The Chicago music scene is immense. You can casually stroll the street and find a blues band playing at a bar or scalp last-minute tickets to a band you’ve fallen in love with. From largest stages to hole-in-the-wall venues in Chicago, there’s no shortage of live music. These are the best Chicago music venues for the perfect concert experience.
1. Metro
The 30-year-old institution is a place of nostalgia for some of the most celebrated artists: Smashing Pumpkin, Urge Overkill, and Chance the Rapper all got their start here. When you step through the entry hall of the Metro, the music reverberates through the building, and in a way, you’ll feel at home. From the communal crowds to artists’ crowdsourcing, it’s one of the best Chicago music venues.
Now, you’ll see artists of all genres playing, from rock and indie to electronica and pop. In addition to the main menu, Metro features the nightclub SmartBar in the basement, where you can keep the dance party going after a show.
Address: 3730 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60613
🎫: See the Metro’s schedule here
2. The Vic
The Victoria Theater first opened as an alternative to the more expensive Chicago concert venues. It’s now one of the most beloved theatres in Lakeview, a stable anchor in the ever-changing neighborhood. The Vic has booked some of the most sensual artists of the last millennium, such as Bob Dylan, Elvis Costello, Jackson Brown, David Bowie, Coldplay, Dave Matthews, and more.
However, The Vic doesn’t just hold concerts; it’s a play where comedians come to perform—Seth Myers is hosting a recorded comedy special in June. The Vic holds a special spot in our hearts, from dancing to your favorite artists to laughing until you cry.
Address: 3145 N Sheffield Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
🎫: See the The Vic’s schedule here
3. Thalia Hall
You might not know that the reason Thalia Hall exists at all is because John Dusek wanted to bring arts and entertainment from Bohemia to play for his bohemian neighbors. Modeled after the Prague Opera House, you can feel European architecture with its ornate, opulent design and golden hues, which scintillate when you step into Thalia Hall.
Now one of the most treasured theatres for live music, some of the most decorated modern bands have played concerts here, including Laufey, Foals, Boy Pablo, and many more.
Address: 1807 S Allport St, Chicago, IL 60608
🎫: See Thalia Hall’s schedule here
4. The Riviera Theatre
You know, when you drive past the incandescent piercing red light is a signal that you’re at the Riviera. Located in Chicago’s historic Uptown theater district, the Riviera Theatre has been a central part of Chicago’s entertainment scene for over 100 years. However, the grand design doesn’t swallow the whole venue; it’s one of our favorite Chicago music venues because of the intimate space—whether you want to be part of the crowd or seated on the balcony—within the theatre.
Address: 4746 N Racine Ave, Chicago, IL 60640
🎫: See The Rivieria’s schedule here
5. Aragon Ballroom
A 1920s Chicago landmark, the Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom’s singular architectural design sets a tone of extravagance. If you’re ever there for a concert, make sure to look up at the intricate artwork that engrosses you in the night sky.
Today, the Aragon Ball is noted as one of the best Chicago music venues for its space, and the venue can hold almost 5,000 people. The ballroom has been called home to many music legends, such as Nine Inch Nails and Rolling Stones. Today, the most sought-after artists in the discourse—from Fred Again to Olivia Rodrigo—have played there.
Address: 1106 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60640
🎫: See the Aragon’s schedule here
6. The Salt Shed
While the Salt Shed might be one of the prominent Chicago music venues today, the Morton Salt complex has been an iconic fixture in the city for the past century. After the closure of the Morton Salt factory, it was converted into a multi-purpose creative hub, with music as its core. Now, the Salt Shed is one of the most versatile Chicago music venues, with both indoor and outdoor spaces.
Address: 1357 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60642
🎫: See the Salt Shed’s schedule here
7. House of Blues
The Rock and blues-decorated Chicago music venue is a restaurant and bar serving Southern-inspired dishes—but most essentially sets the stage for some of the best live music in Chicago. While it was founded on integral blues music, House of Blues concerts feature all genres, including rock, pop, soul, funk, R&B, gospel, hip-hop, country music, and more.
Address: 329 N Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60654
🎫: See the House of Blues schedule here
So there you have it. Chicago is home to some fabulous live-music venues, and many of them host the enchanting series of candlelit concerts known simply as “Candlelight”. But not all Candlelight venues in Chicago are strictly live-music spots. From historic churches to showrooms, an array of unique settings host these magical tributes to classical and contemporary music stars.