Live music in Des Plaines, IL

Cameron Havens performs live at Beacon Tap in Des Plaines, marking the finale of a four day run in Illinois. This appearance serves as the closing show of the run.

Probable Cause performs a rock set at Northbrook Days in the Beer Tent. This five-member group includes former members of CounterPoint and the WiseGuys and plays high-energy music spanning the 1960s through the 1990s. Admission is free.

Deadfest Band takes the stage at Northbrook Days with Grateful Dead inspired energy and live tunes. Cold drinks add to the laid back summer vibe.

Experience an evening of blues, swing, and soul jazz as guitarist Joel Paterson leads his Organ Quartet at Evanston SPACE. This single-night appearance unites standout Chicago musicians Ben Paterson on Hammond organ, Natalie Scharf on saxophone, and Alex Hall on drums. The quartet highlights the classic blend of guitar, organ, sax, and drums for a lively, groove-centered show.

The High Kings, widely regarded as Ireland’s leading folk group, bring the Rocky Road Tour 2026 to life with a vibrant mix of time-honored roots and contemporary energy. Recognized as global ambassadors of Irish heritage and storytelling, they have reached audiences worldwide with chart success and broad acclaim. Their international profile rose even higher when two songs, The Rocky Road to Dublin and Go Lassie Go, were featured prominently in the score to Sinners, the current number one film worldwide. The soundtrack was curated by Oscar and Grammy winner Ludwig Göransson, a long-time admirer of the group’s vocal blend and musicianship, who chose the tracks after attending their sold-out show at The Troubadour in Los Angeles earlier this year. Building on that momentum, the tour delivers a high-energy live experience focused on storytelling, musicianship, and connection, affirming their leadership in Irish folk while continuing to push creative boundaries.

Unwind at sunset with live music on the Esplanade during the Garden’s evening performances, a family-friendly way to enjoy the evening. The concerts are free, and regular parking and Garden admission fees apply for nonmembers. Seating is limited, so please bring your own chairs. Picnicking is welcome during the concerts, or visit on-site dining locations for food and drinks. Beer and wine are available for purchase in the Garden View Café, and per Cook County Forest Preserve District regulations, alcohol not purchased on the premises is prohibited. In the event of inclement weather, check online for daily cancellation updates.

Clinard Dance brings its Flamenco Quartet Project to Evanston SPACE for an evening that blends music, percussion, and movement as flamenco intersects with blues, jazz, and hip-hop. Rooted in the forms and history of flamenco, the program features collaborative, cross-genre compositions that engage audiences and foster community. The roster includes jazz vocalist Joan Collaso, rapper King Mossa, flamenco percussionist Diego Alvarez, flamenco singer Cachito Jose Diaz, blues artist Billy Branch, tap artist Jumaane Taylor, guitarist Andrea Salcedo, and flamenco dancer Wendy Clinard.

Dale Watson brings his trailblazing Ameripolitan sound to Evanston SPACE, blending honky-tonk grit, outlaw country swagger, western swing finesse, and rockabilly fire. For four decades, the Texas-bred singer, songwriter, guitarist, producer, and actor has stood up for roots music with fierce independence, shaping a style that sidesteps the mainstream. Known for a commanding voice and the drive of a seasoned bandleader, he delivers twang-filled songs fueled by life on the road, heartaches, and hard-earned lessons. His album Unwanted, written and produced by Watson, captures that spirit with tracks that toast temptation, reflect on loss, and savor life’s melodies, including Willie Waylon and Whiskey, If You Really Loved Me (Outlive Me), and Life is Like a Song. Expect an evening steeped in the tradition he helped create, led by the originator of Ameripolitan himself.

Karaoke takes center stage at Barrel House Kitchen & Tap with a library of 60,000 tracks and a professional sound system to support every performance. Savor steak tacos priced at $3.50 each and take advantage of drink specials while the music plays.

Wendy & DB, an award-winning children’s music duo from Chicago, share original tunes with uplifting lyrics and catchy melodies that spark curiosity and imagination. Their music gets families singing, dancing, and moving together for joyful, lasting memories. Admission is free.

This outdoor, free, all-ages concert features Chicago’s disco and funk tribute band The Disco Circus, bringing a three-ring sense of spectacle to the grooviest hits of the 1970s. Three lead vocalists, two women and one man, front a tight ensemble on drums, bass, guitar, percussion, and horns for a full live sound. Built around members of the Chicago group Libido Funk Circus, the expanded lineup, fresh stage production, and vibrant costumes come together for a high-energy, nostalgia-filled show presented with the Niles Park District.

Evanston's Fountain Square hosts a set from Funkadesi members that highlights the Bollywood and Desi side of the band, featuring Pavithra Anand. Presented in partnership with Evanston ASPA, an on-site tent shares information about their work in the community. Free art activities for kids are provided by the Ridgeville Park District. The event features live entertainment, a friendly community feel, and market treasures, creating an evening for all ages.

Sabor A Cafe hosts a performance by the Shelley Yoelin/Gabriel Datcu Jazz Quintet, featuring Shelley Yoelin on saxophone, Gabriel Datcu on guitar, Sam Robinson on trumpet, Caleb Drake on bass, and Rick Shandling on drums. Guest musicians are welcome to sit in.

Settle in for a beautiful evening of music in DesPlaines at the Lake Park Bandshell. There will be food trucks, or you can bring your own food, and guests are encouraged to bring a lawn chair for comfortable seating.

Sounds of Summer marks 25 years with live music at Harmony Park in downtown Arlington Heights. Presented by The Schwabe Group at Compass Real Estate, with this week's Signature Sponsor, The Moorings of Arlington Heights, this concert is part of a summer series.

Two decades of singing side by side have carried The Watson Twins across the globe, and that shared voice powers the SEEING DOUBLE Tour. Shaped by the spirit of their live album Seeing Double, recorded onstage in their adopted East Nashville home base with an amplified band, the tour highlights their close harmonies and southern songwriting. Seeing Double captures a career-spanning mix drawn from releases like the Southern Manners EP (2005), Fire Songs (2008), Talking To You, Talking To Me (2010), DUO (2018), and HOLLER (2023). Their music moves from honky-tonk and classic country ballads to buoyant soul and modern Americana, all anchored by twin-sister harmonies. The album features contributions from Russ Pollard, Steven Cooper, Thayer Sarrano, and Ryan Williams, with producer Butch Walker appearing on standout moments including Never Be Another You and Sissy Said. It also revisits their take on The Cure’s Just Like Heaven, rendered with harmonies, harmonica, and heart. Earlier sessions for HOLLER were recorded largely live at Walker’s Nashville studio, with the sisters tracking vocals together. That approach carries into the natural, in-the-room feel of Seeing Double and underscores their strengths as writers, singers, and compelling live performers.

Iryna Bilyk, a defining voice in Ukrainian pop, brings the combined gifts of singer, songwriter, composer, poet, and captivating performer. At times bold and high energy, at times deeply tender, she remains consistently genuine and passionate. Her enduring catalog has accompanied generations of Ukrainian women through joyful romance and aching heartbreak, lifting spirits with empowering melodies or offering comfort when it is needed most. Even as times change, her candid lyrics and lasting artistry continue to speak directly to the heart and leave a memorable imprint.

A village-wide celebration spanning three days, the 56 Music Fix offers musical performances, chances to enjoy time together, and food.

This event takes place in Mt. Prospect.

This performance is presented in a full band format, with the complete lineup performing together.

Meadow Mountain brings modern and traditional bluegrass to Seman Violins, showcasing tightly honed playing, driving arrangements, and an ensemble sound shaped by mountain landscapes, personal experience, and a contemporary outlook. The Colorado group has released three studio albums—Meadow Mountain, Lost In The Noise!, and June Nights from 2024—plus the SkyTheory Sessions live videos that capture the energy of their performances. Ask them what they play and the answer is simple, bluegrass with Colorado heart.

Reality Bytes returns to the 56 Music Fix, bringing 90s noise and a party vibe to Mount Prospect. Get ready to embrace the grunge with a throwback atmosphere that celebrates the era’s raw sound.

Nicholas Psyhogios, Chicago's Own Piano Man, brings a powerful solo performance to Palm Court Restaurant in Arlington Heights. The set features classics by Billy Joel, Elton John, Stevie Wonder, and Elvis, along with hits from the 70s, 80s, and 90s and several of his original songs.

I Love You Because is a contemporary musical that explores the ups and downs of modern dating, where mismatched pairings, lingering exes, awkward intimate moments, and too many coffee meetups set the stage for opposites to connect. With book and lyrics by Ryan Cunningham, music by Joshua Salzman, and orchestrations by Larry Hochman, the production is directed by Scott Shallenbarger. Inspired by Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, it captures the playful spirit of a rom-com while following the twists that come with searching for Mr. Right... and stumbling into Mr. Wrong along the way.

A high-energy celebration of Motown and 60s smash hits fills Kimball Hill Park, delivering wall-to-wall favorites with no filler. The set spans legends from the Temptations to Tina, keeping the groove going from start to finish.

Deadfest Band brings a lively evening of danceable tunes to Landmark on the Hill. An opening act is to be announced, and Deadfest Band will perform. Bring energy and your best moves for a night of live music.

Hugo Valenti leads a high-energy salute to Journey with The Ultimate Journey Tribute. As the longtime voice of Voyage, a top Journey tribute that has sold out venues around the country and earned a reputation for an authentic sound, he brings both the look and the unmistakable vocals of Steve Perry to the stage. He once auditioned to take Perry’s place and was told he looked too similar. This performance spotlights the classic anthems delivered with passion and precision, drawing on decades of experience that also include his tenure fronting Valentine, the early 90s melodic rock band whose self-titled Warner Bros. album became a cult favorite. The set features hits like 'Don't Stop Believin',' 'Any Way You Want It,' 'Separate Ways,' 'Wheel in the Sky,' and more.

Spend a full day building community through song at an intergenerational choral workshop created for everyone, from experienced choristers to casual shower singers. No prior experience or preparation is needed, and participants of all ages are welcome. Expert-led sessions feature Karen Brunssen, a vocal specialist and professor at Northwestern University, Stephanie Gregoire, a music education professor at UIC and children’s choir expert, and Kate Lee, choir director at Glenview Community Church and Maine East High School. The day includes learning, vocal growth, and joyful music-making, and concludes with a brief, informal showcase for friends and family. Breakfast and lunch are included with registration. Fees are $30 for adults and $15 for kids. The workshop takes place at Glenview Community Church.

Back To The Scene presents an emo and pop punk throwback celebration where the crowd takes center stage. It is not a concert or a static playlist, it is a night built for belting every lyric, bouncing with new friends, and revisiting the tracks that carried you through your teen years. Anthems from My Chemical Romance, Fall Out Boy, Paramore, Taking Back Sunday, Blink-182, and more keep the room singing from start to finish. Expect a wave of nostalgia and all the feelings as you return to the scene.

Tropical Saturdays brings the party to Ostras Lounge & Oyster Bar with a night of Latin dance and music in the northwest suburbs of Chicagoland. Ease into the evening with a salsa lesson taught by Andres Meneses, then keep the energy high as DJ Frankie J takes over the main room with salsa, bachata, cumbia, and other tropical rhythms. Step into the Bachata Speakeasy where DJ Carlitos features sensual, commercial, and urban bachata styles. Enjoy drink specials including beer buckets and signature cocktails. Free parking is available in front of and behind the venue. An entertainment fee of $10 applies, and entry is cashless with credit cards or digital payments accepted.

Summer Sanitarium gets a fresh spin with a celebration of the music of Linkin Park, Deftones, and Metallica, performed by Land of Linkin, White Pony, and Whiplash. The night revisits the early 2000s, echoing the era when Metallica packed huge stadium tours. Expect staples like In The End, Numb, Change (In The House of Flies), My Own Summer (Shove It), Enter Sandman, Master of Puppets, and more.