Live Music Venues

In the 3rd largest city in the U.S… sometimes smaller & cheaper is better for exploring live music venues, here is a list of our favorite little concert halls for you to discover….

The Empty Bottle is nestled in Bucktown on Western Ave. & Thomas St.  This place embodies the essence of a comfortable divey bar with a great sound quality, cheap drinks, and uncommonly friendly staff & service.  The pool table, an old couch, some vintage arcade machines, whiskey specials, bathroom graffiti, and solid bands are huge pluses.  In addition, Bite Cafe is part of the Bottle and serves up some unique yet savory munching options.

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Spring Events in Chicago

The warm weather is already sinking in, we’re  geared up for Spring, you should to, as we preview these upcoming events….

Get ready for Germany in Chicago kicking off May 31st-June 3rd for Chicago’s 18th annual Maifest.  The event aims to cure cabin fever with beer, food and live music under giant tents in Chicago’s historic Lincoln Square. Additional highlights include arts and crafts vendors, admission is FREE.  See why this event has been voted best Chicago Festival back in 2009.

 

 Come celebrate Chicago’s proud Mexican influence in a colorful explosion of music, a parade, vendors, and authentic food.  The Cinco De Mayo Festival starts May 4th at 4pm and goes on until May 6th.  Most art enthusiasts will love the cultural display of paintings, sculptures, and canvases on display/ for sale at this annual fest.  1401 S Sacramento Dr. in the historic Pilsen neighborhood.

 Guess what?  The city of Chicago closes off scenic Lake Shore Dr. every year so we can pedal across the beautiful lakefront highway, taking advantage of the giant paved expressway, and the aesthetically pleasing sights of the skyscrapers on the right, and Lake Michigan on the other side.  Bike the Drive is a 15-30 mile non-competitive ride, and if you need a bicycle, we rent them for 30$ per day/ 20$ for half a day, right here at our hostel.

Hey party people.  Check out the renowned Belmont-Sheffield Music Festival just north of our hostel in Lakeview.  For just a $5 suggested donation you get a myriad of live performances, food & drink vendors, shopping oppurtunities and more.  The 28th annual festival kicks off Memorial Day weekend, book with us now, and celebrate.

Live Music in Chicago 101

Welcome to a perfect city for LIVE MUSIC, whether you’re in the market for a small & intimate venue OR a sprawling outdoor fest, you’ve touched down on the right place…

 Our staff enthusiastically recommends The Empty Bottle, a smaller comfy venue that offers superb sound quality, great bands, cheap drinks, & friendly/efficient service; this place is often left out of the tourists’ agenda, and we’re giving you a heads up. Oh and they have FREE MUSIC MONDAYS (check their site).  Take a trip just south of Division St. on Western Ave.

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