Mark your calendars, as El Grito Chicago is making its highly anticipated return! The festival is set to take place in Grant Park from September 13 to 14, with regional Mexican artist Oscar Maydon headlining the event.
The festivities will run daily from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m., featuring a vibrant assortment of activities that celebrate Mexican culture and heritage.
According to organizers, the Petrillo Bandshell main stage will host a diverse lineup of Mexican and Mexican-American talent, showcasing a blend of musical genres and generations. Audiences can expect performances ranging from traditional mariachi and ballet folklorico to contemporary regional Mexican music and rock en Español, including well-loved tribute acts and the returning fan favorite Kombi Dancefloor.
Among the artists slated to perform over the two-day event are:
– **Oscar Maydon**: The festival’s headliner is a chart-topping regional Mexican superstar who has recently made waves on Billboard’s Top Latin Albums. His latest work has climbed into the top tiers of both the Hot 100 and Hot Latin Songs charts.
– **La Adictiva**: This renowned banda group from Sinaloa is celebrated for its chart-topping hits and dynamic live performances.
– **Banda Los Recoditos**: With over 30 years of experience and iconic anthems beloved across different generations, this legendary group holds a special place in the hearts of fans.
– **Mariachi Herencia de México**: A two-time Grammy-nominated mariachi from Chicago, they skillfully fuse traditional styles with fresh twists.
– **Los de La Homan**: This group is gaining popularity for their viral corridos and anthems that often blend bold lyrics with modern musical elements.
– **El Malo**: A rising voice in regional music, El Malo is recognized for heartfelt corridos and an expanding fanbase.
– **Sin Anestesia**: Known as a staple of Chicago’s Rock en Español scene, they return to delight audiences with their crowd-favorite hits.
– **Selena The Show**: This tribute to the legendary Queen of Tejano promises to captivate audiences once again.
– **Los K‑Bros**: This Chicago-based quartet offers a unique blend of corridos and contemporary Latin rhythms.
– **Kombi Dancefloor**: A beloved Chicago party collective, Kombi Dancefloor is known for their Latin and global dance nights, featuring both DJs and live performances.
– **Ballet Folklórico de Chicago**: This celebrated dance ensemble showcases the rich cultural heritage of Mexico through vibrant and traditional folk dance performances.
Festival organizer Germán González expressed genuine excitement about this year’s lineup, stating, “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.
Alongside him, we have an incredible lineup of Mexican and Mexican-American talent representing multiple generations and musical genres.”
El Grito Chicago promises a weekend filled with culture, flavor, and music. Attendees can look forward to delicious culinary options and engaging activities for children, including the Kids Zone, which features carnival rides, interactive sports, and immersive arts experiences.
Following last year’s successful event, which saw sold-out tickets and over 24,000 attendees, organizers have announced several improvements for the 2025 edition. The enhancements include an improved VIP experience, the introduction of the General Admission Plus ticket, expanded culinary offerings, a larger Kids Zone, increased cultural programming, and a more spectacular fireworks show.
“El Grito Chicago has become much more than a cultural celebration – it’s a powerful economic motor and a symbol of pride for our community,” said Jaime di Paulo, president and CEO of the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
He continued, “This festival generates significant income for local businesses, creates jobs, and highlights the economic vitality of Chicago businesses. By uniting people from various backgrounds to honor Mexican culture and independence, we are not only preserving our heritage but also creating economic bridges that strengthen our diverse business scene.”
Ambassador Reyna Torres Mendivil, the consul general of Mexico in Chicago, emphasized the festival’s importance, stating, “This festival represents the deep and unbreakable bond between Mexico and Chicago. El Grito Chicago is not just a celebration; it’s a powerful expression of our identity and shared heritage. This event provides Mexicans with a space to honor their roots while inviting all Chicago residents to experience the energy, resilience, and joy that define Mexican culture.”
Ticket information for El Grito Chicago is already available, offering early bird prices.
For those over 10 years old, entry tickets are priced as follows:
– General Admission (GA): $25 per day or $45 for a weekend pass.
– General Admission Plus (GA+): $50 per day or $88 for a weekend pass.
– VIP Admission: $80 per day or $140 for a weekend pass.
For children under 10 years old, General Admission (GA) and General Admission Plus (GA+) are free with a ticketed adult. VIP admission for this age group is priced at $10 per day or $18 for a weekend pass.
Tickets can be purchased online, and closer to the event, free tickets will be available for registration for the El Grito civic ceremony.
For organizational reasons related to capacity and security, either paid tickets or free registration will be necessary for entry into El Grito Chicago.
In terms of transportation, the festival is highly accessible via public transit, including buses and train services. The CTA Orange Line, which travels from Midway Airport, and the Pink Line, which runs from 54th/Cermak, both have stops conveniently located near Grant Park.
For those opting to drive, parking will be available at the Millennium Garages, with both the Millennium Park Garage and Millennium Lakeside Garage situated directly across from the festival site.
Alternative transportation services such as Uber and Lyft are also recommended for festival-goers.
With its enriching cultural programming and exciting musical performances, El Grito Chicago is poised to be a highlight of the city’s fall season, uniting communities in celebration of Mexican heritage.
image source from：nbcchicago
