The sun is shining, the days are longer, and there's nothing quite like enjoying free live music under the open sky. Luckily, the Northwest Suburbs come alive with free concerts throughout the summer! There's no excuse to miss one over the next few months with something on the schedule within a 20 minute drive of wherever you are! Here's a breakdown of some exciting options to catch some tunes in Schaumburg, Arlington Heights, Rolling Meadows, Elk Grove Village, Bloomingdale, Streamwood, Hoffman Estates, and Roselle, along with a FULL LIST of shows by date (you can find it on the calendar too)!
Arlington Heights:
- Sounds of Summer: Concerts will take place on Thursday nights, June through August at Harmony Park from 7:00 - 8:30 PM.
- Lunchtime Series Concerts: Free concerts at North School Park. Kids' concerts and entertainers start at 11:30 AM on select Tuesdays in June and July.
- Evening Series Concerts: Free concerts at North School Park. Entertainers start at 7:00 PM on select Wednesdays in June and July.
- HeyDay Happy Hour & After Party Shows at Hey Nonny: Free Shows at the hottest venue. No ticket or reservation needed, just show up. Hey Nonny shows are all ages unless otherwise indicated. Get the kids in to hear good music!
- Frontier Days Festival: Free Entertainment and no event fee to attend Frontier Days July 1-5! Come for the carnival, stay for the music!
Schaumburg:
- Town Square Concerts & Events: Held at the Schaumburg Town Square outside of the Schaumburg Library, this series features talented teen musicians from local programs and other family friendly entertainers.
- Summer Breeze Concert Series: Pack a picnic basket and unwind under the stars at the Robert O. Atcher Municipal Center for this series co-sponsored by the Village of Schaumburg and the Schaumburg Park District. Enjoy a variety of musical styles on select Saturdays in July and August.
- First Fridays Dance Concerts: A relaxing evening of live music and dancing with friends at Schaumburg Town Square. Lawn chairs are allowed. Dance concert is held weather permitting. There will be no rain dates.
- Prairie Arts Festival: The 37th Annual Prairie Arts Festival Fine Art & Fine Craft Exhibition and Sale will be held over Memorial Day Weekend outdoors on the grounds of the Robert O. Atcher Municipal Center. Enjoy art, food trucks, and live music.
- German Beer Garden & Summer Concert: Play backyard games and enjoy live music with family and friends at this outdoor event inspired by the community beer gardens once common in Schaumburg’s farming community. Pretzels, bratwurst, local craft beer and soda will be available for purchase. Park at St. Matthew Parish, following the signs to Merkle Cabin. Event takes place rain or shine.
Hoffman Estates
- Summer Sounds on the Green @ Village Green: Bringing great music to the Village Green across the street from the NOW Arena on select Thursdays during the summer months. The music varies from rock, pop, soul, big band, country and more! The venue provides a Ravinia-like experience with a large lawn area that offers plenty of space for concert-goers to set up foldable chairs and picnic areas. Don't feel like packing your own eats and drinks? Hideaway Brew Garden has you covered!
- Hideaway Brew Garden: A unique beer garden and bar offering delicious eats and tasty brews! Concerts, Movies in the Park, and other events offered all summer!
- Northwest Forth-Fest: A 4th of July celebration that includes live entertainment, fireworks, free kids activities, carnival, and more held at the NOW Arena Parking Lot and into the Village Green and Hideaway Brew Garden spaces.
- Fun Days in the Parks: Join for FREE entertainment and fun for kids!
Rolling Meadows
- Fridays Rock!: Spend summer evenings in beautiful Kimball Hill Park enjoying live music, food vendors and community fun! Fridays Rock is brought to you by the City of Rolling Meadows Community Events Foundation and Rolling Meadows Park District. Select Fridays each month starting at 6:00 PM.
- Block Party: Shutting Down the block on Central Road June 5th at 5:30 PM.
Roselle
- Summer Concert Series: Concerts will be held on Thursdays at Petal Plaza 6:30-8:00 PM and at Turner Park on June 18 & July 16. Food Trucks and Alcohol Vendors
- Rose Fest: Annual Rose Fest Carnival Hosted by the Roselle Lions Club at the Petal Plaza. Music & Food
Bloomingdale
- Summer Concert Series: Concerts start in the month of June and begin at 7 p.m. in Old Town Park located at 111 3rd Street in the heart of Old Town. Concessions will be available.
- Kids Entertainment Series: Held on select dates in June and July at Old Town Park on Thursdays at 6:30 PM and Homola Picnic Shelter on Fridays at 12:00 PM.
Elk Grove
- Mid-Summer Classics Concert Series: International Headliners take the stage on Tuesdays and Thursday evenings in July at the Village Green and Rotary Green.
- Rotary Fest: Live bands, carnival rides, food and fireworks, July 15-19, the Rotary Fest is the annual fundraising event for The Elk Grove Rotary Club and funds help support local, regional, national and international causes.
Streamwood
- Summer Celebration: The three day festival and event is held the last full weekend of July at Hoosier Grove Park. Get excited for food, drinks, music, games, and carnival!
Nearby Honorable Mentions
- Summer Concert Series at the Arb in South Barrington
Scroll down for dates
 Kari Treat |
Full Lineup By Date
Visit the Events Calendar for More Details on Times and Locations
If you love live music, you are in the right place! See you on the dance floor!
Pro Tip: Don't forget to pack blankets, snacks, and sunscreen for outdoor concerts. Remember to check the weather forecast before heading out, and enjoy the free music scene that makes summer in the Northwest Suburbs so vibrant!
If you know of any other free concerts in the area, don't hesitate to reach out to let me know and I'll add it to the list! karit@macaronikid.com
We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of event information. However, we recommend checking with the venue through the website or social media to make sure an event is not changed or canceled.
Looking for more? Get a FREE kid-friendly calendar full of festivals, activities, and events in the Schaumburg area delivered right to your inbox when you subscribe for free!
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