Pop icon Bruno Mars grooves into Chicago for two nights at Soldier Field

Pop superstar Bruno Mars is set to bring his highly anticipated “The Romantic Tour” to Soldier Field for two back-to-back performances on Saturday, May 16, and Sunday, May 17.

The 16-time Grammy winner will take the stage both nights at 7:30 p.m., with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. According to the singer's official website, the concerts are part of Mars’ first major tour in several years and will feature special guests Leon Thomas and DJ Pee Wee, the performance alias of rapper “Anderson .Paak” (whose real name is Brandon Paak Anderson).

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Mars, known for chart-topping hits including “24K Magic,” “Locked Out of Heaven,” and “Uptown Funk,” has built a reputation as one of the industry’s most dynamic live performers. His new tour supports his 2026 album “The Romantic,” which blends pop, funk, soul, and R&B, influences that have defined much of the singer's career.

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As reported by the Chicago Tribune, the tour marks the return of Mars to Chicago for the first time since performing as a Lollapalooza headliner in 2018. The Romantic is the first complete tour the crooner has headlined since his 24k Magic World Tour in 2017, leaving fans anxious and excited for the star to return to the big stage.

Local businesses surrounding the Museum Campus and South Loop are also preparing for an influx of visitors during the two-night event. Restaurants, bars, and parking operators near the stadium are expected to see increased traffic throughout the weekend as concertgoers arrive from across the Midwest.

Due to this increased traffic, Soldier Field has placed a special announcement that concertgoers attending the shows are encouraged to arrive early due to the anticipated congestion around Lake Shore Drive and surrounding parking lots. Soldier Field officials say parking lots will open at 3:30 p.m. each day.

The two-day concert is the first major show kicking off Soldier Field's summer music programming schedule. The venue is set to welcome other leading industry names throughout the season, including acts such as Morgan Wallen, Ed Sheeran, The Foo Fighters, and BTS, among others.