Summer’s Last Dance Is Coming!
Chicago’s acclaimed independent and philanthropic music festival Summer’s Last Dance has officially unveiled the Phase 1 lineup for its 2026 return. And it’s a good one. It all begins with nationally Grammy-lauded live electronic duo Big Gigantic (live), viral saxophone sensation Saxsquatch, bass house heavyweight Henry Fong (also remixed J Balvin, Rihanna), funk-infused house duo The Sponges, and more.
Returning September 19 in Bridgeview, IL, the one-day festival has quickly emerged as a defining end-of-summer sendoff for the city, offering a more intimate, community-driven alternative to large scale festivals. Perfect!
“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.” – Bobby De Maria (Founder)
Founded by longtime Chicago promoter Bobby De Maria, the festival also continues its partnership with the Miracle Michael Fund, established in honor of Michael John Shultz to support families affected by Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI), 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 – efforts 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,” says De Maria. “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 eclectic, cross-genre programming that blends electronic, hip-hop, funk, house, and live performance into a single-day celebration designed to feel more connective rather than overwhelming. Past editions have featured artists ranging from Cheat Codes and KSHMR to Chicago house pioneer Marshall Jefferson, alongside industry figures like Destructo, The Knocks, Slushii, and more, reflecting an approach that mirrors the diversity of Chicago’s music culture. What an awesome festival!
Spanning three stages, 20+ artists, and 12 hours of music, Summer’s Last Dance is bringing together old friends, new fans, and multiple corners of Chicago’s music community for one final celebration before summer fades.