Ragging on our neighbor to the south is always good sport. But if you’re a music fan in Milwaukee — or anywhere in the Midwest — you gotta give Chicago credit for the festival scene it has built over the years.
Lollapalooza and Pitchfork are the longstanding members of that sphere, having started their Windy City residencies in 2005 and 2006, respectively. The most explosive growth, however, has come from Sueños, the Latin music festival that debuted in 2022 and this past January announced that it sold out Grant Park for this year’s edition.
If you’re one of the lucky pass-holders for the event being held this Saturday and Sunday, May 25-26, we gathered some helpful information that’ll help you navigate the festival. We’ll start with the basic details, but keep heading down the page for the performance schedule, our two can’t-miss artists and a few styling tips to make the most of your weekend.
First up, how to get there. Like getting around almost anywhere in downtown Chicago, driving yourself is not recommended. Better to take the CTA or Metra, use a rideshare service or even rent a bike. If you opt for public transportation, you can take the CTA Red Line and exit at Jackson, Harrison or Roosevelt stations; or the Metra Electric line and exit at Van Buren Street station.
After you arrive, keep in mind that any bag you bring will be searched at the gate. If it’s any bigger than 6”x9”, it needs to be clear. You’re allowed to carry in reusable water bottles (as long as they’re empty), hand sanitizer and sunscreen, binoculars, blankets and even Frisbees. But leave any fancy recording equipment (drones, pro-style cameras, selfie sticks), chairs, and outside food and drinks at home.
Inside the festival grounds, you’ll find music of course, as well as plenty of food available for purchase from more than 50 vendors — we’re talking arepas, jibaritos, tacos, tamales, empanadas and beyond. New this year, there’s a “Munchies y Miches” area dedicated to the classic Mexican cocktail, plus a range of desserts and snacks. You’ll be able to pick up other drinks at bars set up throughout the grounds, as well as vendors like Corona, Bacardi and Don Julio.
Sueños set times
Saturday, May 25
- Noon-12:30 p.m. — Red Bull Batalla
- 12:45-1:05 p.m. — Elena Rose
- 1:20-1:50 p.m. — Latin Mafia
- 2:05-2:30 p.m. — Alvaro Diaz
- 2:45-3:15 p.m. — Xavi
- 3:15-3:45 p.m. — Sorry Papi
- 3:45-4:30 p.m. — Rels B
- 5-5:45 p.m. — Bizarrap
- 6:15-7 p.m. — Ivan Cornejo
- 7:30-8:15 p.m. — Young Miko
- 9-10 p.m. — Rauw Alejandro
Sunday, May 26
- Noon-12:20 p.m. — Delilah
- 12:30-12:50 p.m. — Dani Flow
- 1:05-1:35 p.m. — Alexis y Fido
- 1:50-2:20 p.m. — Bad Gyal
- 2:35-3:05 p.m. — Gabito Ballesteros
- 3:35-4:15 p.m. — Manuel Turizo
- 4:45-5:25 p.m. — Jowell y Randy
- 5:55-6:35 p.m. — Mora
- 7:15-8:15 p.m. — Maluma
- 9-10 p.m. — Peso Pluma
Who to see at Sueños
It's often said that an artist is "breaking barriers" or "doing something that's never been done before." For Young Miko and Xavi, these claims are not only widely believed, but also undeniably true.
These two Gen-Z artists are redefining norms and earning credibility across the board. Endorsed by Grammy-winner Karol G, their music resonates with fans who see their own stories reflected in the lyrics. Young Miko explores themes of sexuality with intimate and vulnerable narratives, while Xavi shares heartfelt tales of an immigrant upbringing and a close bond with his mother.
As performers at the Sueños Music Festival, they are drawing diverse crowds eager to connect with their powerful messages and electrifying performances. Unapologetically authentic, Young Miko and Xavi are not only here to stay, they are bringing communities together through their music.
Young Miko
Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
A Puerto Rican native and former tattoo artist, Young Miko initially gained attention as a SoundCloud rapper and now shares stages with Karol G, Bad Bunny and Feid. One of the most compelling aspects of her music is her ability to make fans feel welcome and understood.
One of her fans, Nancy Gomez, explained it perfectly after seeing Young Miko perform several times, including a Sueños After Party event in 2023. “She resonated with me because she’s a queer Latina," Gomez said. “It was an all-women-based event, and all of us in that moment could resonate with the music, the vibes, and feel like one whole community. It was incredibly empowering."
Xavi
Saturday at 2:45 p.m.
Xavi, the 18-year-old sensation whose fame skyrocketed after releasing "La Diabla" and "La Victima," creates a nostalgic and emotional connection with his fans. This multifaceted artist sings about heartbreak and the women who have hurt him through his iterations of Corridos Belicos, a genre popularized by artists like Peso Pluma and Natanael Cano. But there’s a duality to Xavi’s music that draws dedicated fans like Claudia (@cloudd.a), a dedicated fan
"'La Diabla' is still one of my hype beats when I go to the gym. I like the beat, I like the lyrics," she explained before switching gears to My Mom’s Playlist, a project that saw Xavi cover seven songs he remembers his mom listening to. “It reminds me a lot of my mom, and I was listening to it on repeat for a while. Those songs remind me of my childhood because these covers are what I grew up listening to with my mom."
What to wear at Sueños
If you haven’t figured out what you’re wearing for Sueños yet, don’t worry. We’ve got you covered. Whether you’re looking to completely switch up your vibe and attract some serious attention or stick with what works for you, here are some tips to keep in mind.
Since concerts and festivals have been reopening post-pandemic, the importance of making a fashion statement at these events has skyrocketed. With A-list celebrities turning venues into runways and musicians emphasizing the concert experience, looking fabulous has never been more crucial. So, with a two-day festival in the Midwest featuring top Latine artists, how can you keep up?
At a festival like Sueños, where reggaeton beats rule and dancing is a must, dressing to impress is key. Marycruz (@_msnchz), a festival fashionista, has some great advice about balancing style and functionality, ensuring you can dance the night away without a care in the world.
“I always try to find outfits that are both comfortable and cute, especially ones that allow me to dance freely,” she said. “For example, my cargo pants provide full coverage while still letting me move easily. My little tennis skirt is perfect because it has shorts underneath, so I can dance without worrying about anything showing. While I personally prefer a bit more coverage, I fully support those who enjoy showing a little more skin when they dance.”
Because music and fashion go hand in hand, you might be more focused on leaving a mark with your festival outfit. Another style guru, Christian (@kfchristian), shares his insights to making a bold statement while staying true to yourself.
“My looks are inspired by artists, combining elements of masculinity and femininity, and Y2K fashion with influences from Rauw and Young Miko,” he said. “For day two, I go for a more fashion-forward, girly pop style, incorporating Mexican culture with some boots and accessories. I also like to include a bit of politics in my outfits, especially during a political year, as public events are a great opportunity to make a statement.”
Among attendees, Christian aims to turn heads and drop jaws: “For me, style trumps comfort,” he explained. “I believe that if an outfit looks great, it's worth enduring a bit of discomfort, like a few poking accessories or tight straps, for a few hours. Additionally, I think dressing appropriately for the weather and elements is more important than prioritizing comfort.”
His commitment to looking fabulous, no matter the cost, is a testament to the lengths we sometimes go to in the name of fashion. So, as you gear up for this weekend, make sure your clothes are either comfortable or fabulously uncomfortable. Get ready to shake your 🍑 and, of course, let your favorite artists inspire your looks.