Fests, fireworks, food, and freshwater fun — there’s a lot to do in Chicago in July. Here’s a guide to keep it all straight.
Independence Day
Fourth of July is always lit in the city — from lakeside shenanigans to big fireworks shows to, er, less official neighborhood displays. In honor of America’s 250th, Navy Pier is showing its biggest, longest fireworks show ever. Meanwhile, our City Cast Chicago team talked with those loading up on goods from Indiana. It was a momentous experience.
Other Saturday happenings include Fitzgerald’s 43rd American Music Festival in Berwyn; a July 4th BBQ in Smith Park (that was fun last year); the Chicago Craft Beer Festival; and the African/Caribbean International Festival of Life in Jackson Park.
July Fests
July is full of fests well beyond the Fourth, too:
- July 8-12: Taste of Chicago | Grant Park | Loop
- July 10-12: Square Roots | Lincoln Square
- July 24-25: Chicago Gospel Music Festival | Millennium Park | Free
- July 25-26: Chinatown Summer Fair | Cermak and Wentworth | Free
- July 11-12: Southport Art Fest | Southport Corridor | Lakeview
- July 17-19: Tacos y Tamales | Blue Island Avenue between Cermak and Wolcott | Pilsen
- July 17-19: Roscoe Village Burger Fest | 2000 W. Belmont Ave.
- July 17–18: Taste of River North | Wells Street between Ontario and Chicago
- July 23-26: Fiesta Del Sol | Cermak between Ashland and Morgan | Pilsen | Free
- July 24-26: Wicker Park Fest | Milwaukee between Damen and Paulina
- July 24-26: Taste of Lincoln Avenue | Lincoln Avenue between Altgeld and Fullerton | Lincoln Park
And as always, stay tuned to our events section all month long for more upcoming fests.
Happy birthday, Haley! Thanks for the ride. (Emmi Mack / City Cast Chicago)
Splashy Fun
June wasn’t quite hot enough to enjoy time out on (or in) the water — that’s no longer the case. Of course, Chicago has no shortage of splashy activities:
- Swan boats, water taxis, jet skis, and more!
- I just took a lovely ride on the lake with Main Event Charters — shout out to wife-co-captains Gina and Steph ❤️
- Frosty Fridays live on as a descendant of Friday Morning Swim Club!
- And if you’re not a planner, there are always floaties at the Montrose ledge …
Hot Weather Warnings
As I write this, I am sitting directly in front of my window unit. And I suggest you do the same. As high temps continue, storms ahead this weekend may help Chicago cool down, but those storms could be dangerous. In the meantime:
- Hit a cooling center! (Although last year, there were gaps in the city’s cooling network.)
- Take a dip in a public pool.
- Remember to keep your pet safe! Protect their toe beans!
- Be aware that electric bills are spiking, even before this recent heat wave …
