Chicago Blues Festival

The Chicago Blues Festival is an event held every year in June in which blues artists put on live performances for 3 days. These concerts are held on outdoor stages in Millennium Park and draw in about half a million people each year.

Anyone can enjoy these performances as long as they like live music, though kids may want to wear earplugs, as it gets fairly loud. If you want to experience the entire festival, you'll want to spend a couple of hours here each day, and stay into the evening to see the headliners.

Chicago Blues Festival - one of the highlights of 10 Best Festivals in Chicago (Read all about Chicago here)

photo by FlyingToaster (CC BY 3.0) modified

Chicago Blues Festival highlights

The best aspect of the Chicago Blues Festival is the stunning lineup of musicians every year. You'll find all sorts of big-name artists, as this festival has hosted legends like B.B. King, Ray Charles, Chuck Berry, and James Cotton, among others.

Additionally, you won't find any financial barriers getting in your way if you want to attend this festival. Tickets are free, making this one of the largest free music festivals in the world. You can also find refreshments and food on-site so you can stay full and hydrated throughout the festival.

photo by D.L. (CC BY-SA 2.0) modified

Good to know when visiting the Chicago Blues Festival

When you attend the Chicago Blues Festival, there are a few items you'll want to leave behind. Grills with open flames, fireworks, tents, and beach/picnic umbrellas are prohibited. You are, however, free to bring blankets and towels for a picnic in the park.

Keep in mind that pets aren't allowed in Millennium Park during the festival, though service animals are an exception. Additionally, seats in the Pavilion aren't reserved, so it's a first-come, first-served situation. The Pavilion and Great Lawn may also be closed off for entry when they reach capacity.

Location: 201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60602, USA

Open: Shows begin at 4.30 pm

Phone: +1 312-742-1168

This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.