Evanston, IL

Dillo Day

ExpectedExpected May 2027

2027 dates not announced yet. Last festival: May 16, 2026

10k-15k$45 ppCollege
Dates
Expected May 2027
Status
Expected
Venue
Northwestern Lakefill
Price
$45
Camping
None on site
Last checked
Oct 20, 2026

The last Dillo Day was May 16, 2026, in Evanston, IL. Its 2027 dates haven't been announced yet. Froligo tracks ticket prices, attendee feedback and travel details.

The experience

What's special

Dillo Day is produced by Mayfest Productions, a student organization at Northwestern University, and is described as the nation's largest student-run music festival, with over 12,000 festival attendees. The 2026 edition took place on 16 May at the Northwestern Lakefill in Evanston, Illinois, with three stages: the Main Stage, the FMO Stage and The Burrow. Lineups are archived from 2012 onward, and the 2026 Main Stage featured acts including Daya, BossMan Dlow and Malcolm Todd.

How it works

Entry is by wristband. For 2026 wristbands were registered through NBO by 14 May and picked up in person by 15 May with a Wildcard or government-issued ID matching the order and a 6-character confirmation code. In 2026 the Main Stage schedule ran from 11:45 AM, with the last set at 9:15 PM. An official Dillo Day app provides security notifications, the lineup and schedule, and the event map, and food trucks are on site.

Who it suits

Northwestern undergraduate students could register for free and buy two guest wristbands in 2026. Northwestern graduate students, Evanston community members and Northwestern alumni could purchase a wristband.

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Listen

Tap an artist to play them right here.

No official playlist linked yet. Find Dillo Day on Spotify.

Lineup

Here's who played in 2026:

Getting there

Nearest airport ORD.

How do I get to Dillo Day?

By car

Most people drive to Dillo Day. The nearest major airport is ORD, and from there it is a straightforward drive to the venue. Check current road and traffic conditions before you set off, and see parking below.

By train

No direct passenger rail to the venue was found. Drive, fly in, or use a shuttle instead.

By bus & public transit

No scheduled intercity bus or public transit route to the venue was found. Drive, fly in, or use a shuttle instead.

Taxi & rideshare

Taxis and rideshare such as Uber and Lyft can be limited near the venue, especially late at night or in rural areas. Agree a pickup point and time in advance and keep a backup plan.

🅿 Parking

Cost Free after 4pm on weekdays and all day Saturday/Sunday in the campus structure per Northwestern's own directions page; at other times a paid temporary pass from the University Parking Office (Segal Visitors Center) is required, or street parking. dilloday.com, its support portal, and the official pre-event 'Buckle Up for Dillo Day' safety PDF do not publish Dillo-Day-specific parking or road-closure guidance (checked all three), this is the campus's standing/general parking policy.

🚙 Car hire

Compare car hire at ORD

If you are hiring a car, it is worth checking parking near the venue before you go.

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Car hire links may earn Froligo a commission; they never change the price you pay.

Where

Venue

Northwestern Lakefill

Camping & Accommodation

Where can I stay near Dillo Day?

No on site camping. Here is where to stay nearby.

Budget stays 3
Heart O' Chicago Motel Evanston
📍 4.4 mi from the venue

5990 North Ridge Avenue, Chicago, 60660, Evanston, IL

Typically $70-130 a night off-peak guide, higher on festival dates

Check rates
Rio Motel Evanston
📍 4.7 mi from the venue

6155 North Jersey Avenue, Chicago, 60659, Evanston, IL

Typically $70-130 a night off-peak guide, higher on festival dates

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River Park Motel & Suites Evanston
📍 4.7 mi from the venue

6060 North Lincoln Avenue, Chicago, 60659, Evanston, IL

Typically $70-130 a night off-peak guide, higher on festival dates

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Mid-range hotels 6
Hyatt House Chicago/Evanston
🍳 Breakfast

1515 Chicago Ave, Evanston, IL 60201

Typically $120-220 a night off-peak guide, higher on festival dates

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Graduate by Hilton Evanston

Typically $120-220 a night off-peak guide, higher on festival dates

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Hilton Orrington / Evanston

1710 Orrington Ave, Evanston, IL 60201

Typically $120-220 a night off-peak guide, higher on festival dates

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Holiday Inn Chicago North-Evanston

Evanston, IL (exact street address not confirmed on a fetchable page)

Typically $120-220 a night off-peak guide, higher on festival dates

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Hilton Orrignton Evanston
🚶 12 min walk

1714 Orrington Avenue, Evanston, IL 60201

Typically $120-220 a night off-peak guide, higher on festival dates

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Hilton Garden Inn Chicago North Shore/Evanston
🚶 16 min walk

1818 Maple Avenue, Evanston, IL 60201

Typically $120-220 a night off-peak guide, higher on festival dates

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Treat yourself 1
Renaissance North Shore Evanston
📍 8.2 mi from the venue

933 Skokie Boulevard, Northbrook, 60062, Evanston, IL

Typically $170-300 a night off-peak guide, higher on festival dates

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Airport hotels 2
Best Western O'Hare Rosemont
✈️ 1.7 mi from ORD🍳 Breakfast

10300 West Higgins Road, Rosemont, IL 60018

Typically $100-190 a night off-peak guide, higher on festival dates

Check rates
Sonesta Chicago O'Hare Airport Rosemont
✈️ 1.7 mi from ORD🚐 Free airport shuttle

10233 West Higgins Road, Rosemont, IL 60018

Typically $100-190 a night off-peak guide, higher on festival dates

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More hotels nearby 1
Margarita European Inn, Ascend Hotel Collection

Downtown Evanston, near campus (exact street address not confirmed on a fetchable page)

Link coming soon
Airbnb & private camping
Airbnb

Evanston and the North Shore have active Airbnb listings, though far fewer than downtown Chicago. On a big one-day campus event weekend, expect tighter availability and higher prices. Book early.

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Hipcamp

Hipcamp has little to no inventory directly in Evanston, which is a dense inner-suburban and university area rather than rural or private land. The nearest listings are well outside the North Shore.

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Search all hotels near Northwestern Lakefill

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Accessibility & comfort

The organizer does not publish accessibility details. Ask them directly before you travel about step-free access, accessible toilets, seating and anything else you need.

Pricing

2026 pricing
$45 per person
2026: free for registered Northwestern undergraduates. Evanston community wristband $45 per person
Northwestern undergraduates freeEvanston community wristband $45
A guide only. Prices change, so confirm the current price on the official ticket page before you buy.

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Quick answers

When is Dillo Day 2027?

Not announced yet. The last festival was May 16, 2026. The next one is expected in May.

How much are Dillo Day tickets?

$45 per person were the 2026 edition's prices. 2027 tickets are not on sale yet; prices will be confirmed when they go on sale.

Where is Dillo Day held?

Northwestern Lakefill, Evanston, IL.