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Melodic May: A Guide to Catching the Best Concerts in Chicago

May is a great time to visit Chicago for concerts due to mild weather, the start of festival season, less crowds, and many touring artists scheduled to perform. May is generally a pleasant time to visit Chicago as the weather is mild with average high temperatures in the 60s and 70s Fahrenheit (around 15 to 25 degrees Celsius). This means you can enjoy outdoor concerts and events without being too hot or too cold.

May marks the beginning of the festival season in Chicago, with many music festivals taking place throughout the month. This means that there are more opportunities to see a wide variety of music acts in a single trip. May is also a less busy time for tourists in Chicago compared to the peak summer months of June through August. This means that concerts and events may be less crowded, and you can also find better deals on flights, accommodations, and tickets.

Chicago Blues Festival

Chicago Blues Festival
source:chicago.gov

The Chicago Blues Festival is an incredible music festival that brings together some of the best artists in the blues genre. If you’re interested in attending, you’ll need to purchase a concert ticket, which you can do online or at the Chicago Theatre box office. The festival takes place in Grant Park, which is an excellent venue for live music events.

If you’re interested in attending other music festivals in the Chicago area, you may want to check out upcoming events at the United Center, Huntington Bank Pavilion, Northerly Island, or other venues. You can find tour dates for your favorite artists online, and sign up for email newsletters to stay up-to-date on upcoming concerts and shows.

Chicago Blues Festival
source:chicago.gov

When attending the festival or purchasing tickets online, it’s important to be aware of the privacy policy and terms of use for the event or website. You may be asked to provide personal data such as your first name and email address, and you should make sure that you understand how this information will be used and protected.

Do Division Street Fest

The Do Division Street Fest is an exciting music festival that takes place in the heart of Chicago. If you’re interested in attending, you can purchase a concert ticket online or at the festival itself. While this festival is not held at the Chicago Theatre or the United Center, it is still a great addition to the list of music festivals in the city.

Do Division Street Fest
source:westtownchamber.org

The Do Division Street Fest features a variety of musical performances, including both established artists and up-and-coming talent. Whether you’re a fan of classic rock icons like Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, or indie acts like Third Eye Blind, there is something for everyone at this festival. You can also sign up for email newsletters to stay up-to-date on upcoming shows and tour dates for your favorite artists.

If you’re interested in hosting private events or social gatherings, the festival may not be the best choice, as it is a public event with thousands of attendees. However, there are other venues in Chicago that may be better suited for private events, such as the Aragon Ballroom, Park West, or the Empty Bottle.

Chicago Gospel Music Festival

The Chicago Gospel Music Festival is an annual event that celebrates the rich tradition of gospel music in the city. If you’re interested in attending, you can purchase a concert ticket online or at the festival itself. While this festival is not held at the Chicago Theatre or the United Center, it is still a great addition to the list of music festivals in the city.

Chicago Gospel Music Festival
source:choosechicago.com

The festival features a variety of performances from both established gospel artists and up-and-coming talent. Some of the best shows and live music events in the city can be found at Grant Park, where the festival is held each year. It’s also a great opportunity to discover new artists and music that you may not have heard before.

While the festival is not suited for private events or social gatherings, it is an excellent choice for music lovers looking to experience the rich gospel tradition of Chicago. You can also sign up for email newsletters to stay up-to-date on upcoming shows and tour dates for your favorite gospel artists.

Mayfest

Mayfest
source:starevents.com

Mayfest is an annual street festival that takes place in the Northcenter neighborhood of Chicago, typically during the month of May. The festival features live music, food and drink vendors, and activities for all ages.

Mayfest is a family-friendly event that is open to the public, and admission fees are generally affordable. The festival features multiple stages for live music and a variety of local and regional bands and performers. The music spans multiple genres, including rock, indie, and pop.

In addition to the live music, Mayfest also features a variety of food and drink vendors, including local restaurants and craft breweries. There are also activities for kids, such as face painting and arts and crafts, making it a great event for the whole family.

Mayfest
source:starevents.com

One unique feature of Mayfest is the presence of the “Mister and Misses Mayfest” contest, which awards two lucky winners with prizes and the opportunity to be featured in promotional materials for the following year’s festival.

Chicago House Music Festival

The Chicago House Music Festival is an annual music festival that celebrates the birthplace of house music in the city of Chicago. The festival takes place at Millennium Park, and admission is free to the public. The event typically takes place in May and features performances by local and national artists.

Chicago House Music Festival
source:chicago.gov

The festival celebrates the city’s contributions to the house music genre, which originated in Chicago in the 1980s. It’s an opportunity to experience the unique sound of Chicago house music and to see some of the best DJs and performers in the genre. The festival is family-friendly and features multiple stages, food and beverage vendors, and other activities throughout the day.

In addition to the Chicago House Music Festival, there are several other music festivals in the city that celebrate various genres and musical styles. These include the Chicago Jazz Festival, the Chicago Blues Festival, and the Lollapalooza music festival.