Our northern suburb, Lake Forest, being nearly an hour away from two bustling cities—Chicago and Milwaukee—provides boundless opportunities to see great live music. While the summer brings lots of festivals utilizing outdoor spaces, there are additionally many exciting acts coming to the Milwaukee and Chicago-area in the coming months. To see a favorite artist, or just have a fun night out with friends, concerts can be an unforgettable experience of music, fun, and adventure in a city just outside our scenic suburb. Here are some notable, big-time acts coming to distinguished city venues near us this fall.
Mumford & Sons
When: Wednesday, October 8th & Saturday, October 11th
Where: United Center (Chicago, IL) & Fiserv Forum (Milwaukee, WI)
This beloved English folk rock band is coming back to Chicago in October. Mumford & Sons are touring their new album Rushmere that was released in March of this year. The North American Tour includes thirty-two stops, so if you love their hits such as “I Will Wait” or “The Cave,” hear them play live this month in Chicago. They will also be coming to Milwaukee at the Fiserv Forum—home of the Milwaukee Bucks— on October 11th.
Shawn Mendes
When: Wednesday, October 8th
Where: Huntington Bank Pavilion (Chicago, IL)
Huntington Bank Pavilion is a must-see venue to check out on Northerly Island, providing a gorgeous view of Lakefront as well as lots of easy parking options thanks to its proximity to other Chicago attractions. On October 8th, Shawn Mendes will be here touring his new album Shawn. This work takes a turn into a more folk-pop sound away from his earlier 2010s pop hits, which will both be featured in this coming tour.
Chance the Rapper
When: Friday, October 10th
Where: Huntington Bank Pavilion (Chicago, IL)
Chance the Rapper, a Chicago-born artist, is back on tour starting this month. He will be playing his home-city at Huntington Bank Pavilion on the sixth stop on his tour, showcasing his new Hip-Hop/Rap album STAR LINE. Check him out at this beautiful outdoor venue in the crisp, fall air.
Lorde
When: Friday, October 10th
Where: UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena (Milwaukee, WI)
Prolific singer-songwriter, Lorde, is finally back playing live after being off the road since 2023. She is touring her album released in May 2025 where she had a huge part in the song-writing and discusses the themes of losing your innocence and growing up. This music will be brought to Milwaukee at the electric UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena.
Jonas Brothers
When: Sunday, October 12th
Where: Fiserv Forum (Milwaukee, WI)
The beloved Jonas Brothers are bringing their new music and classic charisma back in concert at the Fiserv Forum. Their setlist presents their seventh studio album, as well as big hits like “Only Human” and “Burning up.” With tickets starting as low as $42, see them hit the stage with a killer opening band: The All-American Rejects.
Lainey Wilson
When: Friday, October 17th
Where: Allstate Arena (Rosemont, IL)
New country album Whirlwind by Lainey Wilson will be toured this fall with a stop at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont. After touring with Morgan Wallen, Jason Aldean, Luke Combs, and other artists as a supporting act, Wilson is now headlining her third tour exhibiting Whirlwind, which peaked at No. 8 on the Billboard album chart.
Violent Femmes
When: Friday, October 17th
Where: The Salt Shed (Chicago, IL)
Alternative/Punk band, Violent Femmes, is coming to The Salt Shed as their Chicago tour date. The Salt Shed music venue was opened in August 2022, but was previously owned and operated by Morton Salt, hence its iconic and recognizable exterior. It is now a lively venue hosting acts including indie-rock, folk, reggae and more without a bad seat in the house. Check out the Violent Femmes here on the Friday evening of October 17th.
Tame Impala
When: Monday, November 3rd
Where: United Center (Chicago, IL)
For the first time since 2023, Tame Impala is embarking on their North American “Deadbeat Tour” this fall. Known for incredible Coachella sets and dreamy psychedelic sound, this show is an amazing opportunity to see them play while they tour their newest album Deadbeat. The United Center is accountable for an easy in and out to events, as well as holding a quality selection of snacks, drinks, and facilities in the modern arena. Tickets will fly fast, so pick a cool outfit, and grab tickets while they’re fresh.
