The Best July Events In Chicago

volleywoodPhotograph: Courtesy Volleywood

Plan your July in Chicago with our calendar of events and things to do, including festivals, concerts and movie screenings.

Friday June 28 2024

Photograph: Courtesy Volleywood

Jeffy Mai

Summer in Chicago hits its peak during July, when some of the city’s biggest festivals and events return to town and bring enough live music, incredible food and general outdoor merrymaking to fill every weekend (and probably a good amount of weekdays, too). Kick off the month with Fourth of July celebrations, highlighted by sparkling fireworks shows across the city and suburbs. From there, take a deep dive into the heart of summer festival season at events like Wicker Park Fest, Miche Fest, Windy City Smokeout and Pitchfork Music Festival. For even more ways to keep busy on long summer days and nights, check out our guide to the best things to do in Chicago this July.

RECOMMENDED: Events calendar for Chicago in 2024

Featured events in July 2024

NASCAR Chicago Street Race

NASCAR returns to Chicago for another weekend of street racing, sending cars going over 100 miles per hour down Lake Shore Drive, Michigan Avenue, Columbus Drive and other downtown thoroughfares. You can purchase tickets to watch all the action from reserved seats and designated viewing areas, and also enjoy concerts by The Chainsmokers, The Black Keys, Keith Urban and Lauren Alaina.

African Caribbean International Festival of Life

For three decades, the African Caribbean International Festival of Love has brought reggae and world music performances, Afro-Caribbean food, games, crafts and more to Washington Park. This year, the fest will take place over Independence Day weekend, with performances from a variety of artists.

Pride South Side

Show off your pride at the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center in Washington Park. Providing a safe space for Black and Brown members of the LGBTQ+ community, the sixth annual Pride South Side celebration will feature musical performances across two stages, a vendor fair with local small businesses, family-friendly activities and more. This year’s theme is the “Right to Pride,” which positions the LGBTQ+ community at the front of advocacy, culture and leadership

Chicago Craft Beer Festival

The Chicago Craft Beer Festival returns to Jonquil Park this year for a three-day extravaganza of craft brews. 

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Chicago Gears Up For Another Busy Weekend Of Fun Events And Festivals

With the official start of summer, Chicago is getting ready for a packed weekend, featuring Pride Fest, a Billy Joel concert at Soldier Field, Justin Timberlake concerts at the United Center, and various summer festivals. The Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) advises residents and visitors to remain vigilant, make plans for large crowds, and report any suspicious activities.

Event goers should make plans and prioritize their safety. The Mayor’s office advises residents to stay alert, report any suspicious behavior by calling 9-1-1, and be conscious of exit locations in case of an emergency situation. Additionally, prepare for hot weather conditions by staying hydrated, wearing lightweight clothing, and seeking shade when possible. Heed beach safety warnings and avoid overexertion during periods of extreme heat.

Chicago Pride Fest, happening on June 22-23, is a two-day street celebration in honor of National Pride Month and is a precursor to the Chicago Pride Parade on June 30. Expected to draw thousands of attendees, the event will result in street closures in the 3600-3800 N. Halsted St. area from Friday, June 22, 8 a.m. until Monday, June 24, 11 a.m. Additional information can be found online.

Soldier Field will be the venue for a Billy Joel concert on Friday, June 21, with parking lots opening at 3:30 p.m. and gates opening at 5:30 p.m. Over 45,000 fans are anticipated for the “two icons, one night” performance. For further details, visit the Soldier Field website.

Justin Timberlake’s “The Forget Tomorrow World Tour” comes to the United Center on Friday and Saturday, with shows starting at 7:30 p.m. and gates opening at 6 p.m. More information can be found on the United Center website.

Additional events this weekend include Ribfest and Chicago Cubs games at Wrigley Field as well as various music venues, sports events, and featured events taking place throughout the city. Make safety a top concern at any location and be prepared for increased traffic and possible detours. Traffic Control Aides (TCAs) will be present at certain events citywide to guide traffic flow during high-traffic periods.

OEMC encourages the use of public transportation and its Chicago OEMC App for current public safety information, preparedness suggestions, emergency notifications, and event-specific weather updates. The app can be downloaded through the Apple App Store and Google Play.

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Food, Music, Art And Workouts In The Park — Family-Friendly Fests And Special Events Offer These And More

There’s certainly no shortage of things to do, eat, drink, hear and experience in the Chicago area this summer. The sheer number of festivals and special events is impressive, and even overwhelming, so we’ve compiled a list of the not-to-be-missed.

Whether you handpick a few or hit ‘em all, you won’t be sorry you checked out these Chicago-area events and fests.

Looking for family fun? Many of Chicago’s festivals are kid-friendly, but for events, shows and concerts that cater to children, teens and families, check out our family fun guide.

Special Events

Chicago City Markets: Shop local produce, goods, plants and more at farmers markets in the Chicago area, nearly every day of the week. Visit chicagocitymarkets.us for exact dates and locations. Now through October. Citywide. Free admission.

Arbor Evenings: Set up a spot on Frost Hill at the Morton Arboretum for live music, a BYO or food truck picnic, lawn games, family fun and sunset views. Wednesday nights from 6-8 p.m., now through Aug. 21. Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. Tickets free for infants 2 and under, free to $5 for children 2-17 and $10-$15 for adults; mortonarb.org

Live on the Lake! and Summer Fireworks: Head to the Navy Pier Beer Garden at the end of the Pier for free live music (and a cheeky brew) from 2-11:10 p.m., on select dates now through Sept. 29. And you might as well stick around for the Pier’s summer fireworks, on Wednesdays at 9 p.m. and Saturdays at 10 p.m., now through Aug. 31. Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave. Free; navypier.org

Fridays on Fulton: Ring in the weekend with these Friday pop-up parties, featuring art installations, performances from rising Chicago House artists and more. July 26, Aug. 30. Fulton Market. Free; starevents.com

Craft Brews at the Zoo: Attend an adults-only, after-hours evening at the zoo with over 100 craft beers and ciders! Tickets include 20 three-ounce pours, a souvenir glass, yard games, live music, access to food trucks and more. 6-10 p.m. June 15. Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N. Clark St. Ages 21+. Tickets $55-$65; lpzoo.org

Taste of Chicago: Try fabulous food from Chicago’s diverse culinary scene in Rogers Park (June 15; Touhy Park, 7348 N. Paulina St.); Marquette Park (July 27;

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The Best Things To Do In Chicago

a craft fairPhotograph: Jaclyn Rivas

Find the best things to do in Chicago this weekend with our guide to concerts, exhibitions, festivals and more.

Jeffy Mai

Welcome to another weekend! Take a load off by soaking in a spa or spending some time at the best Chicago attractions. Street fest season has arrived with the return of Chicago Mayfest, the Renegade Craft Fair and the Lincoln Roscoe Art and Craft Fair. You can also catch live jazz string performances, attend a chocolate fest in Long Grove or run a marathon along the lakefront. So ready to make the most of your time off? Check out the rest of the best things to do in Chicago this weekend.

RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Chicago right now

Events and to do this weekend in Chicago

1. Chicago Mayfest

Say a hearty hello to (almost) summer at Mayfest, the annual street party in Lincoln Park that’s outfitted with the usual selection of local vendors, tasty food, cover bands and ice-cold beverages. This year, the event will feature the Armitage Art Show, letting attendees experience Chicago’s top artists as they showcase and sell their works and present interactive art demonstrations.

2. Renegade Craft Fair

Renegade Craft Fair’s flagship event returns to Andersonville, taking over a stretch of Clark Street spanning from Bryn Mawr to Edgewater Avenue. Attendees will be able to shop the handmade wares of more than 250 vendor booths, selling everything from candles and screenprints to jewelry and pottery. The fair also boasts food and drink from local restaurants, so you won’t have to go hungry (or thirsty) while you shop.

3. Lincoln Roscoe Art and Craft Fair

Taking place on Lincoln Avenue between Roscoe and School Streets, this two-day event will present more than 75 vendors selling handmade art—including paintings, sculptures and fiber pieces—as well as jewelry and decor. The weekend will also have live music, festival food and a selection of brews for purchase curated by Bitter Pops.

4. Wright Plus Architectural Housewalk

Get an inside look at eight Frank Lloyd Wright-designed buildings—including private residences normally closed off to the public—as part of this one-day touring event run by the iconic architect’s trust,

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Chicago Events Calendar For 2024

chicago, skyline, chicago skyline, city, downtown, park, drone, shutterstockPhotograph: Shutterstock

Find the best things to do all year long with our Chicago events calendar of 2024’s biggest festivals, concerts, parades and exhibits.

Jeffy Mai

Looking for something to do in Chicago today, this weekend or in the coming months? You’ve come to the right place! Spring is here, so go hiking, plan an exciting weekend getaway or stroll through the city’s most beautiful parks. Alfreso dining season has also arrived and you can live your best life on a gorgeous rooftop bar or intimate outdoor patio. Experience the best of the city with our year-round guide to top-tier events and things to do in Chicago.

Full Chicago events calendar

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Things to do in Chicago

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Chicago Summer Festivals 2024: Music, Food, Street Festivals Happening Across The City | See List

CHICAGO (WLS) — Chicago summers are perfect for outdoor activities, whether it is exploring a street festival in a new community, or a free concert in Millennium Park.

Dozens of festivals happen every year in the city to celebrate culture, communities and genres of music.

The list below contains a variety of free and paid festivities happening across the city through September.

This list will continue to be updated as events are announced.

APRIL

Ravinia Festival

Dates from April 20 through Sept. 15

Ravinia Festival is a series of over 100 summer concerts from artists like The Beach Boys with John Stamos and TLC. The outdoor venue has concert seating as well as a lawn area, where you can bring your own food and drinks for a concert picnic.

MAY

Summer at Gallagher Way

Dates from May through September

3635 N. Clark St., Chicago

Gallagher Way, located next to Wrigley Field, has a variety of family activities planned throughout the summer. Events like free movie nights, markets, concerts and more will be free and open to the public. View the schedule here.

SEE ALSO: Gallagher Way announces summer events lineup for lawn area outside Wrigley Field

Solar Tide

May 10-11

The Patio Theater, Chicago

Solar Tide is a bass music and arts festival in Portage Park. Featuring 19 artists over two days, tickets start at $50.

Chicago Mayfest

May 17-19

West Armitage Avenue from Sheffield Avenue to Racine Avenue, Chicago

Mayfest returns for the 27th year in Lincoln Park. The street festival will have a variety of music performances, artisan and food vendors. A pet parade and a glassblowing workshop will also take place over the weekend.

Belmont-Sheffield Music Fest

May 24-26

3200 N. Sheffield Ave., Chicago

This annual street festival will kick off summer in Lakeview with music, food and artisan vendors. The festivities are conveniently located steps away from the Belmont “L” station.

Randolph Street Market Festival

May 25-26

1341 W. Randolph St., Chicago

Randolph Street Market brands itself as a “fancy,

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Chicago Summer Festivals 2024: Music, Food, Street Festivals Happening Across The City | See List

CHICAGO (WLS) — Chicago summers are perfect for outdoor activities, whether it is exploring a street festival in a new community, or a free concert in Millennium Park.

Dozens of festivals happen every year in the city to celebrate culture, communities and genres of music.

The list below contains a variety of free and paid festivities happening across the city through September.

This list will continue to be updated as events are announced.

APRIL

Ravinia Festival

Dates from April 20 through Sept. 15

Ravinia Festival is a series of over 100 summer concerts from artists like The Beach Boys with John Stamos and TLC. The outdoor venue has concert seating as well as a lawn area, where you can bring your own food and drinks for a concert picnic.

MAY

Summer at Gallagher Way

Dates from May through September

3635 N. Clark St., Chicago

Gallagher Way, located next to Wrigley Field, has a variety of family activities planned throughout the summer. Events like free movie nights, markets, concerts and more will be free and open to the public. View the schedule here.

SEE ALSO: Gallagher Way announces summer events lineup for lawn area outside Wrigley Field

Solar Tide

May 10-11

The Patio Theater, Chicago

Solar Tide is a bass music and arts festival in Portage Park. Featuring 19 artists over two days, tickets start at $50.

Chicago Mayfest

May 17-19

West Armitage Avenue from Sheffield Avenue to Racine Avenue, Chicago

Mayfest returns for the 27th year in Lincoln Park. The street festival will have a variety of music performances, artisan and food vendors. A pet parade and a glassblowing workshop will also take place over the weekend.

Belmont-Sheffield Music Fest

May 24-26

3200 N. Sheffield Ave., Chicago

This annual street festival will kick off summer in Lakeview with music, food and artisan vendors. The festivities are conveniently located steps away from the Belmont “L” station.

Randolph Street Market Festival

May 25-26

1341 W. Randolph St., Chicago

Randolph Street Market brands itself as a “fancy,

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10 Hot Shows To See In Chicago This Month | Choose Chicago

Experience the magic of the holiday season with your favorite holiday theatre classics, concerts, and more! Check out ChicagoPlays.com to find a full list of performances happening this month and beyond, plus experience these shows and more for a discount on Hot Tix.

Looking for a Black Friday deal? Don’t miss Hot Tix’s brand new promotion, Half-Price Holidays running Nov. 24 – Dec. 3 featuring half-price tickets to over 20 Holiday Shows!

Want to find everything playing this holiday season? View the League of Chicago Theatre’s 2023 Holiday Theatre Guide.

The Nutcracker

Dance
Joffrey Ballet at Lyric Opera House

Dec. 2 – 27

Witness the magical 1893 Chicago World’s Fair with young Marie and her Nutcracker Prince in two-time Tony Award® winning choreographer Christopher Wheeldon’s holiday masterpiece. It’s a celebratory Christmas Eve, and thanks to a surprise visit from the enchanting Great Impresario, Marie embarks on a spellbinding adventure into a realm of spectacle and wonder. Experience our holiday magic in this must-see tradition boldly reimagined for a new generation. Check for discounted tickets at Hot Tix

Jim Henson’s Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas

Musical
Studebaker Theater

Now playing – Dec. 31

It’s three days before Christmas and Mayor Fox has just announced a Christmas talent contest with a grand prize of fifty dollars! Meanwhile, times are tough for Ma and Emmet Otter since Pa passed away, and winning that prize money would allow them to secretly buy each other a Christmas gift. As Christmas Eve and the talent contest quickly approach, will Ma and Emmet sacrifice what little they have, or will their Christmas wishes come true? Check for discounted tickets at Hot Tix!

The Lion in Winter

Drama
Court Theatre

Now playing – Dec. 3

It is Christmas in the 12th century, and Henry II’s family is in tatters. His once-loving wife and now sworn enemy, Eleanor of Aquitaine, has been released from prison and is seeking vengeance at any cost; his three sons – Richard, Geoffrey, and John – are profoundly incompetent, consumed by petty sibling squabbles and gridlocked in duplicitous scheming; and his mistress (who just happens to be betrothed to his son) is running out of patience,

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Christmas In Chicago : Best Things To Do | Holiday Markets, Shows & Events

There’s no time like the holidays in Chicago, where you can’t help but feel the magic of the holiday season. Each winter, the city is full of bustling excitement and seasonal celebrations, from The Magnificent Mile to Millennium Park to our vibrant neighborhoods.

And no matter what holidays you observe, you’ll find plenty of ways to celebrate. You can admire twinkling light displays, go ice skating with skyline views, shop for gifts in a charming neighborhood boutique or pop-up market, catch a holiday show in a stunning downtown theatre, or sip hot cocoa while strolling our snow-dusted streets.  

Here are just a few of our favorite holiday events, including festive light displays, family-friendly activities, and beloved traditions this winter season in Chicago.

See the holiday lights

It’s not the holidays in Chicago without dazzling light displays around every corner. Check out ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo, when the historic zoo is illuminated by millions of colorful lights, including moving displays set to music. Don’t miss special events like holiday concerts, a sensory-friendly evening, an adult’s night out, and more.

In the nearby suburbs, Brookfield Zoo hosts its annual Holiday Magic display, a local tradition for more than 40 years. Zoo-goers can stroll along the many pathways lit with more than two million twinkling lights, including the 600-foot-long Tunnel of Lights with thousands of colored bulbs all synchronized to music.

Just outside the city, Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden is an immersive nature-inspired experience that allows visitors to explore the scenic garden grounds after dark. Walk the illuminated trail and admire the various light installations that transform the natural landscape into a dazzling wonderland.

And in nearby Lisle, Illumination: Tree Lights at the Morton Arboretum is another breathtaking outdoor experience. The one-mile paved path winds through the sprawling arboretum and offers views of captivating lighting designs. Afterward, cozy up by the fire to make s’mores and head to the concessions tent.

Explore more: Check out all our favorite spots to see Christmas lights in Chicago.

Explore a charming Christmas marketPhoto by Abel Arciniega

Experience the magic of an authentic German Christmas market at the always-buzzing Christkindlmarket.

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The 10 Best Apps For Discovering Events Happening Around You

Getting out and enjoying an event with friends is one of the best ways to make lifelong memories. No matter what your budget is, there’s always some sort of entertainment available—finding it has always been the difficult part.

Today you can connect with local events happening near you by simply using your smartphone. Whether you’re relaxing at home or enjoying time in a new city, you can use these smartphone apps to find the best local events.

1. Eventbrite

Eventbrite is one of the greatest event apps for finding local happenings of all kinds. Music festivals, craft shows, and even bar crawls are right at your fingertips.

Enable access to your location to see what’s happening around you or search by city. The app then gives you dates, times, locations, maps, and similar events. You can also check ticket prices and order those that are available.

You can browse events by category or search for something specific. Plus, you can share happenings with your friends or save your favorites with a free account. It’s even great for finding activities for your kids.

Download: Eventbrite for Android | iOS (Free)

2. TickPick

The biggest benefit of TickPick is the app’s straightforward pricing model. One of the worst things about buying tickets from traditional ticket sites is the service fees. Although the concert ticket may be listed under $40, after service fees they often end up costing well over $50.

TickPick calculates all fees and assorted pricing directly into the displayed cost so that you know exactly how much it will cost you to attend local events. It’s a great way to find local events and figure out immediately whether you can afford to attend.

You can use the app to find deals on last-minute local events, and also use it directly to scan your tickets for entrance.

Download: TickPick for Android | iOS (Free)

3. Fever

Fever serves as a one-stop hub for discovering and exploring a wide range of events in major cities around the world. With its user-friendly interface and extensive database, it enables you to effortlessly find and attend events tailored to your preferences and interests.

Whether you’re looking for concerts, parties, art exhibitions, sports events,

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