Latin Music Takes Over Grant Park at Sueños Music Festival 2023

The highly anticipated second edition of Sueños Music Festival brought Latin music lovers to Grant Park this Memorial Day weekend in the beautiful Windy City.

Chicago welcomed tens of thousands of adoring fans over two days of sonic bliss. Attendees from across the Latin American diaspora repped their flags all weekend long— a reflection of the diverse acts representing Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Puerto Rico. And while fans embarked on a geographic journey, Sueños also transported us through time, bringing together some of the most iconic acts from la vieja escuela to the present.

Photos by : Enrique Oñate Jr.

Edited by : Ariel Nuñez

One of the most anticipated acts of the weekend, Colombia’s Feid performed for a rowdy sea of effervescent green. Hundreds if not thousands of fans showed up Saturday flaunting their most stylish and daring fashions in the artists’ signature color. The energy for his set was palpable as fans screamed along to “CHORRITO PA LAS ANIMAS,” only to be doubly felt when he later surprised fans during Puerto Rico’s Wisin y Yandel’s iconic set to perform “Yandel 150” with the legend himself. This unexpected yet widely desired link-up was without a doubt the highlight of the weekend, being the first onstage collaboration we’ve seen at the festival (fingers crossed for more!). Closing out Saturday night, los extraterrestres Wisin y Yandel took us out of this world and into a perreo dreamland.

Photos by : Enrique Oñate Jr.

Edited by : Ariel Nuñez

The boricua ladies showed out in full force. paopao, in her femme-emo-alt-rock aesthetic, proved why she’s a songstress to watch. As she crooned and serenaded the Saturday afternoon crowd, she charmed us with her infectious sweetness. She commanded the stage like a true professional and showed off her artistic range in a fantastic showing. Later Saturday afternoon, Ivy Queen put on one of the most electric sets of the weekend. Dripping in red latex, la caballota played through her most iconic hits from over two decades as the Queen of Reggaeton. Despite some brief technical issues, she powered through with an acoustic performance in her sexy, sultry tone. Ivy Queen continues to show up for her fans and proves why she’s one of the longest standing reggaeton acts, paving the way for other female artists in the genre. Young Miko soared Sunday afternoon, attracting a vibrant crowd of her dedicated fans. Holding a rainbow mic, she brings authenticity, sapphic desire, and Caribbean queerness to the stage, ushering in Pride Month while performing hits such as “Lisa” and “Bi.” At the end of her set, she left old and new fans alike begging for more.

Photos by : Enrique Oñate Jr.

Edited by : Ariel Nuñez

Mexican-American Becky G solidified the ladies of Latin music's dominating presence at Sueños. A near-perfect set, she traversed an array of genres including reggaeton, merengue, corrido, and pop. The bilingual star was a dream in lavender, alongside her team of dancers and musicians, as she beamed down at her fans under a golden sky. Over the weekend, Dominican-Puerto Rican acts Arcángel and Nicky Jam brought their decades-spanning careers to the stage, covering hits from the 2000s to the present, respectively. Puerto Rico’s Chencho Corleone brought to life many Plan B throwbacks like “Guatauba” for their OG fans, as well as recent collaborations. Dominican dembow artist El Alfa brought fuego to the chilly lakeside evening with unmatched energy and life. To close out the festival Sunday night, Grupo Firme brought Mexico to Chicago in a bittersweet ending to a dreamy weekend.

Photos by : Enrique Oñate Jr.

Edited by : Ariel Nuñez

Beyond the bombastic bops and perreo intenso, Sueños Music Festival keeps the vibes going on and off the stage. Guests can expect an array of food and beverage options, as well as activities throughout the weekend. Attendees can enjoy a scrumptious spread of vendors with vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free options as well as specialty cocktails at the numerous bars including Casa Bacardí and D'USSÉ Cognac. For some relaxed fun, fans cannot miss the chance to catch the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan from the top of the Ferris wheel (did you go to a music festival if you didn’t ride the Ferris wheel?) or they can enjoy roaming the curated grounds for highly Instagram-able content.

Photo by : Briana Lawrence

The second iteration of Sueños Music Festival is proof that last year was no fluke. This festival is here to stay, and as a new staple of the Chicago music scene, we’re excited to return next year and bring you the juice!

For more festival content and updates, check out our Instagram @pulpmagazine.inc and @suenosfestival!