Chicago Open Air is returning for its sophomore year after the festival made its debut at Toyota Park last summer. Open Air will bring a lineup of more than 40 modern rock and heavy metal bands for a weekend of music, beer and “gourmet man food.” Taking place July 14th through the 16 it is set to butt heads with indie rock–centric Pitchfork Music Festival being held in Union Park the same weekend.

The artists set to headline the upcoming festival are Ozzy Osbourne, Kiss and Korn. Other notable acts include Rob Zombie, Slayer, Megadeth, Lamb of God, Meshuggah, Stone Sour, Clutch, The Dillinger Escape Plan, Body Count, Pig Destroyer, Dragonforce, and Code Orange. Tickets for the all-ages event are slated to go on sale at noon Friday via chicagoopenair.com.
Three-day general admission passes start at $119.50, while three-day VIP passes cost at least $425. Single-day general admission tickets start at $50.

Chicago Open Air will also host aftershows at various venues around Chicago. Last year’s venues included Concord Music Hall, Double Door, House of Blues and Metro. Unlike other festivals offering wild food options such as sushi burritos, raw pressed juices and vegan wares; Open Air Festival attendees will be able to get their grub on with real “man food”. Some of the vendors in attendance at this year’s event will include Chicago Doghouse, Dia De Los Tamales, Dinky’s Donuts, Kuma’s Corner and Pizano’s. It wouldn’t be manly without a frosty beer and those will be supplied in plenty at the “Headbangers Bier Hall,” which will be offering both a selection of local craft beer as well as Motörhead Wine.

photo by Mauricio Alvarado