Article Contributed by MP3 PR
Published on 2026-09-13
Chicago’s independent and philanthropic music festival Summer’s Last Dance returns to Bridgeview, Illinois, this Saturday, September 19, for one final celebration before summer fades. Now just six days away, the single-day festival will feature more than 40 artists performing across three stages during 10 hours of music.
The 2026 lineup is led by nationally GRAMMY-lauded live electronic duo Big Gigantic, viral saxophone sensation Saxsquatch, bass house heavyweight Henry Fong and funk-infused house duo The Sponges. The complete Phase Three lineup also includes Rich DietZ, Bobby Afterlife, SNBNY, Ston Don, Christine Mae, Wrenn, David BLK, DB Stereo, Lisa Pizza, Ahmad the Prophet, ROSÉ, SIJI, Sir Trevor James, INDI, DOMI and many more.
Praised as one of the Chicago Tribune’s top summer events, Summer’s Last Dance has quickly emerged as a defining end-of-summer sendoff for the city, offering a more intimate, community-driven alternative to large-scale festivals.
“Summer’s Last Dance is about connection as much as it is music. From the beginning, we wanted to create an experience that brings people together across different scenes and backgrounds while also supporting something bigger than ourselves,” said festival founder Bobby De Maria.
Founded by longtime Chicago promoter Bobby De Maria, the festival continues its partnership with the Miracle Michael Fund, established in honor of Michael John Shultz to support families affected by Osteogenesis Imperfecta, a rare connective tissue disorder commonly known as brittle bone disease. A portion of every ticket and sponsorship directly supports family assistance and ongoing research.
The philanthropic mission behind Summer’s Last Dance is deeply personal for De Maria. Over the years, his company, Afterlife Entertainment, has helped raise more than $100,000 for organizations including Ronald McDonald House Charities, Hope For The Day and the Miracle Michael Fund. Those efforts are now led alongside his father, Jim De Maria, a longtime Chicago sports and nonprofit executive who spent decades with the White Sox, Blackhawks and Ronald McDonald House Charities.
“I grew up watching my dad use sports and entertainment as a way to bring people together and support people who needed it most,” De Maria said. “That mindset became a huge part of what we built with Afterlife. The music matters, but so does what you do with the platform.”
Now in its third year, Summer’s Last Dance continues to carve out a unique lane within Chicago’s music landscape through cross-genre programming that blends electronic, hip-hop, funk, house and live performance into a single-day celebration designed to feel more connective than overwhelming.
Past editions have featured artists ranging from Cheat Codes and KSHMR to Chicago house pioneer Marshall Jefferson, alongside Destructo, The Knocks, Slushii and more, reflecting an approach that mirrors the diversity of Chicago’s music culture.
With three stages, more than 40 artists and music running from 1 to 11 p.m., Summer’s Last Dance will bring together old friends, new fans and multiple corners of Chicago’s music community for one final celebration before the season ends.
Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026
Time: 1–11 p.m.
Location: Summer’s Last Dance Festival Grounds
7337 W. 100th Place
Bridgeview, IL 60455
Stages: Three
Artists: More than 40
Ages: 18 and older; 21 and older to drink
Admission: General admission and VIP passes are available
Tickets: Purchase tickets
Information: SummersLastDance.com
