Best Live Music Coming to Illinois for the Rest of 2026

It's been an exciting year of concerts in Illinois, but the calendar is still loaded with amazing live music between now and the end of the year.

It does not matter what type of music you prefer. Every genre has a big artist that still has scheduled performances in Illinois this year. Here are the highlights from the best of the best that you can still see live in the Land of Lincoln in 2026:

1. The Smashing Pumpkins

October 14 — United Center, Chicago

This is one of the most interesting rock shows remaining in Illinois. The band is doing a special two-set show built around the 30th anniversary of Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness, followed by a career-spanning set.

2. Gorillaz

October 8 — United Center, Chicago

Gorillaz brings The Mountain Tour to Chicago with Little Simz and Deltron 3030. It's a particularly unusual lineup and one of the more distinctive arena productions remaining this year.

3. Brooks & Dunn

October 3 — Vibrant Arena, Moline

A huge country-music opportunity for western Illinois and the Quad Cities. This is probably the biggest country show in the Quad Cities remaining on the current calendar.

4. Journey

October 5 — United Center, Chicago

A classic-rock arena date and one of the obvious choices for readers looking for a major legacy act.

5. Olivia Rodrigo

October 11–12 — United Center, Chicago

One of the biggest contemporary pop tours coming through Illinois this fall.

6. The Black Keys

October 20–21 — The Salt Shed, Chicago

The two-night Chicago run gives this one a different feel from the giant United Center shows. The Salt Shed currently lists both dates.

7. Interpol with DIIV

October 11 — The Salt Shed, Chicago

A particularly strong alternative/indie-rock pairing. Choose Chicago lists DIIV as the special guest.

8. Three Days Grace + I Prevail

November 3 — Peoria Civic Center

This is one of the strongest downstate Illinois rock shows remaining in 2026. The current listing has I Prevail and The Funeral Portrait on the bill as well.