Best Concerts in Chicago 2023 | Live Music & Concert Venues

Whether you want to feel the energy of a pop concert, chill at a singer-songwriter gig, or dance the night away at a hip-hop show, Chicago’s music scene has something for everyone. On any given night, up-and-coming talent and world-renowned artists of genres spanning blues, rock, hip hop, R&B, metal, indie, pop, and jazz take the stage at our more than 250 live music venues.

Check out the 2024 Chicago concert lineup at the city’s most iconic venues. Here’s a list of just a few of the can’t-miss Chicago shows happening this year.

Concerts at House of Blues

House of Blues

Chicago’s famous House of Blues in the heart of downtown combines soaring architecture and a welcoming down-home atmosphere, with a prolific line-up of musical acts all year long.

Destin Conrad on March 12: The R&B singer first made a name for himself on Vine and released his latest single, “Same Mistake,” in January 2024. He’s bringing his “Submissive” tour to Chicago in March.
The Veronicas on April 14: The identical twin sisters responsible for hits like “Untouched” and “On Your Side” will be on tour promoting their latest album, Gothic Summer.

Concerts at Auditorium Theatre

Auditorium Theatre

Opened in 1889, the Auditorium Theatre is a National Historic Landmark that has been Chicago’s home for all kinds of artists for 135 years. Its ornately designed interiors provide the perfect backdrop for live music.

Mitski on March 21 – 24: Mitski released her critically acclaimed album, The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We, last year, with critics hailing it as some of her best work. She will play four shows in Chicago.

Concerts at The Salt Shed

Salt Shed concert venue from aboce

One of Chicago’s newest music venues, The Salt Shed has the versatility for indoor and outdoor shows in a unique riverfront setting, along with an eclectic lineup of artists to pique a variety of musical interests. Here’s a preview of some of what’s to come this year.

Waxahatchee on April 20: Singer-songwriter Waxahatchee channels her Alabama roots into soulful and nostalgic music. Her newest album, Tigers Blood, will be released in March, about a month before her Chicago show.
All Time Low on July 26: Pop punk kids, rejoice. All Time Low is back on tour after the release of its newest album last year, and they’ll be sure to channel some of your teenage angst with old favorites as well.

Concerts at United Center

When it’s not hosting the Chicago Blackhawks or the Chicago Bulls, the United Center is home to some of Chicago’s buzziest music acts. Check out some of the music stars stopping there this year.

Zach Bryan on March 6 and 7: Zach Bryan burst onto the country music scene in 2022 with his first studio album, American Heartbreak, and he’s bringing “The Quittin’ Time Tour” to Chicago.
Olivia Rodrigo on March 19 and 20: From Disney star to pop star, Olivia Rodrigo will stop in Chicago to perform hits like “Good 4 U,” “Vampire” and “Bad Idea, Right?” on her GUTS world tour.
Bad Bunny on March 28, 29, and 30: The global superstar has broken barriers for bringing Spanish-language songs into the mainstream all over the world. Now, the three-time Grammy winner is putting his “Most Wanted Tour” on the road for fans everywhere.
Nicki Minaj on April 24 and 25: The Queen of Hip Hop will grace the United Center stage for her Pink Friday 2 World Tour. A second show was recently added due to overwhelming demand.

Concerts at Aragon Ballroom

The historic Aragon Ballroom, situated in Uptown’s entertainment district, was first constructed in 1926 to resemble a Spanish palace courtyard. Today, the space is still truly one-of-a-kind, with colorful vintage architectural details and a thoroughly modern music line-up.

Alkaline Trio on March 16: Formed in Chicago, Alkaline Trio is coming back to Chicago to perform its punk rock hits on the band’s “Blood, Hair and Eyeballs” tour.
Damian + Stephen Marley on March 30: The Grammy-award-winning sons of Reggae legend Bob Marley are following in their father’s footsteps and bringing their “Traffic Jam” tour to Chicago for a night of soulful Reggae tunes.

Concerts at Soldier Field

This historic lakefront stadium plays host to an array of iconic events throughout the year. Its epic size makes Soldier Field a must-stop venue for touring musicians from around the world, including many of music’s biggest names.

Kenny Chesney on June 15: Head over to Soldier Field for country singer Kenny Chesney’s show with special guest the Zac Brown Band.
Billy Joel and Stevie Nicks on June 21: What happens when two rock music icons join forces for a once-in-a-lifetime stadium show? Find out when Billy Joel and Stevie Nicks take the field this summer.
Rolling Stones on June 27 and 30: Paint it black or lament the fact that you can’t always get what you want at the Rolling Stones dual shows this summer. You just might find you get what you need.

Concerts at Wrigley Field

Summer isn’t complete without a concert at Wrigley Field. While the Chicago Cubs are away, the iconic ballpark is host to an array of top musical acts. Come enjoy an unforgettable show inside the Friendly Confines.

Def Leppard, Journey, and The Steve Miller Band on July 15: Classic rock powerhouses Def Leppard, Journey and The Steve Miller Band join forces for one night only in Chicago to play some of the most iconic songs from the ‘70s and ‘80s.
Green Day on August 13: Whether you’re a bigger fan of Dookie or American Idiot, most folks know at least one of Green Day’s albums. The rock band is going on tour for its latest album release, Saviors, in 2024.

Concerts at Huntington Bank Pavilion

Huntington Bank Pavilionis an open-air amphitheater nestled between Lake Michigan and downtown Chicago. Grab your tickets to their lineup of outdoor shows with the Chicago skyline as your backdrop.

Sarah McLachlan and Feist on June 11: Sarah McLachlan is celebrating the 30th anniversary of her seminal album, Fumbling Toward Ecstasy. Along with Feist, McLachlan will give a performance that’s sure to trigger fans’ nostalgia.
Caifanes and Café Tacvba on June 29: Grammy-Award winners and Latin rock icons Caifanes and Café Tacvba are coming together to honor their collective legacies for a night of Latin rock, hip hop, and electronica.

Concerts at neighborhood venues

Chicago’s neighborhood music venues are some of the best places to catch local talent and up-and-coming musical acts. Check out some of the shows coming to Chicago’s beloved neighborhood venues this year.