Warm Love Cool Dreams returns to Chicago's Salt Shed
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Courtney Barnett is slated to perform at the Warm Love Cool Dreams fest. Barnett performs at the Taste Of Chicago at Grant Park on July 10, 2019 in Chicago. Photo by Timothy Hiatt/Getty Images
It may not feel like it when you step outside today, but summer is on the horizon. That means summer festivals are filling the calendar.
The big picture: Warm Love Cool Dreams Music and Arts Festival returns to the Salt Shed for its second year, May 23 - 24, featuring headliners like Courtney Barnett, The Jesus and Mary Chain, and local favorites Tortoise and Whitney.
Driving the news: Tickets for Warm Love Cool Dreams Music and Arts Festival go on sale Friday for $59.
State of play: In addition to multiple stages of live music, the Oddball Market sets up on fest grounds, selling vintage clothing, records, and jewelry from local artists.
- Empty Bottle Presents, the production arm of the longtime Ukrainian Village music club, puts on the festival.
Flashback: The event brought in 6,000 attendees in 2024, according to a spokesperson.
Between the lines: Warm Love Cool Dreams' lineup will appeal to an audience still missing the Pitchfork Music Festival, which ended its nearly two-decade run in 2024.
Yes, but: The festival will face some competition as it falls on the same weekend as the Sueños Music Festival in Grant Park, a major Latin music festival that draws thousands of fans, and the new Forever Mine Music Festival, featuring early 2000s R&B and house music, at Union Park.
Zoom out: Chicago's Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events also recently announced its 2026 music and arts lineup, featuring many free events.
The bottom line: Chicago summer is why we suffer through these hellacious winters and it's time to start planning.