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January is a notoriously difficult time for Midwest concertgoers—shows are scarce and the conditions are even worse for touring artists. Musicians must brave grueling roads and coax fans out of warm homes despite subzero temperatures and post-holiday money hangovers. To bridge this gap, Tomorrow Never Knows was founded 20 years ago, masterminded by then-Schubas Tavern talent buyer Matt Rucins.
Across four weekends in January, this wintertime music and comedy festival champions rising stars in the indie scene, placing them in intimate spaces like the cozy Hideout, the legendary Metro and the new Ramova Theatre in Bridgeport. Setting the event further apart is a multidisciplinary lineup that includes comedians like Ramy Youssef and drag artist Derry Queen. Rather than sticking to a single genre, the festival strives to capture the full breadth of the independent arts scene in Chicago and beyond.
Past lineups have been remarkably prophetic, featuring early performances from Bon Iver, Caroline Polachek and Cameron Winter (of Geese). Given that track record, Tomorrow Never Knows attendees are likely to catch the next global sensation in some of the city's most storied rooms.
When is Tomorrow Never Knows 2026?
Tomorrow Never Knows takes place every weekend in January: January 8–10, 15–17, 22–24 and 29–31.
Where is Tomorrow Never Knows 2026?
The festival takes over eight venues throughout Chicago: Lincoln Hall, Schubas, Metro, GMan Tavern, Sleeping Village, Hideout, Color Club and Ramova Theatre.
Who is on the Tomorrow Never Knows 2026 lineup?
Among the 50-plus acts performing this year, highlights include avant-rock sensation Perfume Genius (performing in a rare duo format), shoegaze titans DIIV, country-soul legend Swamp Dogg and comedian Chris Gethard, who will be hosting a live version of his long-running podcast Beautiful/Anonymous.
Where can I get tickets to Tomorrow Never Knows 2026?
Tickets for each individual show are on sale now here.