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.


Gone Fishing!

June 13, 2026, 9:00 pm

Grab your rod and reel and spend a summery day fishing as we catch and release folk songs and fish stories. And celebrate June Pride Month with rainbows and parades.

Summers with Dad

June 20, 2026, 9:00 pm

Summer solstice and fun with Dads and kids. Also, songs to commemorate Juneteenth.

Hello and Goodbye

June 27, 2026, 9:00 pm

Songs of greeting, farewell, and hospitality create a very folky summer place. Also, a salute to Chicago’s Gay Pride Parade this weekend.