The Sound of Music

Music festival season heats up in Chicago this month, with Ravinia, Pitchfork Music Festival, Disrupt Festival, American Music Fest, Wicker Park Fest and more hitting all the high notes with renowned headlining acts and some local flavor.

Summertime in the city is music to everyone’s ears as Chicago’s robust music festival season kicks off. Here are our picks for what not to miss this month and a sneak peek at the behemoth Lollapalooza coming up on its heels in early August.

Just north of the city is the annual destination festival Ravinia (running all month) that presents music under the stars. While there is a large pavilion to take in the headlining talent, you can also pack a picnic and a blanket and enjoy the (much more affordable) lawn seats. This year’s lineup includes the Steve Miller Band (July 1), rapper T.I. (July 2), R&B crooner Maxwell (July 9), Lady Antebellum (July 10), Jennifer Hudson (July 14) and Weird Al Yankovic (July 28). Take Metra from Ogilvie Transportation Center downtown, north to the Ravinia stop. www.ravinia.org

Lady Antebellum heads to Ravinia

The Pitchfork Music Festival (July 19-21) is another of the popular options this month, held in Union Park. This year’s lineup includes indie darlings Haim, the 60th anniversary celebration of The Isley Brothers, pop queen Robyn, plus Mavis Staples, Belle & Sebastian and Charlie XCX. In addition to the music, Pitchfork hosts a mini version of the Renegade Craft Fair and the Flatstock Poster Fair. www.pitchforkmusicfestival.com

The 38th annual American Music Festival (July 3-6) is a must-do for fans of alt country and roots rock. Hosted by Fitzgerald’s in Berwyn, catch Nikki Hill, the Blackfoot Gypsies, JD McPherson, The Waco Brothers, Alejandro Escovedo and many more. Plus, nosh on classic American and New Orleans grub. www.fitzgeraldsnightclub.com

Fans of punk rock will be at home at the one-day Disrupt Festival (July 12) at the Hollywood Casino Amphitheater, with sets from The Used, Thrice, Circa Survive, Sum 41 and others. www.rockstardisrupt.com

Neighborhood festivals are also a popular choice; one of our favorites is Wicker Park Fest (July 26-28) with Wavves, Murder By Death, Screaming Females, L.A. Witch and more to be announced, plus a kids stage and plenty of food and drink vendors. www.wickerparkbucktown.com

Coming up soon is also the giant outing Lollapalooza (August 1-4), with The Strokes, Ariana Grande, Childish Gambino, Janelle Monae and Gary Clark Jr. www.lollapalooza.com

Gary Clark, Jr.

Fresh Festival Looks

Music festivals aren’t only about what’s being heard but how you want to be seen too. Here are some local spots to get fest-worthy hair and fashion.

Boss Hair Group

This hip eco-friendly salon, in Chicago’s River North neighborhood, has a large mural of David Bowie on the wall to inspire your music festival looks. Founder John Blue and a team of talented stylists can whip up trendy braided hair styles (a great way to beat the heat, too), funky color that stands out and sweat-proof curls. www.bosshairgroup.com

Fest styles from Boss Hair Group

Lost Girls Vintage

For boho chic fashion looks, trust Sarah Azzouzi and Kyla Embrey. The owners of Lost Girls Vintage (up until recently) ran their business out of Winnie, a 1976 Dodge RV Camper, as well as pop-ups around town like the Renegade Art Fair. Now the duo has their first brick-and-mortar store in West Town where their eye for design is on display through shelves up on shelves of vintage clothing handsourced by the duo, alongside a line of vintage plus size garments that are often hard to find. Also score jewelry and beauty products while you shop. www.lostgirlschicago.com