The Midnight Special

Saturdays at 9:00 pm
instruments

Unique weekly series featuring songs, silliness, and show tunes

Original and offbeat, this three-hour Saturday night romp presents fresh new singer-songwriters alongside well-known artists who have played at Chicago area clubs, concert venues, festivals, and on the comedy scene. Inclusive, high-energy, and always entertaining, The Midnight Special offers listeners a lively potpourri of folk songs, ballads and blues, showtunes, spoken word, and hilarious novelty routines. Escape into the stories, experience the emotions, and let loose with a good guffaw whenever you tune in. Get onboard here, on wfmt.com, or use the WFMT app. The Midnight Special first aired in 1953 with Mike Nichols as host. View The Midnight Special archived playlists.

You might also be interested in WFMT's weekly series Folkstage featuring a one-hour folk concert.

The Midnight Special is available for free streaming in two different ways – live during the broadcast and on demand via the rights-compliant 5-hour, non-interactive player below within two weeks of the broadcast.


Spring into Springtime

March 23, 2024, 9:00 pm

Songs of blooming and rejuvenation for the vernal equinox and springtime in the city.

Get a Jump on Summer

March 30, 2024, 9:00 pm

We take a “spring break”  with songs about islands and tropical getaways to help you escape the routine. And we’ll place a few “Easter eggs” in the song basket, too.

But Seriously, Folks… Funny Folk songs

April 6, 2024, 9:00 pm

We find the funny in folk, celebrate Janis Ian’s birthday, and preview the upcoming South for Winter release. Plus, duets from Jim Kweskin’s new album and  more.

Looking to the Moon, Seeing Stars

April 13, 2024, 9:00 pm

When the crescent moon is aloft, more stars appear. Explore the latest contemporary folk releases and maybe find some new “stars!”

Our Living Planet

April 20, 2024, 9:00 pm

We honor Mother Earth with environmental songs on her special day and tip our party hats to Elaine May and Patty LuPone!

That Toddlin’ Town

April 27, 2024, 9:00 pm

Chicagoans are proud of their city’s gorgeous lakefront, art, music and tall buildings filled with fascinating characters. This week, it’s songs about the Windy City and the people who live here.

“May the Fourth Be With You!”

May 4, 2024, 9:00 pm

Songs that point to strength, courage, and unseen forces. And perhaps a wink and a nod to Star Wars, released in May 1977.

To Sleep, Perchance to Dream…

May 11, 2024, 9:00 pm

Lyrics and melodies that appear in dreams – daydreams, sweet dreams, and nightmares alike – often make it into folk songs. Close your eyes and see what dreams may come. Songs for Mother’s Day, too.

Hats Off to the Graduates!

May 18, 2024, 9:00 pm

Chicago Public High School seniors will soon don their mortar boards. We salute them with a show about achieving goals, moving on, and looking to new adventures.

Songs of Remembrance for Memorial Day

May 25, 2024, 9:00 pm

Memorial Day is a somber holiday, particularly for those who have seen battle. We honor the fallen with voices from the past such as Edith Piaf. We’ll also usher in summer, and say “Happy Birthday, Bob Dylan!”