Chicago’s vibrant music scene is set to pulse with energy this week, offering a diverse array of live music events and festivals from Wednesday, September 17 through Tuesday, September 23, 2025. From stadium-filling pop icons to underground indie darlings and massive multi-day festivals, the city is a destination for music lovers of all tastes.
Mid-Week Melodies Take Center Stage
Kicking off the week on Wednesday, September 17, Chicago’s venues host a rich tapestry of sounds. Indie rock enthusiasts can catch Lawn, Discus, and Blue Beam at Subterranean, while Foxwarren and Allegra Krieger are set to perform at Thalia Hall. The Salt Shed will welcome Alex G and Nilüfer Yanya, marking a significant performance for these influential artists. Meanwhile, Louisville post-punks Wombo, alongside Shower Curtain, will bring their distinctive sound to the Empty Bottle. The Metro will host two nights of Australian indie-pop band Spacey Jane, with The Belair Lip Bombs opening. Pop superstar Lady Gaga is also slated for the first of two major arena shows at the United Center, a testament to her enduring career. Elsewhere, Baths will play at Sleeping Village, presented by Metro.
Thursday, September 18, continues the robust schedule with Guerilla Toss, Maya Ongaku, and Melkbelly at the Empty Bottle, featuring material from their well-received new LP. For those seeking classic folk and country influences, The Cactus Blossoms and Michael Gay will perform at FitzGerald’s. SUSTO brings their twangy indie rock to Garcia’s, while a night of R&B is on offer at Lincoln Hall with Yaya Bey, Bathe, and Gayun Cannon. Thalia Hall presents a stacked bill of indie rock legends with The Baseball Project, The Dream Syndicate, and The Minus 5. The hip-hop duo NxWorries, featuring Anderson .Paak and producer Knxwledge, are scheduled to perform at the Riviera Theatre. Spacey Jane and The Belair Lip Bombs will return to Metro for their second show, and Harf will take the stage at Subterranean, alongside a Reggae Gold event.
Weekend Vibrations and Festival Fever
The weekend ignites with Friday, September 19, as Riot Fest commences its three-night run at Douglass Park. This sprawling festival promises a diverse lineup including “Weird Al” Yankovic, Sparks, The Pogues, Rilo Kiley, and Blink-182, among many others. For those seeking aftershows, Ovlov and Wishy are at Empty Bottle, while Screeching Weasel plays at Metro. Ada Lea and Ava Brennan will perform at Judson and Moore, and Kayko, along with Broadway Rave, are scheduled for Subterranean. Garcia’s will host Jerry’s Middle Finger.
Saturday, September 20, sees Riot Fest continuing its festivities with headliners like Weezer and Jack White. The Metro hosts a Riot Fest aftershow featuring Alkaline Trio and Militarie Gun. Empty Bottle will feature Dehd and TV Buddha, while Ethel Cain is set to captivate audiences at The Salt Shed. Goose is scheduled to perform at Northerly Island. Subterranean offers a full night with Kinneret, Midnite City: Indie Disco, and Kumbiatón. Jerry’s Middle Finger will also play Garcia’s.
On Sunday, September 21, Riot Fest concludes its extensive programming. Other notable events include @ and Rain Garden at Schubas, ERF DAY 2025 at Subterranean, and Daniel Romano’s Outfit with Carson McHone at Sleeping Village. Navy Pier also continues its Chicago Live! festival, celebrating the city’s performing arts, with music and theater events.
Into the Final Stretch
As the week winds down, Monday, September 22, features The Brian Jonestown Massacre at Metro, and Kali Uchis begins a two-night engagement at the United Center. On Tuesday, September 23, Kali Uchis continues her United Center run, while Bandalos Chinos are scheduled to perform at Thalia Hall. Bub City will host the Riley Brothers Trio, rounding out a week filled with diverse musical offerings across the city.
This week’s Chicago music lineup underscores the city’s status as a premier destination for live entertainment, featuring established superstars, critically acclaimed indie artists, and major music festivals. All these events provide ample opportunities for residents and visitors alike to discover new songs and support a wide range of artists.
