Chicago is one of the most cultured and cool places to visit in the US. There is always something unique and fun going on, even during the winter months. If you love live music, you will have planned a trip to the right city. Chicago has a healthy music scene as well as numerous large concert venues that you can enjoy access to.
If it’s your dream to see a live music band in Chicago while you are in town, this guide will be a big help. You will be able to find out more about all of the various kinds of music venues there are in the city as well as the best times of year to check them out. Planning a trip that includes fun experiences and adventures is easy when you opt to go to Chicago.
Things to do In Chicago if You Want to See Live Music
1. Check out Fox Pointe
There is always something cool going on at Fox Pointe. From concerts to dance to craft fairs, Fox Pointe is busy all year long. During the summer months, you can bring a blanket and sit on the grass to enjoy the various kinds of concerts that are hosted outside. When the weather is cold, the large concert venue buildings on the property are the right place to head to sit down and watch your favorite musical artists.
Fox Pointe has something going on nearly every weekend of the year, so its site should be one of the first places that you look when you are planning a trip to Chicago. Whether you want to enjoy local bands or see major, popular artists, Fox Pointe has you covered. This is one of the most unique and fun places to check out events and experiences when you are in Chicago.
2. Go Out to Eat
There are many, many eateries, pubs, and bars across the city of Chicago that offer live music each night as part of the fun of getting a table and hanging out. Gallery Cabaret is a great choice if your budget is tight, or you can head to Wicker Park and wander around to find the perfect little restaurant with a live musician.
Bavette’s Bar & Boeuf is a great upscale choice where the food is top-notch, and the music is just as good. There are various supper clubs that almost always have live music on offer as well, such as the Tortoise Supper Club.
Whether you are looking for a quick bite, a full meal, or just want to get a drink and enjoy some music, you have options aplenty in Chicago.
3. See What the Small Venues Have to Offer
There are numerous small musical venues in the city that are perfect if you want to save money on your tickets and still get a lot of bang for your buck. Places like The Hideout, The Salt Shed, and The Empty Bottle are all ideal places to enjoy live music most nights of the week. A simple search online will turn up all kinds of little venues that have live music on their menu almost all year long.
These smaller venues offer you the chance to be closer to the musicians and to really vibe with the music they are playing. There’s nothing quite like being able to be really close to the people who are entertaining you, and small venues are perfect if this is how you prefer to enjoy live music.
One of the other nice perks of these locations is that there are often various kinds of entertainment that are hosted each evening. You might see a comedian and then follow that up with a musical performance. You won’t be bored when you check out small venues in the Chicago area because they are willing to mix and match unique things.
4. Take a Walk
Some of the best artists in the city are actually just performing on street corners. If you head to the park, wander through the museums, or go shopping, you are likely to stumble across live music being played for those passing by. You should carry some cash to throw these folks a tip each time you take a walk around the city.
The Mag Mile, Navy Pier, Wicker Park’s Polish Triangle, and the Art Institute of Chicago are all ideal places to search for live music and street performers. Public transit hubs are another place where musicians are frequently set up performing for passersby.
There are so many talented people in Chicago who are just trying to be discovered or who enjoy performing and don’t want to wait around to be booked into venues. You will benefit greatly from just walking around where they are hanging out and performing. Supporting these artists helps them to get established, and it’s like a special treat to stumble across music being played in the wild where you least expected it.
Chicago is the Perfect Place to Visit if You Love Music and Memorable Experiences
Chicago is one of the most impressive and exciting places to visit in the US. You can visit incredible museums, check out street performers, dine in style, and catch musical performances at lots of different kinds of venues. Chicago is a place that you can visit over and over again and still not see everything on your list. If you love live music, you might want to come back to Chicago over and over again to make the most of the musical opportunities on offer in this incredible city.
Always be sure that you plan in advance so that you have tickets in hand for musical experiences that require a ticket for access. Lots of venues will sell out, especially if there are well-known performers who are in the lineup. Having a few days of musical experiences on the books during your trip can make it easy to ensure that you make memories, relax, and enjoy your time in The Windy City.