Festival

August 12 and 13, 2023

Thirsty ears Festival

ACM’s Thirsty Ears Festival is Chicago’s only classical music street festival!

For two days Wilson street between Hermitage and Ravenswood are closed to feature stellar ensembles and soloists performing music from Beethoven to Shostakovich to Reich and everything in between on the main stage.

We also have delicious beer and wine, vendor booths, kid-friendly activities and food trucks on both days.

This year’s lineup will be announced in March.

  Hours

Saturday, August 12 2:00 – 10:00 PM
Sunday, August 13 1:00 – 9:00 PM

  Location

1758 W. Wilson Ave.

Parking is limited to street parking

 Event schedule

August 13th

main stage

2pm  TBD

3pm  TBD

4pm  TBD

5pm  TBD

6pm  TBD

7pm  TBD

8pm  Palomar

9pm  Mini Sound of Silent Film Festival

Kid Zone

2pm  TBD

3pm  TBD

4pm  TBD

5pm  TBD

6pm  TBD

7pm  TBD

8pm  Palomar

9pm  Mini Sound of Silent Film Festival

August 14th

Main Stage

2pm  TBD

3pm  TBD

4pm  TBD

5pm  TBD

6pm  TBD

7pm  TBD

8pm  TBD

9pm  TBD

Kid Zone

2pm  TBD

3pm  TBD

4pm  TBD

5pm  TBD

sponsors

Meet Our sponsors

The Thirsty Ears festival is made possible in part by generous support from these sponsors:

  • Thirsty Ears Festival

    Thirsty Ears Festival 2022 2022

    Chicago's only classical music street festival features two days of stellar performances, craft beer, food trucks, kid-friendly activities and community vendors

    View Event

    Thirsty Ears Festival

    Thirsty Ears Festival 2021

    ACM’s popular Sound of Silent Film Festival is a unique event featuring new short silent films in every conceivable genre screened with newly-composed musical scores performed live.

    View Event

    Thirsty Ears Festival

    Thirsty Ears Festival & Walking Tour 2020

    ACM is proud to present the third annual Thirsty Ears Festival: Chicago’s only classical music street festival!

    For two days Wilson street between Hermitage and Ravenswood will be closed to feature fifteen stellar ensembles and soloists performing music from Beethoven to Shostakovich to Reich and everything in between on the main stage.

    We’ll also have delicious beer from Empirical Brewing, vendor booths, kid friendly activities and food trucks on both days.

    $10 suggested donation, all proceeds support the ACM School of Music, a non-profit organization.

    View Event

    Thirsty Ears Festival

    Thirsty Ears Festival 2019

    ACM’s popular Sound of Silent Film Festival is a unique event featuring new short silent films in every conceivable genre screened with newly-composed musical scores performed live.

    View Event

    Thirsty Ears Festival

    Thirsty Ears Festival 2018

    ACM is proud to present the third annual Thirsty Ears Festival: Chicago’s only classical music street festival!

    For two days Wilson street between Hermitage and Ravenswood will be closed to feature fifteen stellar ensembles and soloists performing music from Beethoven to Shostakovich to Reich and everything in between on the main stage.

    We’ll also have delicious beer from Empirical Brewing, vendor booths, kid friendly activities and food trucks on both days.

    $10 suggested donation, all proceeds support the ACM School of Music, a non-profit organization.

    View Event

    Thirsty Ears Festival

    Thirsty Ears Festival 2017

    ACM is proud to present the second annual Thirsty Ears Festival: Chicago’s only classical music street festival!

    For two days Wilson street between Hermitage and Ravenswood will be closed to feature fifteen stellar ensembles and soloists performing music from Beethoven to Shostakovich to Reich and everything in between on the main stage.

    We’ll also have delicious beer from Empirical Brewing, vendor booths, kid friendly activities and food trucks on both days including Empanadas 5411, Pierogi Wagon and Bruges Brothers.

    View Event