
Country, rock, and oldies concerts at Fishel Park every week. Doors open and concessions sales begin at 6:00pm.

Summer Concert Series (Bloomingdale)
June 6 – August 22, 2023 | 7:00pm
Concerts begin at 7:00pm, but guests ages four to ten can participate in numerous free activities starting at 6:30pm.

Children’s Lunch Hour Entertainment Series (Naperville)
June 13 – July 25, 2023 | 11:30 am – 12:15 pm
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. This event will not occur on the fourth of July.

Wednesdays

Live Music Concerts (Bolingbrook)
May 31 – September 6, 2023 | 7:30pm – 9:00pm
Pack your blanket and come out to enjoy summer nights with live music.

Summer Concert Series (Westmont)
June 21, July 19, August 16, 2023 | 7:00 – 8:30 pm
Pack your picnic basket and have dinner on the lawn during Westmont’s concert series. Concerts take place at either Ty Warner Park or Diane Main Park. Please note the location as they alternate weekly. Be sure to bring your own lawn chairs or blankets.

Movies and Concerts in Lilacia Park (Lombard)
select Wednesdays and Thursdays from June 8 – August 9, 2023 | 6:30pm
Free entertainment and 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.

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 Circle Park.

River Rhapsody Concert Series (Batavia)
June 21 – August 16, 2023 | 7:00pm – 8:30pm
A variety of live, eclectic performances at Batavia Riverwalk. Note: The June 28, 2023 concert has been rescheduled to August 16, 2023 due to poor air quality conditions.

Music Under the Stars (La Grange Park)
June 21 – August 2, 2023 | 7:00 – 8:30 pm
Variety of bands at Memorial Park each week.

Summer Concert in the Park (Glendale Heights)
Most Wednesdays from June 14 – August 9, 2023 | 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Food and drinks will be available for purchase at these weekly performances hosted in Camera Park.

Summer Sounds (Chicago)
Most Wednesdays from June 14 – August 16, 2023 | 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Visit the Roosevelt Collection Shops at 150 W. Roosevelt Road for local performaners and food trucks.

Dancin’ in the Street (Clarendon Hills)
June 21 – Aug 2, 2023 | 7:00 pm
Food and beverage service begins at 6:30pm. Join your friends and neighbors for a night under the stars with live musical performances.

Summer Jazz in the Park (Glen Ellyn)
June 21, July 19, and August 16, 2023 | 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Enjoy a live concert by the Glen Ellyn Jazz Ensemble at Lake Ellyn Park.

Summer Entertainment Series (Lisle)
July 3, 12, 19, 26 and August 2, 2023 | 7:00 pm
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. There is also a special concert on Monday July 3, 2023.

Concerts in the Park (Geneva)
Wednesdays in July, 2023 | 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Enjoy some of your favorite bands at this free series at River Park.

Jammin’ in July (Western Springs)
July 12, 19, and 26, 2023 | 5:00 – 9:00pm
The second year of Western Spring’s new summer concert series at the Tower Green, with food trucks and vendors on site.

Summer Concert Series (Woodridge)
June 28 – August 9, 2023 | 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Bring lawn chairs or blankets for live music in various parks across Woodridge. Please note, locations alternate weekly.

Summer Concert Series (Westchester)
Wednesdays in August, 2023 | 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Purchase food from vendors, or bring your own, to these outdoor concerts at Mayfair Park.

Thursdays

Kiwanis Summer Concerts (Villa Park)
Thursdays in July, 2023 | 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.

Music at the Gazebo (Elmhurst)
select Thursdays from June 8 – August 3, 2023 | 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Bring your blanket or lawn chair for a beautiful summer night outdoor concert from various musical acts.

Concerts in the Park (St. Charles)
May 25 – August 10, 2022 | 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.

Concerts on the Village Green (Burr Ridge)
June 1 – July 27, 2023 | 7:00 – 8:30 pm
RSVP’s are encouraged for this event to receive updates and cancellation notifications due to inclement weather. Seating is not provided at this event.

Lunchtime Live! (Warrenville)
select Thursdays from June 8 – August 10, 2023 | 11:30am – 12:30pm
Join children’s performers for lunchtime entertainment at Cerny Park.

Free Summer Concerts (Villa Park)
Thursdays in June and August, 2022 | start at 6:30pm
Arrive early to visit the concession stands before the concert starts.

Movies and Concerts in Lilacia Park (Lombard)
select Wednesdays and Thursdays from June 8 – August 9, 2023 | 6:30pm
Free entertainment and 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.

Uniquely Thursdays (Hinsdale)
June 15 – August 17, 2023 | 6:00pm – 9:00 pm
Live entertainment for all ages as well as food vendors and family fun.

Rockin’ in the Park (Rosemont)
May 28 – August 31, 2023 | 6:00pm – 9:00 pm
There will be music, fun giveaways, and food trucks at this concert series at Rosemont.

Third Thursdays: Summer Concert Series (Wheaton)
June 15, July 20, August 17, and September 21, 2023 | 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Listen to live music on the Center Green at Town Square.

Thursday Night Out (Oak Park)
June 1 – August 31, 2023 | 5:00pm – 9:00pm
Listen to live music while dining al fresco enjoying special entrees, appetizers, drinks and more from local Oak Park restaurants.

Summer Celebration Concerts (Carol Stream)
June 15 – July 27, 2023 | 7:00pm – 9:00 pm
Come out and enjoy food and live music for the whole family.

Sunset Soiree (Lemont)
Select dates from June 15 – August 3, 2023 | 7:00pm
Live music from some of your favorites playing in Downtown Lemont. Seating opens at 6:00pm.

Thursday Night Summer Concert Series (Forest Park)
June 22, July 13, August 10, 2023 | 6:30pm – 9:00pm
Visit the Roos Pavilion for free concerts hosted by the Park District of Oak Park.

Rockin’ in the Park (North Riverside)
June 22 – July 27, 2023 | 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Please note, these free concerts will take place rain or shine. They will be moved indoors for inclement weather. Outside food/ drinks are not permitted. Arrive early to purchase food from the concession stands.

Summer Concert Series (Oak Brook)
June 29 – July 27, 2022 | 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Enjoy music all summer long at the Oak Brook Park District.

Concerts in the Park (Berwyn)
June 8, July 13, and August 10, 2023 | 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Listen to live music on select Thursdays hosted at Proska Park.

Fridays and Saturdays

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 Circle Park.

Live Music Series at the Lawn (Oak Brook Center)
Fridays from June 2 – August 25, 2023 | 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Enjoy live music as you’re shopping, or stop and listen to the performances.

Naper Nights (Naper Settlement, Naperville)
June 16 – 17, July 14 – 15, and August 18 – 19, 2023 | 5:00 – 10:00pm
Tickets are sold in advance. Tickets are $20/ adult and $15/ children ages four through twelve.

Ravinia in Ridgewood (Western Springs)
July 8, 2023 | 12:00pm – 9:00pm
Annual free music festival in Ridgewood Park.

Concerts for Conservation (Brookfield Zoo)
July 14-15, and July 21-22, 2023 | 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Ticket sales will begin May 11 and tickets must be purchased in advance. Zoo guests will find live music on the East mall. A light show and dance party will conclude each concert.

Music on Grand (Brookfield)
Last Saturdays of June through September | 2:00pm – 10:00pm
Enjoy live music, food, entertainment and more along the 3700 block of Grand Avenue.

Sundays

Outdoor Concerts (Cantigny Park, Wheaton)
May 28 – September 3, 2023 | 3:00pm – 5:00pm
Enjoy a summertime concert, then visit the grounds of beautiful Cantigny Park.

Concerts in Your Park (Naperville)
June 11 – July 30, 2023 | 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 11 – August 20, 2023 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm
Summer concerts are happening every Sunday, all summer long.

Other Ways to Enjoy Outdoor Music Concerts

Ravinia
June 6 – September 10, 2023
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 with special family-friendly performances.

Arbor Evenings (Morton Arboretum, Lisle)
May 31 – August 23, 2023 | 6:00pm – 9:00pm
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.

First Fridays (Aurora)
February – December 2023 (No July) | 5:00 – 10:00 pm
A night of art, fun, music, dance, and community at local businesses and venues in downtown Aurora on the first Friday evening of the month.

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!

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