Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter Tour Rides Into Chicago

Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter and the Rodeo Chitlin' Circuit Tour is her tenth solo concert tour and fifth all-stadium run — and it's already being called one of the greatest stadium shows ever mounted. When it hits Soldier Field Chicago on May 15, 2025, fans will witness a nearly three-hour, nine-act production celebrating the Black origins of American country music with a scale only Beyoncé could deliver.

What to Expect: The Show

The stage is built in the shape of a five-pointed star with three catwalks extending outward. Beyoncé soars above the crowd on a flying American-flag Cadillac and a glowing pink horseshoe, while robotic bucking broncos and mechanical bulls animate the stage below. Her daughters Blue Ivy and Rumi have joined her onstage for the tender "Protector" segment — marking Rumi's stage debut. The show opens with a Jimi Hendrix nod and closes with Beyoncé in a U.S. flag gown before a braided-hair Statue of Liberty, delivering a bold statement on American identity and Black cultural ownership.

The setlist spans 36 songs across nine thematic acts: from "Ameriican Requiem" and "Ya Ya" through "Texas Hold 'Em," "Jolene," a Destiny's Child medley, a Renaissance interlude, and a soaring "16 Carriages" finale. Night 2 in L.A. added "Single Ladies" (first time since 2018) and "If I Were a Boy" (first time since 2014).

Fan Travel Guide: Chicago

Getting There: Soldier Field sits on the lakefront adjacent to Grant Park. Take the CTA Red Line to Roosevelt and walk south, or use rideshare. Metra and DIVVY bikes are also great options. Avoid driving — parking is limited and expensive.

Where to Stay: The Loews Chicago Hotel, Marriott Marquis, and Hilton Chicago are all within walking distance of the field. For something hipper, try the Ace Hotel Fulton Market or Hotel EMC2 in Streeterville.

Pre-Show Dining: Head to the West Loop for Chicago's best dining. Girl & the Goat, Au Cheval, and Monteverde are all excellent choices. For something fast, Chicago-style hot dogs and deep-dish are must-dos — Lou Malnati's near the stadium is iconic.

Cowboy Carter Style: Come dressed for the occasion: cowboy hats, denim, rhinestones, and boots. Beyoncé's fans are known for their elaborate outfits, and the scene outside the stadium is half the show.

The Cultural Moment

Cowboy Carter won Album of the Year and Best Country Album at the 2025 Grammys, making Beyoncé the first Black woman to win Best Country Album. The tour is both a victory lap and a political statement — onstage visuals feature blurred news clips questioning her "country foray" while she literally defeats a white cowboy in a stylized gun duel. It's a show that's as much about history as it is about music.