Shakira, Peso Pluma, El Alfa and more headline first night of Sueños festival
Shakira, Peso Pluma, El Alfa and more headline first day of Sueños
Chicago’s Grant Park turned into the epicenter of Latin music over Memorial Day weekend as thousands gathered for the 2025 Sueños Music Festival. Held from May 24–25, this two-day event didn’t just meet expectations—it exceeded them, celebrating the full spectrum of Latin genres. From the thunderous beats of dembow to the tender emotion of corridos tumbados, the festival provided something for every kind of music fan.
With headliners like Shakira, Peso Pluma, Don Omar, and Arcángel, and emerging artists taking over both main and satellite stages, Sueños proved why it’s one of the fastest-growing Latin music festivals in the U.S. It wasn’t just a showcase—it was a statement.
Shakira’s Career-Spanning Set
Shakira’s set was not just a performance—it was a moment of history. As the first woman to headline Sueños, she made her mark with a two-hour, full-production set pulled straight from her current Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour. The Colombian superstar opened with “Hips Don’t Lie” and flowed seamlessly into fan favorites like “She Wolf,” “Waka Waka,” and her viral hit “BZRP Music Sessions #53.”
Each song brought a new visual world. Dancers, fire effects, and elaborate lighting transformed Grant Park into a pop kingdom. Her new material, like “Puntería,” fit right in—showing she’s evolving without losing the magic that made her a global icon.
Even festival-goers who weren’t hardcore Shakira fans found themselves singing along. She bridged generations and genres, reminding the world why she’s still the undisputed queen of Latin pop.
Peso Pluma Balances Corridos and Reggaeton with Style
Following Shakira, Peso Pluma brought a wildly different vibe to the stage—and the switch-up was electric. His raspy voice and unique stage presence gave songs like “Ella Baila Sola” a gritty emotional weight, while his reggaeton-influenced hits like “La Bebe” had the crowd bouncing.
What set his set apart were the surprise guest appearances. Jasiel Nuñez and Tito Double P joined him mid-show, turning up the energy and giving fans unexpected live collaborations they’ll remember forever.
Peso Pluma represents a new wave of Latin artists who aren’t afraid to defy genre boundaries. He’s as comfortable on a corrido tumbado as he is on a trap beat—and the crowd loved every second of it.
Arcángel Delivers Veteran Swagger
Arcángel brought veteran confidence to the stage. His setlist spanned over a decade of hits, from “Flow Violento” to his recent viral songs. Every track was delivered with the polish of a seasoned performer.
The Puerto Rican reggaetonero’s charisma was palpable. Between songs, he shared stories about the evolution of reggaeton and his place in it, connecting with fans both new and old. His performance reminded the audience that Latin trap and reggaeton wouldn’t be where they are today without artists like him paving the way.
El Alfa Keeps the Crowd Moving Nonstop
If there was a “most energetic” award, it would’ve gone to El Alfa. His bass-heavy, fast-paced dembow hits—like “La Mamá de la Mamá” and “Gogo Dance”—turned Grant Park into a full-blown dance floor.
Known as “El Jefe del Dembow,” El Alfa kept the momentum high throughout his set. His presence was magnetic; even people at the food stands were caught dancing mid-bite. His performance showcased how Dominican dembow has gone global—and why he’s its loudest and proudest ambassador.
New Artists Hold Their Own
While the headliners brought in the crowds, it was the newer acts that made fans stay longer. Oscar Maydon, El Malilla, and Nsqk brought raw energy and new-school flavor. Each of them added a fresh dimension to the festival lineup.
Oscar Maydon’s norteño-influenced trap songs caught the attention of older fans. El Malilla delivered hard-hitting urban beats with sharp lyrics that resonated with younger crowds. Meanwhile, Nsqk blurred genres with a fusion of hip-hop, rock, and Latin pop, proving that genre lines continue to fade.
These artists represent Latin music’s next chapter. Their stage time showed that Sueños isn’t just looking back—it’s looking forward.
DJ Luian & La Fuente: Where the Party Never Stopped
New for 2025, the La Fuente stage brought nonstop DJ sets and heavy dance energy. Headlined by DJ Luian—known for producing tracks for Bad Bunny and Anuel AA—the second stage was packed from open to close.
Luian’s set was a high-octane mix of classic perreo and modern EDM-laced reggaeton. Fans who wanted to dance without pause found their rhythm here. His ability to seamlessly transition between tempos and styles was a reminder of how important DJs are in Latin music’s global reach.
Why Sueños Festival Matters More Than Ever
Sueños isn’t just another music festival—it’s a cultural milestone. In a country where Latin music often lives in its own media silo, events like Sueños bring it to the forefront. It places Latin genres on the same pedestal as mainstream pop or EDM festivals like Lollapalooza or Coachella.
Latin music is now the fastest-growing genre in the world. According to IFPI, regional Mexican, reggaeton, and Latin trap all saw global streaming surges in 2024. Sueños is perfectly timed to ride that wave—and help build the next one.
Fan Experience: More Than Just Music
Beyond the music, Sueños 2025 delivered on fan experience. The festival expanded its grounds, offered more shaded lounge areas, added new local food vendors, and even featured immersive brand activations that connected directly with Latinx identity and art.
A New Gold Standard for Latin Festivals
From custom sneaker pop-ups to Dominican hair braiding stations, the experience was thoughtfully designed to celebrate Latin culture in all its diversity—not just on stage, but in every corner of the festival.
Sueños 2025 set the bar high for what a Latin music festival can be. It honored legends. It platformed new voices. And it gave fans an unforgettable experience rooted in rhythm, culture, and connection.
With Latin music’s momentum only growing stronger, festivals like Sueños are more than entertainment—they’re cultural cornerstones. And if Shakira’s show-stopping performance is any indication, next year’s festival may be even bigger.