City of Chicago Announces 2024 World Music Festival Chicago Lineup

Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) recently announced the music lineup for World Music Festival Chicago, taking place September 20 — 29. Featuring 10 consecutive days of live, global music in 11 venues citywide, World Music Festival Chicago showcases 31 artists representing 16 countries and regions, including seven local music groups.

“World Music Festival Chicago is more than a celebration of music. It is a celebration of our shared humanity and the diverse cultures that make our city and world so beautiful,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “As we gather in the spirit of community, creativity and celebration, I look forward to experiencing the global sights and sounds alongside Chicagoans and visitors alike.” 

“The diversity and talent showcased in this festival is a true reflection of the cultural fabric of this city,” said DCASE Commissioner Clinée Hedspeth. “From Irving Park to Auburn Gresham to Millennium Park, World Music Festival Chicago travels across our great city, connecting residents and visitors with musicians from across the world, fostering greater cultural understanding through the power of music.”

Now in its 24th year of programming, World Music Festival Chicago features free performances in 11 indoor and outdoor venues across the city. Throughout the 10-day festival, globally curious music enthusiasts can experience the sounds of a wide variety of musical genres from diverse geographical regions including Colombia, Italy, Pakistan, Sweden and more.  

Kicking off the festival is Ragamala at the Chicago Cultural Center, the largest all-night presentation of live Indian classical music in the United States. Returning for its 12th year, Ragamala gives guests the rare opportunity to hear the ragas (traditional scales or modes) during the early morning and late-night hours as they were meant to be played. The Ragamala celebration takes place at the Chicago Cultural Center from September 20 at 6 p.m. through September 21 at 8 a.m. Ragamala is presented by DCASE in collaboration with the South Asia Institute (SAI) and South Asian Classical Music Society (SACMS). Ahead of Ragamala, the Chicago Cultural Center will host a special Fall Open House from 4 to 8 p.m., featuring a variety of interactive art, live music and more throughout the building.

New this year, DCASE partners with the Old Town School of Folk Music to present Global Carnival, an immersive performance experience featuring Afro-Brazilian carnival block Ilê Aiyê, New Orleans Black Masking Indian artists Flagboy Giz & The Wild Tchoupitoulas and more in Millennium Park, Sunday, September 22 from 5 – 9 p.m. This program is also part of the Millennium Park Residency Program and 20th Anniversary Season. 

Capping off the festival is a Global Peace Party at Navy Pier, bringing a full day of music from Chicago, Poland and Cuba beginning at 2 p.m. on Sunday, September 29.

 A full schedule of events and locations is available online at WorldMusicFestivalChicago.org.