Festival organizer Lyrical Lemonade, founded by Cole Bennett as a hip-hop blog a decade ago, calls Summer Smash Fest “the largest independent hip-hop festival in the world.” This year, Bennett’s fest will return to suburban SeatGeek Stadium after a stint at Douglass Park, due to complaints from Chicago’s west side residents that prompted the move. With three stages (one inside the stadium and two outside on padded turf), there’s bound to be another weekend of rambunctious sets. The crowds at Summer Smash Fest tend to lean young, so brace yourself for swimming through a sea of high schoolers.
Other than three days of bangers from some of the biggest names in rap and hip hop, Summer Smash Fest boasts… a bunch of things to take photos in front of. To be fair, there is a ferris wheel for getting a bird’s eye view of the stages, but in 2023, the festival map was mostly littered with sites of these supposedly relevant giant objects. These included a large sculpture of a cassette tape, an inflatable lemonade carton, a hoard of giant Minions and a staged UFO crash site. Still, you can treat yourself to over 20 local food vendors including Chicago favorites like Portillo’s Hot Dogs, Filipino fare from Michelin-starred Kasama and the self-explanatory Tamale Guy. It’s also possible that a repeat of last year’s fireworks and killer pyrotechnic displays will illuminate the crowds, so make sure to stay until dark to get the full experience.
The Specs
- 100,000 expected to attend.
- Weekend pass for $345 presale.
- Hanging out in Chicago a little longer? Check out Fifty Grande’s Chicago guide.
FAQs
What is the closest airport to Summer Smash Fest?
Fly into Chicago’s larger O’Hare International Airport (ORD) or its nearer-to-the-venue Midway Airport (MDW).
Where’s the venue?
SeatGeek Stadium, 7000 South Harlem Avenue, Bridgeview, IL 60455.
Can I camp?
There is no camping available at Summer Smash Fest.
Can I bring kids?
All ages are welcome as long as they’ve got a valid ticket.
Who performed last year?
Last year had performances from Juicy J, Vince Staples, Lil Uzi Vert, Kid Cudi, Ice Spice and many others.
Which artists will I see at Summer Smash Fest?
Cactus Jack, Big Sean, Destory Lonely, Flo Milli, That Mexican OT, Bktherula, Black Kray, BLP Kosher, Famous Dex, Clip, Lazer Dim 700, Osamason, Vonoff1700, Bossftr, Elijah Wallace, Kami, Playboi Carti, Kodak Black, Lil Tecca, Lucki, Ski Mask The Slump God, Bia, Lil Skies, Mick Jenkins, Paris Texas, Rich Amiri, Baby Kia, Cash Cobain, Nettspend, Tiacorine, Xaviersobased, 2Rare, Freddy Got Magic, Uneek, $am, Chief Keef, Denzel Curry, Jid, Ken Carson, Lil Yachty, Waka Flocka Flame, YG Marley, Anycia, Babytron, Bashfortheworld, Homixide Gang, Lil B, Hardrock, Icytwat, Joeyy, Laundry Day, Lil Gnar, Robb Bank$, Fukyurpain, Shed Theory, Zack Bia, Kerwin Frost, F1lthy, DJ Scheme and Gloup Jake.
