With over 250 live music venues, Chicago is a coveted destination for touring musicians. 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 to stages across the city.
The 2023 Chicago concert lineup has something for all spectrums of musical tastes at a diverse array of venues, from iconic music halls to under-the-radar neighborhood stages. Here’s a list of just a few of the can’t-miss Chicago concerts happening this year.
Concerts at 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.
- Ari Lennox on March 8: This self-made R&B songstress, signed to J. Cole’s Dreamville imprint, brings her headlining Age/Sex/Location tour to the House of Blues.
- Emotional Oranges on March 17: Chicago will be a stop on Emotional Oranges’ Pulp Fiction tour. The LA-Based R&B duo takes inspiration from The Weeknd and Lauryn Hill with songs ranging from slow jams to smoky disco.
- Bacilos on May 14: This hit band is bringing their brand of Latin pop to the House of Blues during their Back in the USA’23 tour.
Concerts at Auditorium Theatre
This National Historic Landmark, known for its jaw-dropping interior, boasts a diverse line-up of events throughout the year, including ballet, speakers, and live music. Check out some shows coming to the Auditorium Theatre.
- The National on May 19 – 21: The alternative band, fresh off recording a new album, will be spending three nights at the Auditorium with opening act Soccer Mommy.
Concerts at The Salt Shed
Chicago’s newest music venue, The Salt Shed, promises concertgoers a state-of-the-art sound system inside the newly renovated historic structure of the former Morton Salt Factory Warehouse. Don’t miss The Shed’s inaugural indoor season with these exciting shows.
- Masego on March 24. The Capitol Records artist is both a powerful vocalist and a saxophonist known as the best of a generation.
- Nils Frahm on April 23: Nils Frahm is bringing his unconventional blend of classical and electronic music to The Salt Shed this spring, featuring his new album Music for Animals.
- Hippo Campus on May 24: The Indie rock band will appear at The Salt Shed with opening act Gus Dapperton. Their spirited music and the feel-good shows bring lots of energy.
Concerts at United Center
The giant arena that’s home to the Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks consistently draws some of the biggest musical acts. Catch some of these iconic names making tour stops at the United Center.
- Muse on Feb. 25: Grammy-winning rock and psychedelic group Muse will bring their exhilarating show to Chicago’s United Center, featuring Evanescence and ONE OK ROCK.
- New Edition on March 23: The iconic multi-platinum-selling group New Edition returns to the United Center. Their Legacy tour features guests Keith Sweat, Guy, and Tank for an epic ’80s and ’90s dance party.
- Blink-182 on May 6 and 7: Multi-platinum pop punk band Blink-182 is reuniting for the first time in 10 years and will grace the United Center stage. Dynamic rock band Turnstile will open.
- Lizzo on May 17: The iconic pop star will be bringing the feel-good jams from her second album to the United Center, with special guest Latto.
Concerts at Aragon Ballroom
The historic Aragon Ballroom, situated in Uptown’s entertainment district, first opened in 1926. Today, the space is still truly one-of-a-kind, with colorful vintage architectural details and a thoroughly modern music line-up.
- Steve Aoki on Feb. 24: The famous electronic dance artist will bring his Hiroquest: Genesis tour to the Aragon Ballroom.
- J.I.D. on March 21: High-energy rap artist J.I.D. will perform with opening act Smino on his Luv Is 4ever tour.
- Kali Uchis on May 15: R&B singer/songwriter Kali Uchis is coming to Chicago to promote her upcoming album, Red Moon in Venus.
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.
- Taylor Swift on June 2 –4: The legendary singer will make a stop in Chicago on her Eras tour for three unforgettable nights at Soldier Field. Keep an eye on her talented opening act, Girl in Red.
- Ed Sheeran on July 29: Multi-Grammy award-winning global superstar Ed Sheeran will play Soldier Field this summer. The Mathematics tour will be his first across North America since his record-breaking 2018 Divide Tour. Multi-platinum artist Kahlid and singer Cat Burns will join him.
- Metallica on Aug. 9: Legendary metal group Metallica will perform at Soldier Field for three nights during their upcoming world tour. Their shows are known for amazing visuals and sound.
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.
- Dead & Company on June 9 – 10: Dead & Company, the modern-day incarnation of The Grateful Dead, will play two shows at Wrigley Field on June 9 and 10 as part of their final tour.
- P!NK on Aug. 12: With a new album coming out soon, P!NK will take to the road this summer with special guests Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo, GROUPLOVE, and KidCutUp.
- Morgan Wallen on June 22 and 23: This rising country star, known for his time on The Voice, will play two nights at Wrigley Field with special guests Ernest and Bailey Zimmerman.
Concerts at Huntington Bank Pavilion
Huntington Bank Pavilion is an open-air amphitheater on lakefront Northerly Island that has become a fan favorite for outdoor concerts with the Chicago skyline as your backdrop.
- Louis Tomlinson on June 15: The British singer and former One Direction member will make a stop in Chicago for his Faith in the Future World Tour.
- Goo Goo Dolls on Aug. 22: Take a trip down memory lane with the Goo Goo Dolls. Known as one of the most prominent bands during the ’90s and early 2000s, the band is embarking on a tour featuring their greatest hits.
- Beck and Phoenix on Aug. 31: This summer show features a dynamic duo of talent — superstar Beck and French indie-pop group Phoenix — that will be a must-see for alternative music fans.
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.
PH-1
Korean rap and R&B fans will want to catch PH-1’s Chicago performance at Concord Music Hall.
Wilco
The Chicago-based band will be playing a three-show residency at The Riviera, with a different set list every night.
Garrett Body
Local musician and bassist Garrett Body will bring R&B, jazz soul, and blues to The Promontory.
Onlyoneof
South Korean boy band Onlyoneof will perform an evening of alternative R&B at the longstanding concert venue in Lincoln Park.
Unknown Mortal Orchestra
If you’re an Indie or electric disco lover, check out the Unknown Mortal Orchestra show at this Pilsen music venue.
Alfa Mist
The British musician, producer, and song-writer will bring his unique combination of hip hop and jazz to Thalia Hall.
Eyelids
An amalgamation of indie rock royalty, Eyelids will take the stage at this much-loved Chicago venue with opening act Air Blue Gowns.
Explore our events calendar for more live music and concerts in Chicago.