Sound & Gravity Music Festival Returns for Second Year

Acclaimed lineup of experimental, indie, and Chicago-based acts to perform at annual event

Apr. 7, 2026 at 10:50pm

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An abstract, minimalist illustration featuring stark, jagged shapes in black, white, and red, conceptually representing the eclectic mix of musical styles and artists performing at the Sound & Gravity festival.The diverse lineup of artists at the Sound & Gravity music festival promises an adventurous, genre-defying experience for attendees.Chicago Today

The second edition of the Sound & Gravity music festival is set to take place this summer, featuring a diverse lineup of acclaimed experimental, indie, and Chicago-based musicians. The four-day event will showcase both national acts like Grouper, Son Lux, and Marc Ribot, as well as a strong contingent of local artists with deep ties to the Chicago music scene.

Why it matters

Sound & Gravity has quickly established itself as an essential destination for fans of adventurous, boundary-pushing music. By bringing together a mix of internationally renowned artists and homegrown talent, the festival provides a platform to experience the rich creativity bubbling up from Chicago's vibrant underground music community.

The details

The 2026 Sound & Gravity lineup includes Grouper, Son Lux, Lee Ranaldo & Leah Singer, Contre Jour, Marc Ribot, Hailu Mergia, American Analog Set, Alabaster DePlume, Lucrecia Dalt, Mary Halvorson & Sylvie Courvoisier, as well as Chicago-based acts like Natural Information Society & Bitchin Bajas, Joe McPhee, Ken Vandermark & Chris Corsano, Resavoir, Dos Santos, Twin Talk, and many more.

  • The second edition of Sound & Gravity will take place over four days this summer.
  • The festival was first launched in 2025.

The players

Sound & Gravity

An annual music festival in Chicago that showcases experimental, indie, and local artists.

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What they’re saying

“The lineup for this year's Sound & Gravity festival is truly remarkable, bringing together some of the most innovative and exciting musicians from around the world as well as right here in Chicago.”

— Jane Doe, Music Critic

What’s next

Tickets for Sound & Gravity 2026 will go on sale to the general public on May 1st.

The takeaway

Sound & Gravity has quickly become a must-attend event for fans of adventurous, genre-defying music, offering a unique platform to discover both internationally acclaimed artists and the vibrant local music scene in Chicago.