Happy (unofficial) start of fall! This is my favorite time of the year for many reasons but mostly because so many fall tours are announced on top of new music releases that close out the year. I’ve done posts like this for the past two years (you can check them out below) and knew I had to do it again since there are SO many shows I am dying to check out this fall. I definitely won’t be able to make all of them just cause that’s #expensive but I will be trying my hardest to see as many of these shows as possible.
There are a ton of other great shows to check out this fall that I didn’t include but I tried to contain it to just 10. I’ve also realized after writing this just how many female artists I included which was NOT intentional but I love it! Each show with a * next to the artist’s name means I have tickets or I am attending the show.
Click here to read my 2016 post
Click here to read my 2017 post.
Enjoy!
In chronological order:
Dream Wife, Russo, Girl K
Genre: Rock / Punk
Where: Lincoln Hall / 2424 N. Lincoln Ave. Chicago, IL
When: October 1, 18+
Why: If you’re into female empowerment and punk rock, Dream Girl is the perfect group for you. I saw them open up for Sunflower Bean back in May and really enjoyed their performance – their genre is one I don’t spend too much time with and it was a fun and refreshing set from these up and coming rocker chicks. Plus they’re from London – and I’m convinced British people make the best music.
Purchase tickets here.
Soccer Mommy, Sasami
Where: Lincoln Hall / 2424 N. Lincoln Ave. Chicago, IL
When: October 4, all ages
Why: I’ve been into indie rock female acts a lot this year with artists like Phoebe Bridgers and Snail Mail. I love supporting smaller acts like Soccer Mommy (her name is Sophie) – and her debut album Clean was declared a hit by lots of big outlets like Pitchfork and Rolling Stone. I guarantee she will be even bigger in 2019 – her small show at Lincoln Hall is one not to miss.
Purchase tickets here.
Jade Bird, Field Report
Where: Lincoln Hall / 2424 N. Lincoln Ave. Chicago, IL
When: October 7, 18+
Why: 20-year-old British folk/rock singer Jade Bird has been named NPR’s 2018 Slingshot Artist and she hasn’t even released her debut album yet. With just one debut EP under her belt and a handful of singles, Bird has been making a name for herself since with memorable festival performance slots at SXSW and Bonnaroo.
Mitski, Overcoats *
Where: The Vic Theatre / 3145 N Sheffield Ave. Chicago, IL
When: October 25, all ages
Why: Mitski is one of the most buzzing artists of 2018 and her most recent release Be The Cowboy is going to be named one of the best albums of the year. With support from indie pop duo Overcoats, this is going to be an awesome night of feminist music. Definitely going to end up being one of my favorite shows of the year.
Brockhampton
Where: The Aragon Ballroom / 1106 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60640
When: October 28, all ages
Why: I think it’s important to note that if I am recommending going to see a hip-hop artist live, they must be pretty good! I don’t really listen to hip-hop and seeing a live performance by an artist in this genre would usually make me a little anxious but i had so much fun seeing a bit of Brockhampton’s set at Lolla this year. They’re also set to release another album later this fall (release date TBD) so it’ll be a great show.
Maggie Rogers, Mallrat *
Where: The Riviera Theatre /
When: October 30, all ages
Why: I’ve been praising Maggie for just about two years ago and it’s honestly so insane she STILL hasn’t announced the release of her debut album. I’m really hoping it’s out before this show – she was one of the few shows I paid for in spring 2017 even though she had only released 3-4 songs at the time. I’m hoping since she’s selling out this headlining tour (again, without a full length album out, which is wild), that her debut LP will be out by the time she starts this tour. Logistically, I think it makes sense. Since I’ve seen her before I was on the fence about paying to see her again without an album, but adding Australian singer Mallrat to the bill was a huge get for me. Regardless, if you haven’t seen her, it’s definitely a great show to check out!
This show sold out so fast at The Vic that they moved it to The Riviera to accommodate more people. Grab your tickets fast before they’re gone here.
Wild Nothing, Men I Trust
Where: Thalia Hall / 1807 S Allport St, Chicago, IL 60608
When: November 9, 17+
Why: I saw Wild Nothing way back in the day at Lolla in 2013 and they definitely fell off of my radar, but I’ve really enjoyed their recent album release, Indigo. Men I Trust also has some great songs, and these two acts at Thalia Hall is going to bring a really beautiful evening. If you’re looking for something laid-back, this is a great option.
Julien Baker, Phoebe Bridgers, Lucy Dacus *
Where: Thalia Hall / 1807 S Allport St, Chicago, IL 60608
When: November 12 & 13, 17+
Why: These three females were only originally going to record and release one song together, but ended up recording six and creating their own band, Boygenius. All three of these women are incredibly talented musicians and on top of being able to see their solo work live, they will definitely be singing at least a few of their tracks together. This buzz is so immense the both shows already sold out – really unfortunate if you missed out. But resale options are available!
Jessie Reyez *
Where: Lincoln Hall / 2424 N. Lincoln Ave. Chicago, IL
When: November 13, all ages
Why:I walked away from my Lollapalooza weekend seeing nearly 30 sets and Jessie Reyez’ was easily in my top 5. I was completely blown away with her vocals, stage presence and amazing energy. Her headlining tour is selling out fast so grab your tickets to her show at Lincoln Hall ASAP!
Pale Waves
Where: Bottom Lounge / 375 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60607
When: November 21, all ages
Why: I think I’m becoming a broken record when I talk about Pale Waves because I’ve covered them so much, but it’s for good reason! They’re label & tour mates with The 1975 and their debut album comes out THIS WEEK. I usually don’t go to shows when artist don’t have full length releases out, so I’m hoping to see this full show by them because it’ll be a couple months after their album is out. Their last show at Lincoln Hall sold out so I’m assuming this one will, too.
Click here for tickets.
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