Chicago’s Only Classical Music Street Festival Celebrates 10 Years

Access Contemporary Music (ACM) proudly presents the 10th Annual Thirsty Ears Festival, Chicago’s only classical music street festival, returning August 23–24, 2025. The festival transforms Wilson Avenue into a vibrant celebration of classical music, community, and culture. Join us for a weekend of extraordinary music, delicious food and drinks, and a celebration of community at the 10th Annual Thirsty Ears Festival!

The Thirsty Ears Festival offers an exciting lineup of performances from stellar ensembles and soloists, featuring music from classical greats like Beethoven and Shostakovich to contemporary composers like Reena Esmail, Kaija Saariaho and more. In addition to music, enjoy craft beer, wine, food trucks, vendor booths, and activities for kids, creating a festive, family-friendly atmosphere.

Festival highlights include:

• Main Stage Performances: Enjoy a diverse range of classical music from renowned artists such as the Chicago Sinfonietta Brass Quintet, acclaimed banjoist Michael J. Miles playing Bach, hammered dulcimer player Joel Styzens, festival favorite Michael Hall, and many more.
• Kid Zone Activities: Featuring an Instrument Petting Zoo, sing-alongs, and engaging performances for children by Jenny Viets, Dawn Marie’s Toddler Jam, Laura Doherty, and Singalong Sprouts.
• Special Events: Don’t miss the Mini Sound of Silent Film Festival on Saturday night at 9:30 PM, showcasing contemporary scores for silent films.

The event takes place Saturday, August 23rd from 2:00 PM – 11:00 PM & Sunday, August 24th from 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM at 1758 W. Wilson Ave., Chicago, IL 60640 (Note: In the event of rain, the festival will move to All Saints Church on the same block, with seating for 200 people). A $10 suggested donation for entry is requested, with proceeds benefiting the ACM School of Music, a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering musical creativity in the community.

Sponsors: Thirsty Ears Festival is made possible by the generous support of the Driehaus Foundation, Alderman Matt Martin’s Office, Gaylord & Dorothy Donnelley Foundation, Illinois Arts Council, All Saints’ Episcopal Church, Shure, Yamaha, PianoForte Chicago, Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce, Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce, Grant Park Music Festival, O’Shaughnessy’s Public House, and the ACM School of Music. Our media partner is CHIRP Radio, and our beer partner is Dovetail Brewing.

About Access Contemporary Music (ACM): ACM believes that the music of our time deserves a wider audience and strives to bring contemporary classical music to new listeners through innovative performances and educational programs.

ACM’s innovative programs include a music venue in a former 7-Eleven in Lakeview called The CheckOut, the Sound of Silent Film Festival, the Thirsty Ears Festival, a nationally televised PBS series called Songs About Buildings and Moods, Meditative Mondays, Relevant Tones, collaborations with Open House Chicago, and the ACM School of Music, which teaches over 300 students across four storefront locations in Chicago.

For more information about the Thirsty Ears Festival and Access Contemporary Music, please visit www.acmusic.org.