Live local music and other event listings

Question

What links would you all suggest using to find out about live local music, free events, festivals etc in advance of traveling to Chicago? Staying in Magnificant Mile.

Answer

Chicago is a vibrant city with a thriving music scene, a wide range of free events, and numerous festivals throughout the year. Staying on the Magnificent Mile puts you centrally, making it easy to access many live music venues, parks, and event spaces. To plan in advance, there are several reliable online resources that aggregate concerts, festivals, and other local events.

For live local music and shows, you can check venues that frequently host both established and up-and-coming artists. Many of these venues have calendars online, so you can see what’s happening on your travel dates.

City of Chicago Official Events Calendar: Lists city-sponsored events, including free concerts, street festivals, and seasonal activities.
Chicago Reader – Music & Nightlife: A trusted local guide with up-to-date listings for concerts, club shows, and live music across genres.
Time Out Chicago: Covers concerts, theater, art, and food festivals, often with details about cost and location.
Pitchfork, All About Jazz Chicago, or Chicago Blues Guide: For genre-specific music events like jazz, blues, and indie concerts.
Venue Websites: Check the calendar pages for major venues such as House of Blues, The Chicago Theatre, Metro, and Kingston Mines (blues). Many smaller bars and lounges in River North and the Loop also post live music schedules online.

For free and outdoor events, especially during warmer months, Chicago offers several options:

Millennium Park Summer Music Series: Free concerts on the Jay Pritzker Pavilion lawn.
Chicago Park District Events: Lists festivals, neighborhood events, and outdoor concerts throughout the city.
Chicago Festivals & Street Fairs: Many neighborhood street festivals and seasonal events are free to attend, such as Taste of Chicago, Jazz Festivals, or cultural fairs.

For a more interactive approach, social media can also be very helpful. Following local venues, musicians, and city event accounts on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter often gives real-time updates on events, including last-minute shows and pop-up performances.

In summary, using a combination of official city event calendars, local publications, venue websites, and social media will help you discover live music, free events, and festivals in advance of your trip. Staying on the Magnificent Mile gives you easy access to the Loop, River North, and nearby neighborhoods where much of this activity is concentrated.

Live local music and other event listings

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