Chicago Unveils 2025 World Music Festival Lineup

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The City of Chicago has revealed the full lineup for the 2025 World Music Festival Chicago, set to run from September 26 through October 5. The event will showcase performers from 15 countries and regions, spanning traditional, contemporary, and modern musical styles.

“Chicago has always created and celebrated diverse and inspiring music,” said Clinée Hedspeth, Commissioner of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE). “Through music, we will continue to unite Chicagoans and visitors from all around the world. This festival grants us the opportunity to introduce audiences to new cultures and demonstrate music’s influence on humanity.”

25th Anniversary Edition

Celebrating its 25th year, the festival will take place at 12 venues citywide, including iconic locations such as the Chicago Cultural Center and Navy Pier. All events are free to the public, offering audiences the chance to explore music traditions from Colombia, Vietnam, Egypt, Bosnia, and more.

Among the highlights is Ragamala, returning for its 13th year at the Chicago Cultural Center. Recognized as the nation’s largest all-night presentation of Indian classical music, the event allows audiences to experience ragas performed at their traditional hours, aligning music with its intended time of day or night.

Closing Celebration at Navy Pier

The festival will wrap up with the Global Peace Party on October 5 at Navy Pier. The closing event, running from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., will feature performances by a variety of international artists, bringing the 10-day celebration to a dynamic finale.

More Information

Details on scheduling and participating performers are available at WorldMusicFestivalChicago.org.

Sponsors, including the Chicago Transit Authority and Millennium Garages, support World Music Festival Chicago.

DCASE, the city’s cultural department, produces major events throughout Chicago’s neighborhoods as well as at landmark destinations like Millennium Park—one of the Midwest’s most visited attractions. For more on DCASE programming or visiting Millennium Park, residents can visit chicago.gov/dca or millenniumpark.org.