Chicago’s Summer Smash Festival showcases some of hip hop’s historical best accompanied by the scene’s hottest up-and-coming artists. The fest is expertly curated by founder Cole Bennett, who started the popular hip hop blog Lyrical Lemonade in 2013. Soundcloud rappers are at the heart of Bennett’s coverage, and he’s been known to kickstart the careers of now-famous rappers like Juice WRLD.
Bennett is no stranger to pulling some of hip hop’s biggest names. This year’s performances include early 2000s rapper Kid Cudi, known for his thoughtful and introspective lyrics, Vince Staples, who got his start with the Odd Future gang, and Future, who helped pioneer the use of melody and autotune in modern trap music. The lineup also includes lesser known rappers that Bennett makes a point to highlight. You’ll hear from Chicago soundcloud rappers Komla and Ausar, and female acts Nina Tech and Rico Nasty.
This year Summer Smash moved from Douglas Park to SeatGeek Stadium, which is located just minutes outside Chicago in Bridgeview. Two of the festival’s three stages are outdoors; Chicago summers are known to be hot and past reviews of the event report long waits to get in, so be sure to prepare accordingly.
The Specs
- Last year, around 90,000 guests attended Summer Smash over the course of three days.
- General Admission go for $275 for all three days and $99 for a single day. VIP passes go for $499 for all three days and $199 for single days. The three-day Diamond VIP goes for $1,199.
- If you’re just visiting, check out this guide to the best things to do in Chicago.
FAQs
What is the closest airport to Summer Smash?
The Chicago Midway International Airport is 4.8 miles, or 15 minutes, away from the venue.
What is Summer Smash’s Covid Policy?
There are no covid-related requirements for entry or attendance.
Is the event all ages?
Yes.
What time will the gates open?
Friday at 3pm, Saturday at 1pm and Sunday at 1pm.
Who is performing at Summer Smash?
Kid Cudi, Vince Staples, Ice Spice, Glorilla, Freddie Gibbs, Young Nudy, NLE Choppa, Cochise, Lil Pump & Smokepurpp, Eem Triplin, DD Osama, Homixide Gang, Jeleel!, Valee, Black Kray, Duwap Kaine, DC The Don, Joeyy, SXMPRA, Nina Tech, Broke Boii, Future, Ski Mask the Slump God, G Herbo, Cordae, Juicy J, Tee Grizzley, Luh Tyler, Lil Tracy, Sahbabii, Famous Dex, Yung Bans, Jasiah, Veeze, Gloss Up, Danny Towers, Matt Ox, Sexyy Red, CDOT Honcho, Dom Corleo, CP, Highway, Komla, Lil Uzi Vert, $uicideboy$, Playboy Carti, Trippie Redd, Lucki, Central Cee, Lil Skies, Rico Nasty, Babytron, Lil B, Ramirez, Sematary & The Haunted Mound, O3 Greedo, Bktherula, BLP Kosher, 2Rare, Babyxsosa, Sid Shyne, Slime Dollaz, Ausar, Pola Bear, Lil Durk, Zack Bia, DJ Scheme, F1ithy, Blaccmass, Gloupjake.
2023 Poster
Videos
#summersmash on TikTok