The Concerts Everyone in Illinois Will Be Talking About in 2026

One of the best things about January in Illinois is the fact that you can daydream about what will happen when it's not January in Illinois and that includes the biggest concerts of the year, many of which have already been revealed and confirmed.

While I've tried to be comprehensive, there's no way I haven't overlooked a venue and/or a show. That being said, here are the biggest and best concerts that I've been able are coming to Illinois this year.

United Center - Chicago

February 4 - New Edition
February 6 - Rascal Flatts
March 21 - Cardi B
May 1 - Demi Lovato
May 2 - Katt Williams
June 2 & June 3 - Megan Moroney
June 26 - Lionel Richie & Earth, Wind & Fire
June 27 - Weird Al Yankovic
July 15 - Megan Trainor
July 16 - RUSH
July 18 - RUSH
July 20 - RUSH
July 22 - RUSH
August 3 - Ariana Grande
August 5 - Ariana Grande
August 6 - Ariana Grande
October 3 - Doja Cat
October 25 - Matt Rife

Soldier Field - Chicago, Illinois

May 16 - Bruno Mars
May 17 - Bruno Mars
June 19 - Morgan Wallen
June 20 - Morgan Wallen
August 27 - BTS
August 28 - BTS

Credit Union 1 Amphitheater - Tinley Park, Illinois

July 8 - Evanescence
July 11 - John Mellencamp
July 24 - The Black Crowes
July 29 - Guns N' Roses
July 30 - Avenged Sevenfold & Good Charlotte
August 7 - Train
August 15 - Lynyrd Skynyrd & Loverboy
August 19 - Five Finger Death Punch
August 22 - Mötley Crüe
September 5 - Marilyn Manson
September 13 - Pitbull
September 22 - Iron Maiden

Ravinia - Highland Park, Illinois

August 12 - Joe Bonamassa
August 22 - Bonnie Raitt
August 29 - Ray LaMontagne
September 12 - Alison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas

Illinois State Fair - Springfield, Illinois

August 15 - Lainey Wilson
August 21 - Ella Langley

This is just the tip of the iceberg for great shows in Illinois this year. There are numerous concerts also on the calendar for the Metro in Chicago, the Aragon Ballroom, the Salt Shed and many other great venues. This will be an ongoing project for me as new shows are confirmed as major acts plan their 2026 treks across America that include Illinois.