10-Day Festival Brings Artists from Around the World to Venues Across Chicago
Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) today announced the lineup for the 2026 World Music Festival Chicago, taking place Friday, Sept. 25, through Sunday, Oct. 4, at venues across the city. The annual festival celebrates the sounds, traditions and artistry of musicians from Chicago and around the world, offering audiences opportunities to experience musical traditions spanning continents and generations.
“World Music Festival Chicago demonstrates how our cultural sector strengthens Chicago by bringing people together while creating opportunities for artists, cultural organizations and neighborhoods across our city,” said DCASE Commissioner Kenya K. Merritt. “By presenting a global musical roster we are investing in the creative economy, activating cultural spaces throughout our neighborhoods and giving residents and visitors an opportunity to experience the diverse influences shaping Chicago’s cultural identity.”
From the Chicago Cultural Center to neighborhood spaces across the city, the 26th World Music Festival Chicago will activate multiple citywide venues to celebrate diverse heritages through music. Throughout the 10-day festival, musical genres from geographical regions including Puerto Rico, Japan, Brazil, Pakistan and more will be presented for free to the public.
Returning for its 14th year, the country’s largest all-night presentation kicks off with live Indian classical music for Ragamala at the Chicago Cultural Center.
Ragamala gives guests the rare opportunity to experience ragas (traditional scales or modes) during the late-night and early-morning hours when they are traditionally meant to be performed. The Ragamala celebration takes place in the Preston Bradley Hall within the Chicago Cultural Center from Friday, Sept. 25, at 6 p.m. through Saturday, Sept. 26, at 8 a.m.
The festival concludes Sunday, Oct. 4, with the Global Peace Party at Humboldt Park Fieldhouse. The free, all-ages celebration runs from noon to 5 p.m. and features performances by the Mary Hazboun Ensemble, representing Chicago and Palestine; Ghana’s Gyedu-Blay Ambolley; and Puerto Rico’s El Laberinto del Coco.
World Music Festival Chicago programming is generously supported by the following sponsors: Chicago Transit Authority and Millennium Garages.
Full schedule below and online at WorldMusicFestivalChicago.org.
