Mark your calendars for the return of El Grito Chicago!
Event organizers announced their long-awaited lineup for the festival in Grant Park between Sept. 13-14, with regional Mexican artist Oscar Maydon as the headliner.
Throughout the festival, there will be activities daily from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.
“The Petrillo Bandshell main stage will showcase an impressive array of Mexican and Mexican-American talent representing multiple generations and musical genres, from traditional mariachi, ballet folklorico performances to contemporary regional Mexican and rock en español including beloved tribute acts, and returning fan favorite Kombi Dancefloor,” organizers said in a statement.
Here’s a list of artists participating in the two-day event:
- Oscar Maydon – Chart-topping regional Mexican superstar and festival headliner. According to organizers, Maydon recently debuted in the top 10 on Billboard’s Top Latin Albums, and appeared on both the Hot 100 and Hot Latin Songs. His latest album also climbed to No. 3 on the Regional LP Mexican Albums list.
- La Adictiva – Sinaloa’s top banda group, known for chart-topping hits and powerhouse live shows.
- Banda Los Recoditos – A legendary banda group with over three decades of iconic anthems, beloved across generations.
- Mariachi Herencia de México – Two-time-Grammy-nominated mariachi from Chicago, fusing tradition with fresh style.
- Los de La Homan – Rising stars in regional Mexican music, known for viral corridos and anthems that blend bold lyrics with modern flair.
- El Malo – Emerging voice in regional music with heartfelt corridos and rising fanbase.
- Sin Anestesia – Chicago’s Rock en Español staple, back with crowd-favorite anthems.
- Selena The Show – Top-tier tribute to the legendary Queen of Tejano.
- Los K‑Bros – Chicago-based quartet blending corridos with modern Latin rhythms.
- Kombi Dancefloor – Fan-favorite Chicago-based party collective known for Latin and global dance nights with DJs and live sets.
- Ballet Folklórico de Chicago – Celebrated dance ensemble showcasing Mexico’s rich cultural heritage through vibrant, traditional folk dance and music.
“We are absolutely thrilled to announce Oscar Maydon, a breakout artist from Mexico who is setting the tone for the new wave of regional Mexican music as our El Grito Chicago festival headliner along with an incredible lineup of Mexican and Mexican-American talent representing multiple generations and musical genres,” said Germán González, organizer of El Grito Chicago.
A weekend full of culture, flavor and music
El Grito Chicago will once again offer a familiar experience complete with incredible culinary options and activities for children to enjoy themselves, with the awaited return of the Kids Zone, with includes carnival rides, interactive sports activities and immersive arts experiences.
Organizers promise that the weekend will be full of culture, flavor and live music from international and national artists, folk dance performances, mariachis, delicious food, a traditional Mexican Mercadito and cultural programming for all ages.
After last year’s success with sold out tickets and over 24,000 attendees, organizers indicated that the 2025 edition will have an improved VIP experience, the introduction of the new General Admission Plus ticket, more culinary options, a larger kids zone, greater cultural programming, a more impressive fireworks show and more ways to celebrate Mexican heritage.
“El Grito Chicago has become much more than a cultural celebration – it’s a powerful economic motor and a symbol of pride for all of our community,” said Jaime di Paulo, president and CEO of the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. “This festival generates significant income for local businesses, creates jobs and highlights the economic vitality of Chicago businesses. By uniting people of all origins to honor Mexican culture and independence, we’re not just preserving our heritage, but we’re also creating economic bridges that strengthen the diverse business scene of our city.”
“This festival represents the deep and unbreakable bond between Mexico and Chicago,” said Ambassador Reyna Torres Mendivil, consul general of Mexico in Chicago. “El Grito Chicago is not just a celebration – it’s a powerful expression of our identity and shared heritage. It offers Mexicans a space to honor their roots, while it invites all Chicago residents to experience the vitality, resilience and joy that defines Mexican culture. Through music, food and tradition, we strengthen the cultural fabric that has enriched this great city for generations.”
Ticket information
According to organizers, tickets are already available with early bird prices.
Entry tickets (older than 10-years-old)
- General admission (GA): from $25 per day / $45 for a weekend pass
- General admission plus (GA+): from $50 per day / $88 for a weekend pass
- VIP admission: from $80 per day / $140 for a weekend pass
Entry tickets (under 10-years-old)
- General admission (GA) and general admission plus (GA+): free if accompanying a ticketed adult
- VIP admission: $10 per day / $18 for a weekend pass
Tickets are available online.
Closer to the date of the event, they will offer free tickets with registration for the El Grito civic ceremony. For capacity, security and logistics reasons, paid tickets or free registration are required to enter El Grito Chicago.
Transportation information
The festival is easily accessible using public transportation, including buses and trains. You can easily reach the Grant Park festival using the following CTA train lines:
- Orange Line: The Orange Line travels from Midway Airport to the center of Chicago. It’s a convenient option if you’re coming from the southwest of the city.
- Pink Line: The Pink Line travels from 54th/Cermak to the center of Chicago. This line is ideal for those that come from the west side of the city.
Both lines have stops close to Grant Park, where the festival will take place. For schedules and exact routes, check the CTA website or use your mobile app.
For those arriving by car, there will be parking available in Millennium Garages. Millenium Park Garage and Millennium Lakeside Garage are right across the street from the festival, at 5 S. Columbus Drive. You can also consider transportation options like Uber or Lyft.
