There are so many great things to do this summer in Chicago. July brings a jam-packed schedule of block parties, festivals, concerts, sporting events, art exhibits, parades, cultural celebrations, outdoor adventures, and more.
And don’t miss top Chicago events, including the NASCAR Street Race Weekend, Windy City Smokeout, Chicago Gospel Music Festival, and so much more.
Check out these top picks for things to do in Chicago throughout July 2025.
Top events in Chicago this July
NASCAR Chicago Family Fest (July 2): Celebrate the start of NASCAR Chicago Street Race with a day of family-friendly activities, including NASCAR show cars, remote control cars, a visit from a driver, and more at Navy Pier.
Fourth on 53rd Parade (July 4): The Hyde Park neighborhood’s annual Fourth of July tradition features a joyous parade filled with marching bands, floats, family fun, and a spirited celebration of community pride.
Independence Day Fireworks at Navy Pier (July 5): Be dazzled by the free fireworks display at lakefront Navy Pier, honoring the Fourth of July.
NASCAR Street Race Weekend (July 5 – 6): NASCAR returns to Chicago for its third annual street race starting in downtown Grant Park. Zac Brown Band will be taking the stage for a Saturday night show.
Windy City Smokeout (July 10 – 13): Chicago’s favorite country music fest is back, taking over the United Center parking lot with a stacked lineup of top barbecue pit masters, craft breweries, and national acts.
Chicago Gospel Music Festival (July 12): This free festival honors the soul-stirring sounds of gospel music at Millennium Park, headlined by Chandler Moore and other acclaimed performers.
Chosen Few Picnic and Festival (July 12): House music takes center stage at this laid-back music festival in Jackson Park, featuring performances from Chicago’s Chosen Few DJs plus special guests.
Taste of Chicago neighborhood pop-up in Pullman (July 19): This bite-sized Taste of Chicago pop-up brings a day of bites from local eateries, live entertainment, and family-friendly fun in Pullman Park.
Premier League Summer Series (July 30): Catch top English soccer clubs will hit the pitch at Soldier Field for a rare stateside showdown, featuring a can’t-miss double header.
Lollapalooza (July 31 – Aug 3): Chicago’s biggest music festival returns to Grant Park with headliners like Olivia Rodrigo and Tyler, The Creator for four days of nonstop performances across genres.
Millennium Park Summer Film Series (through July): Catch free movies on a giant 40-foot screen in the heart of downtown Chicago, featuring cult classics and blockbuster hits.
Millennium Park Music Series (through July): This free outdoor concert series features top local and touring acts, all with a skyline backdrop in Millennium Park.
More events in Chicago this July
Artist’s Garden Flower Show at the Garfield Park Conservatory (starting July 2): This exhibit will showcase Alfredo Ramos Martinez and his vivid celebrations of Mexican culture and beauty through the medium of flowers.
Argyle Night Market in Uptown (starting July 3): Every Thursday evening, this annual night market showcases local restaurants, artisans, and more in the popular Asia on Argyle district.
Full Moon Jam at Foster Beach (July 10): Head to the beach for this free, family-friendly event, featuring an evening of fire-spinning, drumming, and more.
African/Caribbean International Festival of Life (July 11 – 13): The 32nd annual International Festival of Life takes over Washington Park with live musical performances, food, games, and more.
Jazz in the Court (July 11): Enjoy a live musical performance from jazz artist Bethany Pickens at the alfresco Harper Court in Hyde Park.
Fresh Fest (July 11): Navy Pier is home to the annual Fresh Fest, a free annual celebration where young performers take the stage and showcase their talents, ranging from art to song and dance.
Square Roots Festival (July 11 – 13): This popular festival in the Lincoln Square community brings together live music, local restaurants, family-fun activities, and plenty of local craft brews.
Cheer on the Chicago Fire at Soldier Field (July 12 and 26): Feel the thrill of live soccer as the Chicago Fire take the field at their home stadium on the lakefront.
Frida Kahlo’s Month in Paris (through July 13): The Art Institute of Chicago’s latest blockbuster exhibit highlights the works of Frida Kahlo and the influence of her time spent in Europe.
Maxwell Street Market (July 13): Experience the sounds and flavors of Chicago’s longest-running outdoor market with live blues, street food, and unique local vendors.
Wild Mile Block Party (July 13): Join this riverside party for kayaking, music, food trucks, and urban nature exploration along the Wild Mile floating eco-park.
Barrio Arts Festival (July 12 – 13): In the Humboldt Park neighborhood, this vibrant festival showcases Puerto Rican artists, music, food, and culture at the National Puerto Rican Museum.
Bucktown Garden Walk (July 12 – 13): Enjoy the historic homes and beautiful gardens throughout the Bucktown community. This neighborhood fest includes access to over 100 urban gardens, live music, and more.
Southport Art Fest (July 12 – 13): This summer art festival in the bustling Lakeview neighborhood highlights works across styles and mediums, plus a dedicated kids’ area with games and activities.
Bastille Day (July 13): Celebrate the holiday with wine, live music, and more at this French-inspired fête hosted in partnership with Alliance Française de Chicago.
Horner BrewFest (July 18): Have a drink (or two) at this neighborhood craft beer festival, where over 30 local breweries will be featured, as well as food trucks and live music.
Tacos y Tamales Festival (July 18 – 20): It’s all things tacos and tamales at this Pilsen food festival, also featuring music and dance performances, a Modelo beer garden, and more.
Taste of River North (July 18 – 19): The annual festival brings two days of fun to downtown River North, including live music, local bites from neighborhood hot spots, art vendors, interactive experiences, and more.
Bronzeville Art District Trolley Tour (July 18): Art lovers won’t want to miss the opportunity to visit multiple galleries throughout the Bronzeville Art District during these free trolley tours.
BLACKPINK in Chicago (July 18): K-pop sensation BLACKPINK brings their world tour to Chicago for a one-night-only show at Soldier Field.
Roscoe Village Burger Fest (July 18 – 20): Sink your teeth into grilled goodness at the 18th annual Burger Fest in the charming Roscoe Village area.
West Fest (July 18 – 20): West Town’s annual festival is back, bringing an eclectic schedule of live music to Chicago Avenue, plus kids and pet fest areas.
Jarvis Square Music and Art Festival (July 19): This Rogers Park street fest features local bands, artisan vendors, and creative family activities in a culturally rich area.
Renegade Craft Fair (July 19 – 20): Browse a curated lineup of independent makers and artists at this popular craft fair along a historic boulevard in the Logan Square neighborhood. This weekend’s festivities feature handmade goods, food trucks, music, and more.
Ravenswood on Tap (July 19 – 20): Enjoy special tappings, live music, food, and more during this celebration of Malt Row, one of the city’s most robust craft brewing districts.
Andersonville Vintage Market (July 20): Vintage lovers will want to swing by this Andersonville market to shop clothing, home goods, furniture, and much more.
Ravinia Festival (through July): There’s so much to love about Ravinia, the outdoor music venue in Highland Park. July brings performances by Beck, Kygo, Blues Traveler, Gin Blossoms, and endless classical artists.
Tuesdays on the Terrace (through July): The Museum of Contemporary Art’s free summer concert series highlights jazz, hip-hop, house music, blues, and more on the museum’s scenic terrace.
Movies at Gallagher Way (through July): Just outside Wrigley Field, these free movie nights feature family-friendly films, food and drink vendors, and plenty of outdoor fun.
Green City Market (through July): The popular farmers market returns to Lincoln Park, bringing together dozens of vendors, including local and Midwest farms, restaurants, bakeries, and more.
Adler at Night (through July): Every Wednesday evening, head to the Adler Planetarium for special late-night hours and enjoy hands-on activities and experiences all about our universe.
Lincoln Park Zoo Summer Wine Fest (July 25): Sample over 50 varietals of wine from 20 different wineries on the scenic grounds of the historic Lincoln Park Zoo.
Broadway Night: The Magic of Rodgers and Hammerstein (July 25): Broadway lovers should mark their calendars for a night of classic show tunes under the stars, as the acclaimed Grant Park Orchestra performs musical theatre hits.
Dim Sum and Drag (July 26): Furama Restaurant in Uptown hosts this Bollywood-themed brunch as part of the popular dim sum and drag show series.
Wicker Park Fest (July 25 – 27): One of the city’s favorite summer festivals includes headline musical acts from top local bands, plus live performances from diverse cultural groups.
Taste of Lincoln Avenue (July 25 – 26): This event blends food, drinks, and live music on Lincoln Avenue near the lakefront. The 41st annual festival features a whiskey tasting, dog parade, and kids carnival activities.
Chinatown Summer Fair (July 26 – 27): Immerse yourself in Asian culture in the city’s historic Chinatown neighborhood, featuring a lion dance procession, kung fu demonstrations, food and drink samplings, street vendors, and more.
Fiesta del Sol (July 31 – Aug. 3): The vibrant Pilsen neighborhood will host this massive event dedicated to Latino culture, including over 100 vendors showcasing food, drink, music, artistry, carnival games, and much more.
Grant Park Music Festival (through July): A Chicago summer tradition for 90 years, the Grant Park Music Festival continues to deliver world-class classical performances in scenic Millennium Park.
