by Dan Garcia
Chicago became the epicenter of Latin music over Memorial Day weekend as Sueños Festival took over Grant Park for its biggest year yet. With tens of thousands of fans packed into the lakefront park, the 2025 edition brought two days of explosive performances, surprise guests, and cross-cultural moments that spoke to the genre’s global rise.
Saturday belonged to Peso Pluma and Shakira, two of Latin music’s biggest crossover stars. Peso turned Grant Park into a war zone of corridos and trap beats, while Shakira delivered a full arena tour-level performance complete with choreography, pyro, and back-to-back hits in both English and Spanish. Sunday night brought the weekend to a close with Don Omar, whose performance of “Danza Kuduro” reminded everyone why he’s still one of the genre’s GOATs.
Peso Pluma Performed Like the Latin Rap Game’s MVP
Few artists have ascended faster, or crossed over more successfully in Latin rap, than Peso Pluma. The Jalisco-born star has completely
redefined what Regional Mexican music can sound and look like, fusing corridos tumbados with trap and global pop sensibilities. Saturday’s set made one thing clear: Peso isn’t just for Latin charts anymore, he’s a full-on global force.
With a packed crowd spilling beyond the barriers, Peso Pluma delivered a raucous, guest-filled performance that turned Grant Park into a rowdy backyard party. He brought out Oscar Maydon, Jasiel Nuñez, El Alfa and Tito Doble P throughout his set. And while the cameos made headlines, Peso’s own catalog of hits—from “Ella Baila Sola” to “LADY GAGA”, held the crowd in the palm of his hand.
What’s even more impressive is who isn’t at Sueños with him. Peso has recently been in the studio with everyone from Kanye West to Rich the Kid to Kali Uchis, proving that he’s not only the king of corridos but a collaborator whose reach knows no genre boundaries.
Shakira’s Arena-Level Production Stuns the Windy City If Peso Pluma lit the spark on Saturday, Shakira brought the fireworks.
The Colombian superstar took over Grant Park with a stadium-caliber performance that felt more like a world tour finale than a festival set. Backed by a massive LED wall, fire bursts, multiple outfit changes, and talented backup dancers, she delivered an hour and 45 minutes of nonstop hits, without a single lull in the energy.
Performing a massive hit like “Hips Don’t Lie” early into the evening, Shakira had the crowd screaming from the jump. She reminded everyone why she’s one of the most iconic performers of the 21st century. English and Spanish speakers alike sang along to “Waka Waka” and “Whenever, Wherever,” uniting generations and cultures in one booming singalong.
For those who haven’t caught her current world tour, Sueños offered a rare chance to see the full spectacle in a festival setting and it did not disappoint.
Don Omar Closes Out with a Timeless Banger
On Sunday night, reggaeton legend Don Omar brought things to a close in the best possible way with a mix of throwback bangers and undeniable stage presence. Rocking a crowd that had already been whipped into a frenzy by earlier acts like Wisin, Grupo Frontera, and Tito Doble P, Don Omar had one last trick up his sleeve.
As the first notes of “Danza Kuduro” hit the speakers, it was as if the entire park levitated. It’s the kind of song that transcends language, generation, and geography, and judging by the thousands of fans screaming every word, that legacy isn’t going anywhere soon.
Sueños 2025 cemented its place as the Midwest’s premier Latin music festival and one of the most exciting events of the year, period. Whether you were a longtime fan or just discovering some of these artists for the first time, the cross-cultural energy, boundary-pushing performances, and overwhelming love for music made this year’s fest unforgettable.
Check out some of our favorite moments below in our exclusive photo gallery from Sueños Music Festival 2025.
