Chicago, renowned worldwide for its rich artistic, musical, and cultural landscape, is set to showcase an electrifying array of live music performances this week. From indie rock to jazz, country, hip-hop, and experimental genres, the city’s stages promise an eclectic celebration of sound. WTTW News producer Josh Terry frequently recommends the city’s top live shows, and the upcoming week features a remarkable lineup from 28 January through 3 February.
The schedule includes both local favourites and internationally acclaimed acts, offering music lovers a chance to experience Chicago’s creative energy firsthand. Several performances are part of the TNK Festival, highlighting innovative and emerging artists, while others feature established bands and soloists.
Key Live Shows (28 January – 3 February 2026)
| Date | Performance | Venue | Highlights | Ticket Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28 Jan, Wed | Macie Stewart / Lily Finnegan / Katinka Klein Trio | Color Club, Old Irving Park | Closing night of Macie Stewart & Finom band’s January residency, featuring special guest artists. | Tickets Required |
| 29 Jan, Thu | Friendship, Natalie Jane Hill, Krill 2 | Empty Bottle | Part of the acclaimed 2025 indie rock LP Caveman Wakes Up. | Tickets Required |
| 29 Jan | Sprints, Trophy Wife, No Men | Lincoln Hall | Irish post-punk band Sprints headline the TNK Festival showcase. | Tickets Required |
| 29 Jan | Why?, Brotherkenzie | Sleeping Village | Innovative Ohio-based artists performing for TNK Festival. | Tickets Required |
| 30 Jan, Fri | Liam Kazar, Andrew Sa | Space, Evanston | Local folk-rock artist Liam Kazar headlines his city show. | Tickets Required |
| 30 Jan | Half Gringa | Athanaeum Center, Lakeview | Local indie rock performance and artist interview. | Tickets Required |
| 30 Jan | Antarctigo Vespucci, Golden Apples, Retirement Party | Lincoln Hall | Philadelphia power-pop band Golden Apples deliver a vibrant set. | Sold Out |
| 30 Jan | Hollyy, Runner and Bobby, Sarah Krohn, Julian Saunders | Park West, Lincoln Park | High-energy soul-rock performances from Chicago bands. | Tickets Required |
| 30 Jan | Ira Glass, Jawdropped, Retail Drugs, Starcharm, Immaterialize | Schubas, Lakeview | Showcase of Angel Tapes’ emerging and diverse artists, TNK Festival. | Tickets Required |
| 30 Jan | Infamous Stringdusters, Mountain Grass Unit | Thalia Hall, Pilsen | Masterful bluegrass performance. | Tickets Required |
| 31 Jan, Sat | CRASHprez, Geferty | Gman Tavern, Wrigleyville | Local rap and indie rock acts featured in TNK Festival. | Tickets Required |
| 31 Jan | Optic Sink, Artificial Go, Clickbait | Hideout | High-tempo punk music, TNK show. | Tickets Required |
| 31 Jan | Racing Mount Pleasant, Charlie Martin | Lincoln Hall | Orchestral emo-rock and soft folk-pop set. | Sold Out |
| 31 Jan | Sons of the Silent Age, Jason Narducy & Michael Shannon | Metro | David Bowie tribute for charity, supporting eye cancer patients. | Tickets Required |
| 2 Feb, Mon | Doom Flower, Surgery Boys, Surgery Cult | Empty Bottle, Ukrainian Village | Free Monday show; open-air winter performance. | Free |
| 3 Feb, Tue | Del Water Gap, Hannah Jagadu | Riviera Theatre, Uptown | Rising indie pop artists performing live. | Tickets Required |
Several shows, including Golden Apples and Racing Mount Pleasant, have already sold out. However, early ticket bookings ensure music enthusiasts can enjoy the city’s cultural vibrancy across multiple venues. From local up-and-comers to internationally recognised performers, this week’s schedule epitomises Chicago’s status as a premier destination for live music.
Whether a devoted fan of folk, punk, indie, jazz, or bluegrass, visitors and residents alike can immerse themselves in a rich tapestry of performances that define Chicago’s creative heartbeat.