Decide what to see. Chicago's yearly music events are becoming increasingly regarded as some of the finest in the country, causing many places to even mimic some of their festivals. The summer months are packed with outdoor concerts including Viva! Chicago, the Chicago Blues Festival, Irish Fest, Gospel Music Festival and the World Music Festival, just to name a few.
Head for Millennium Park. Chicago is an enormous city with countless musical performances at an enormous number of venues. However, nearly all of Chicago's major outdoor music events are held at Millennium Park. Built as a venue for outdoor concerts, Millennium Park is located at 222 N. Columbus Drive in Chicago and is considered part of Grant Park. For more information about the park or events, call the phone number listed below.
Buy tickets. While many of the outdoor concerts given throughout the summer in Chicago are free, some of them are ticketed. So if you want to get near the stage you will have to purchase tickets in advance.
Find a seat. Toward the front of the stage at Millennium Park there are a few rows of stadium-style box seats. Directly behind these seats is a picnic area, where you can spread out a blanket or bring your favorite folding chair.
Bring food. Fix up a picnic lunch and enjoy it while you're enjoying the music. If you can keep it discrete and tasteful, alcohol is typically tolerated. However, police patrol the area and will not tolerate inappropriate behavior.