What to do and see in Illinois, United States: The Best Music Festivals

Held over three days each June in the city's beloved Green Park, the Chicago Blues Festival is one of the highlights of the city's summer lineup. Originally started to commemorate the death of Blues legend Muddy Waters, it has grown to be the largest free blues festival in the world. There are five stages of live music to choose from, featuring both established and up-and-coming artists. Previous performers have included Chuck Berry, Keith Richards, and John Lee Hooker, and each year there are a few surprises in store for blues fans.

As well as being fun to say, Lollapalooza is also a heck of a lot of fun to attend. Filled with international talent but far from being a faceless international festival, Lolla celebrates the best in local life. Grab some of Chicago's best food, handpicked from local restaurants, and choose from one of the eight live music stages to chill out and listen to acts such as Paul McCartney, Florence and the Machine, and Sam Smith.

Located in Union Park in Chicago's Near West Side, the Pitchfork Music Festival brings some of today's most popular and buzzed about musical acts to the stage. For three days over 40 bands perform for over 45,000 attendees by playing everything from rock, indie, hip-hop, electronic and R&B music in this urban yet natural setting. Enjoy the variety of international and locale acts by purchasing individual day passes or a full 3-day weekend pass.

The Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce and Old Town School of Folk Music present the 9th Annual Square Roots craft beer and music experience in Chicago’s historic Lincoln Square neighborhood. More than 30,000 fans attend Square Roots each year to enjoy local craft brews, the Brew Lounge specialty tap tasting booth, fabulous cuisine and diverse entertainment.