Few will argue that summer is the best season to be in Chicago. The same could be said for its musical offerings — the city’s off-season is not only as vibrant as the rest of the year, but includes an incredible diversity of concert experiences. That’s where this interactive guide comes in. We know that every listener is different, so we’ve assembled a few top picks across different categories. Are you an avid picnicker? Looking for something to do with the kids? We’ve got it all, plus something everyone loves: free concerts.
July 14, 2018
Raise your glasses with us at Ravinia as we celebrate Carl Grapentine, who retires as the long-time host of WFMT’s Morning Program.
September 22, 2018
Join WFMT as the weekly Saturday morning series Introductions marks its 10th anniversary by taking part in the city’s Youth Arts Showcase (YAS! Fest) – its first-ever live broadcast from Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park. Host Michael San Gabino welcomes the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras and Chicago Children’s Choir to the Pritzker Pavilion stage to present a multi-genre program that ...
October 20, 2018
The vocal ensemble Chicago a cappella commences its 25th anniversary season at Nichols Concert Hall in Evanston with a musical tribute to the city featuring Geoffrey Baer. WTTW’s Emmy-winning host (10 that Changed America, A Weekend in Havana, Chicago’s Lakefront and many more) will serve as narrator for Chicago, Chicago — a “Chicago time capsule” featuring the 10-voice ensemble. The ...
October 21, 2018
The vocal ensemble Chicago a cappella commences its 25th anniversary season at Wentz Concert Hall at North Central College in Naperville with a musical tribute to the city featuring Geoffrey Baer. WTTW’s Emmy-winning host (10 that Changed America, A Weekend in Havana, Chicago’s Lakefront and many more) will serve as narrator for Chicago, Chicago — a “Chicago time capsule” featuring ...
May 27, 2019
Kick off the summer with WFMT’s second annual Beach Party! Join us in person, on the radio, and on Facebook throughout the day on Memorial Day for a free, lively, and fun live broadcast event from the recently reimagined Theater on the Lake on Chicago’s lakefront! Enjoy live performances, contests, games, and prizes. Stop by, meet the hosts, and get your WFMT beach ball!
June 1, 2019
Stop by and say hello to your friends at WFMT at this year’s 57th Street Art Fair in Hyde Park! This two-day outdoor celebration, Chicago’s oldest juried art fair, is adjacent to the University of Chicago campus. Check out the work of up to 200 exhibitors displaying their glass, jewelry, leather, photography, printmaking, painting, sculpture, digital arts, wood, ceramics, or ...
June 21, 2019
Internationally renowned concert organist and Chicago area native Nathan Laube will present this concert to celebrate the WFMT series All the Stops in a performance at the stunning Rockefeller Memorial Chapel on the campus of the University of Chicago.
August 10, 2019
Access Contemporary Music presents the 2019 Thirsty Ears Festival, Chicago’s only street festival celebrating classical music. This year’s highlights include Picosa; Lakeshore Rush; cellist Ian Maksin; the Chicago Ensemble; a screening of silent films featuring live music; and much more! You can also enjoy beer and wine, local food trucks, and kid-friendly activities throughout the day. Bring the whole family for this celebration of classical music!
August 19, 2019
WFMT begins the festivities for the Lucerne Symphony with an exclusive pre-concert party hosted by George Preston and Candice Agree. The “Swiss Sips Party” at Ravinia’s BMO Club is followed by the Lucerne Symphony concert, featuring soloist Anne Akiko Meyers in Barber’s Violin Concerto.
September 21, 2019
This year, Introductions returns to YAS! Fest for a special live broadcast at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park! Celebrate Chicago’s young artists by attending in person or listening live on WFMT as host Michael San Gabino welcomes a brass ensemble from Merit School of Music and Latin Grammy-nominated Mariachi Herencia de México.
November 19, 2019
WFMT is partnering with the Symphony Center Presents Orchestra Series for this special appearance by the Orchestre Métropolitain de Montréal.
