Best Upcoming Outdoor Concerts Near Chicago

Chicago and its suburbs sometimes get a bad rap when it comes to the unique Midwest weather during the winter months. Many Chicagoans would rather find a new spot in the southern states during winter's wrath. But in the summer Chicago offers some of the best outdoor concert venues, including legendary music artists to complement all generations. From the Grateful Dead to Taylor Swift, Chicago's premier pavilions and parks offer a great concert experience every year. The following list provides five of the best suggestions for summer concert fun.

Ravinia Park
200 Ravinia Park Road
Highland Park, IL 60035
(847) 266-5000
www.ravinia.org
Dates: Concerts are available June through September.

First opened in 1904, Ravinia is the oldest outdoor music festival in the United States. As a non-profit organization in the northern suburbs of Chicago, Ravinia reaches out to talented young music professionals to ensure the best of education and performance. Some of the most acclaimed artists will be performing this summer at Ravinia, including Sheryl Crow on Thursday, July 25,  and Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga on Friday, July 26 and Saturday, July 27. Other artists include the Doobie Brothers, Aretha Franklin, Blondi, Melissa Etheridge, Steely Dan, Glady's Knight, Santana and Chicago. Ravinia hosts some of the best classical music nights, including kids concerts taking stage with the Midwest Young Artists.

Soldier Field
1410 S. Museum Campus Drive
Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 235-7000
www.soldierfield.net
Dates: June-August

Though Chicago Bears games are usually the main event at Soldier Field, the summer offers a variety of musical performances, including the final concert of the Grateful Dead celebrating 50 years together July 3-5. On July 18, Taylor Swift returns to Soldier Field with Vance Joy and Shawn Mendes. Besides sports, Soldier Field has brought special events to the Windy City since 1924 and has also partnered with reasonable hotels that offer great overnight rates. Plan a getaway weekend that can also include Chicago's fine dining.

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Lollapalooza 2015
Grant Park
337 E. Randolph St.
Chicago, IL 60601
www.lollapalooza.com
Dates: July 31st -Aug. 2nd

Lollapalooza is more than just a musical event in historic Grant Park, it has been a cultural experience for the past 11 years. Its hour-by-hour schedule has been determined and includes the most popular for all generations, such as Paul McCartney on July 31 and the infamous Metallica on Aug. 1. Other performers include Sam Smith and Florence + The Machine.The festival partners with over thirty Chicago restaurants to provide the best in foods and beverages. Kids under ten are admitted free, and a Kidzapalooza is sponsored in an enclosed area of Grant Park that provides family-friendly music, food and a variety of activities including arts and crafts.

Riveredge Park
360 N. Broadway
Aurora, IL 60505
(630) 896-6666
www.riveredgeaurora.com
Dates: June-September

South of Chicago, this 30-acre park along the Fox River in Aurora provides some of the best musical entertainment. Classic rock legend REO Speedwagon will be performing on July 18 with Darryl Hall and John Oats performing on July 31. Along with jazz and a taste of Mexican festivals, Riveredge also adds your favorite blues and country tunes to the City of Lights. Plan a weekend and stay in one of Aurora's downtown hotels as a special treat with a loved one or all in the family.

First Midwest Bank Amphitheater
19100 Ridgeland Ave.
Tinley Park, IL 60477
(708) 614-1616
www.firstmidwestbankamphitheatre.net
Dates: June-September

Located in the heart of Chicago's southwest suburbs, First Midwest Bank Amphitheater was originally known as the World Music Theater, able to hold a crowd of over 25,000 people. This year, the venue will roll out legendary superstar Jimmy Buffett in June, Nickelback in early July and Van Halen with Kenny Wayne Shepard on July 24. Also, five country and western festivals will be presented, which include megastar Tim McGraw and Lady Antebellum.

Related: Best Places For Adult Music Classes In Chicago

Karla Sullivan is a Career Coach Examiner on Examiner.com. However, her writing extends well beyond that scope, with inspirational articles in high level publications such as AARP, Grand Magazine, Reunion Magazine and Mature Years.