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Chicago is home to some of the biggest names in the music industry today. From the likes of hip-hop artists Kanye West and Chance the Rapper, to the rock legend Styx, a wide range of musical genres were birthed in the city. And while you can enjoy hundreds of concert events year-round, summer has become one of the biggest celebrations of music.

Restaurants, rooftops, bars and outdoor spaces take advantage of the summer fun and warm weather, incorporating music into a unique experience for locals and tourists alike. Only steps from Michigan Avenue, you can find some of the greatest musical talents being raised in Chicago today, and discover what makes this city the home to some of music’s finest. 

• Eataly Chicago

  There’s much more to enjoy at Eataly Chicago than their decadent Italian food, and flavorful wines. Enlisting local Chicago DJ’s to play during the wide range of events, like their upcoming Septemberfest, guests are provided an unparalleled experience. Transported onto an Italian vacation, it’s hard to resist the care-free summer vibes set to the tune of Chicago based DJ Matt Roan’s upbeat music, and enjoyed best with frozen rose. Roan have played venues worldwide, and has even performed at Lollapalooza, one of Chicago’s most famous music events. Through his craft, Roan transforms the space in which he’s in and brings people together for an upbeat and carefree evening.
  
  The opportunity to indulge in both taste and sounds makes SABBIA a summer time must. With the purchase of a ticket, guests 21 or over can enjoy a light and fun environment with their friends and colleagues. The DJ sets the tone for a night of flavor, taste, and sound bringing a Chicago twist to an Italian hot-spot.

  43 E. Ohio Street
  (312) 521-8700

• Hard Rock Cafe

  Hard Rock Cafe is the perfect spot for the music-loving family. This all-ages venue offers live music right from the comfort of your table in the dining room, so guests can eat or drink as they rock to music of the ages.
   
  Get up from your table and explore the expansive music collectibles hung from Hard Rock’s walls, and learn about some of rock and roll’s most memorable moments. Live and local acoustic sets are held every Friday and Saturday night, bringing in a variety of local Chicago talent. Additionally, on Thursday nights The Hard Rock Cafe asks their more ambitious attendees to join in on the music, with a live-band karaoke!
   
  If rock music isn’t for you, don’t worry! Although many of their artists cover rock music from throughout the ages, they’re also sure to include current popular hits and favorites of decades past.

  63 W. Ontario Street
  (312) 943-2252

• House of Blues Chicago

  House of Blues is a must-hit spot when looking for an amazing live concert event. The venue hosts some of the world’s most talented artists, and guests are able to experience a big stage entertainment in a more intimate space. Nightly events appeal to a wide age range, and the House of Blues packs its calendar with multiple musical genres. With multiple bars, and two levels of standing space, the venue is almost always packed with the city’s most passionate music fans, creating an incomparable atmosphere.

  I was able to experience the House of Blues atmosphere first-hand with the performance of American singer-songwriter Bazzi. More popularly known for his Billboard Hot 100 songs “Mine” and “Beautiful,” crowds of teens and young adults flocked to show support for this artist on the rise. Standing shoulder to shoulder with these passionate fans, the energy found at The House of Blues is incomparable to other concert venues. The smaller size of the venue made the concert feel much more private and intimate than that of a stadium, and allowed Bazzi to create a connection with the fans before him.
   
  Let their food set the stage for their incredible live concert series, and stop by their restaurant and bar before attending a concert or event. Want more? Gospel Brunch Sundays bring in an array of foods accompanied by world-renowned artists. The House of Blues prides itself on the place where music and food fuel the soul, and I recommend you make this your next downtown night out!

  329 N. Dearborn Street
  (312) 923-2000

• Navy Pier

  Finding great music in the city doesn’t have to be expensive. Navy Pier hosts a free music and dance series Live on the Lake! during Chicago’s summer months. Set against the gorgeous waters of Lake Michigan, Navy Pier is one of the more popular attractions with food and activities to please all ages. Joining in on the fun with my own family, I was able to find the perfect middle ground for musical entertainment to please multiple generations. In this more relaxed space, Navy Pier has made it easy to fit a concert into your afternoon plans, as a great source of free entertainment in the city. Unlike many concert venues, this space is much more comfortable and leisurely than you would find otherwise. Discover the perfect spot for the booming music scene that continues to grow in Chicago today. These free events are a family-friendly outing everyone should experience at least once.

  600 E. Grand Avenue
  (312) 595-7437

• ROOF on theWit

  Nightlife never sounded so good! Named "One of the Top 3 Rooftop Bars In the World" by Travel + Leisure, ROOF on theWit is one of the city’s most exciting spots to visit right now. Set 27 stories up with amazing city views, their rooftop bar transforms itself into a glamorous nightclub with world-renowned DJs, and an acoustic music series to set the tone for an unforgettable night.

  Walking onto the ROOF at 11 p.m. I found myself surrounded by crowds of people eager to enter into the nightlife scene. While the house DJ begins at 9 p.m., I was able to arrive before the featured DJ of the night could begin. In a sophisticated space, guests are beaming with energy as the music echoes throughout the venue. If you’re looking for a night out with friends, filled with drinking and dancing this is most definitely the spot for you.
   
  For those that are 21 and over, ROOF on the Wit has set a new bar for the nightlife experience of Chicago’s young adults. With specialty cocktails and an elegant décor, it comes as no surprise that this venue is often filled with people. They’re constantly filling their calendar with new events, making it the ideal spot for a celebration of any kind. Reservations are highly recommended, and an upscale casual attire is enforced.

  201 N. State Street, 27th Floor
  (312) 239-9502