It’s July, which can only mean one thing– summer is here! Events and celebrations are taking place all over Chicago, from numerous live music events and interactive workshops to unmissable exhibitions and natural escapes; here are some of the best things to do in July in Chicago.
1. The World’s First French Fry House Opens Near Chicago For National French Fry Day On July 12th
Chicago, celebrate National French Fry Day at the world’s first French Fry House on July 12th and 13th, just outside the city at 224 N. Elmwood Avenue in Oak Park. McCain Foods will transform the two-story home with massive inflatables and holiday lights adorned with fry-themed ornaments. Each day from 5 to 10 p.m., enjoy FREE McCain French fries topped with delicious sauces and seasonings (while supplies last), meet Father Frymas, and join a French fry sing-along every hour. Don’t miss this two-day event filled with ‘French fry’ cheer! Share your excitement with hashtags #NationalFrenchFryDay, #fries, or #frenchfries!
Read more and get those free fries!2. Head to State Street for an interactive summer block party
One of our foremost suggestions for a fun day out this July is Sundays on State.
While annual Chicago traditions ranging from the Chicago Air & Water Show to the Bud Billiken Parade have long been key dates in the Chicago summer calendar, in recent years, another event has joined the collection.
Now considered one of the the very best summer events in Chicago, Sundays on State first launched in 2021 as a post-pandemic project that aimed to “bring people safely back to the Loop.”
Since then, the award-winning summer event series has flourished into one of the city’s most beloved events, with over one million attendees from all over the country enjoying it in its teething years.
Now, in its fourth year, the beloved Sundays at state parties will once again take place on State Street from Lake to Adams. With the first date last month on Sunday, June 16th, the second and final Sundays on State will take place this month on Sunday, July 14th—making it one of the best things to do in July In Chicago
Read more about the first Sundays on State street party of summer.
3. Attend Millennium Park’s free 20th-anniversary celebration
Midway through this month Millennium Park is throwing a four-day free celebration to mark 20 years since Millennium Park first officially opened to the public on July 16th, 2004.
Taking place Thursday, July 18th through Sunday, July 21st, the 20th Anniversary Celebration will feature concerts, dance performances, new public art, activities for families and youth, and much more.
Read more about the Millennium Park 20th-anniversary celebration.
4. Watch a free outdoor concert at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion
If you can’t make Millennium Park’s anniversary celebrations, worry not. There is a packed schedule of events going on in the expansive park all summer long and one of our personal favorites is the Grant Park Music Festival.
A beloved Chicago tradition for the past 90 years, the Grant Park Music Festival is dubbed “the nation’s only remaining free, outdoor classical music series” and has now returned for its ten-week schedule of free music in Millennium Park and other parts of the city.
Read more about the Grant Park Music Festival.
5. Check out London House’s “Luminescence” experience
London House Chicago, a luxury hotel known for its unmatched sweeping views of the Magnificent Mile and the Chicago River, has revived its summer “Luminescence” experience on its famed 22nd-floor terrace.
Having debuted in 2022, the 2024 “Luminescence” is back for its third edition, and the floral fiesta high in the sky is one of the best things to do in July In Chicago
Along with impressive views over the heart of Chicago, guests will now find a vibrant array of multi-colored, floral-themed LED lights sprawled across the award-winning rooftop, along with specially crafted summer cocktails “with exquisite floral garnishes” every day of July.
Read more about London House Chicago’s Luminescence event.
6. Attend Windy City Smokeout
Windy City Smokeout, the nation’s premier outdoor country music and BBQ festival, is returning to Chicago’s iconic United Center venue this summer from July 11-14, 2024.
The festival, which won the Academy of Country Music Awards “Festival of the Year” in 2022, is one of the best things to do in Chicago in July. This year features a tremendous lineup with some of country music’s most prominent names and up-and-coming talents. Attendees can also enjoy the best BBQ and craft beer nationwide.
7. Catch a weekly Navy Pier firework show
If you can’t get enough of fireworks, Navy Pier’s summer programming includes weekly firework shows over Lake Michigan.
The dazzling displays will continue throughout summer, with shows every Wednesday at 9 pm and every Saturday at 10 pm. You can find a spot anywhere on the pier or nearby to take in a completely free, dazzling display.
Read more about the Navy Pier firework shows.
8. Watch the fireworks from the Lake
Another option, if you want to make it a really special Wednesday or Saturday night, is to watch the fireworks from the waters of Lake Michigan with a Chicago Lakefront Fireworks Cruise. With the mesmerizing Chicago skyline in the backdrop, you’ll be spellbound as fireworks illuminate the night sky.
Alternatively, Chicago Booze Cruises, taking place on many other days of the week, offers live DJs, unobstructed views of the skyline, and the chance to make memories as the sun sets on Lake Michigan.
9. Kayak down the Chicago river
After shutting down for the winter season, Urban Kayaks have reopened their Riverwalk and Monroe Harbour locations kicking off kayaking season now that the weather has warmed up.
Whether you’re down by the Chicago Riverwalk flanked on either side by the city’s famous highrise architecture or taking in the skyline from the protected waters of Monroe Harbour, kayaking in Chicago is a magical and truly unforgettable activity.
Read more about kayaking in Chicago this summer.
10. Watch the Art on theMART projections
A truly unique evening can be had by combining kayaking with the Art on the MART projections.
Holding the title of the largest permanent digital art projection in the world, Art on theMART attracts thousands to the Riverwalk every week by firing up 34 digital projectors and showcasing work from both renowned artists and local talent on the 2.5-acre river façade of the Merchandise Mart.
The summer program will begin on July 6, featuring mesmerizing projections by the Chicago Black Dance Legacy Project as well as the continued Building Light projections every night through mid-September.
11. Catch the Merchandise Mart’s July 4 projection
With spring, summer, and fall programs providing various different projections throughout the year, the Merchandise Mart also embraces the most important days in the calendar with unique temporary displays.
For the first five days of July, the iconic building will be turning red, white, and blue to celebrate Independence Day.
Along with the sounds of classic Americana and songs played along the Riverwalk from 9 pm, national pride will be emanating from the Chicago Riverwalk for an hour and a half.
12-16. Be captivated by a Candlelight Concert
Chicago’s sublime Candlelight Concert series is providing an array of breathtaking spectacles in the Windy City. Talented musicians will be performing at extraordinary venues all over Chicago, offering guests the chance to marvel at the enchanting combination of flickering candles and melodic sounds.
Here are some of our favorite Candlelight concerts taking place this month:
- Candlelight: A Tribute to Queen at Chopin Theatre on July 11th
- Candlelight: Featuring Vivaldi’s Four Seasons & More at Stan Mansion on July 12th
- Candlelight: Best of Bollywood On Strings at Salvage One on July 19th
- Candlelight: The Best of Hans Zimmer at Stan Mansion on July 26th
- Candlelight: A Tribute to Coldplay on Strings at Arts Center of Oak Park on July 27th
See the full list of candlelight concerts in Chicago here.
If you can’t decide on a concert but want to ensure you attend one or need to buy a gift for somebody special Candlelight gift cards are really easy to use and valid for any Candlelight event in the U.S. making it a unique gift for both friends and family.
17-20. Attend a Concert Under The Stars
Concerts Under the Stars is another terrific outdoor musical experience taking place this month with concerts such as:
- Piano Men: A Billy Joel & Elton John Tribute at the AIRE Rooftop on July 7th
- 90’s Unplugged Under the Stars featuring Nirvana at the AIRE Rooftop on July 14th
- Amy Winehouse Under The Stars at AIRE Rooftop on July 21st
- ABBA Under The Stars at at AIRE Rooftop on July 28th
21. Attend a Tuesday on the Terrace at MCA
Every Tuesday through summer, the Museum of Contemporary Art hosts Tuesdays on the Terrace—a free musical event series for Illinois residents. It offers Chicagoans a chance to turn the average underwhelming Tuesday into a jubilant evening at the MCA’s Anne and John Kern Terrace Garden, experiencing free music that highlights artists from Chicago’s internationally renowned jazz community.
Tuesdays on the Terrace have shows running from 5:30 pm until 8 pm every Tuesday through to the end of summer.
Read more about Tuesdays on the Terrace.
22. See the world-famous umbrella sky project
Though not strictly Chicago, The Umbrella Sky Project art installation has taken over Elmhurst once again, filling the sky with bright floating umbrellas.
The prismatic art installations are only staying up for summer, so it is worth getting out there when you can and taking in the canopy of color!
Read more about the Umbrella Sky Project.
23. Kick back with goats and beer
Some days you just need some one-on-one time with a pasture full of adorable goats, you know? Experience the pinnacle of wholesomeness by hanging out with the billy kids over at GlennArt Farm, and afterward, double down on those warm fuzzy feelings with a few flights of delicious craft beers on the rooftop of One Lake Brewing with this exclusive Brews n ‘Baahhs’ experience.
If there’s one way to relax and let your mind unwind, it’s with a pasture full of adorable billy kids followed up by a selection of craft beer.
24. Head to a peach festival just outside of Chicago this month
Windy Acre Farms, home of the fabulous June strawberry festival, is embracing all the summer-centric fruits with a sweet-as-can-be peach festival in July.
On weekends July 8-9 and 15-16, the quaint farm offers visitors a chance to escape the concrete jungle and grab the best peach cobbler out there.
25. Plan a picnic at a hidden park
You can also find respite from our The Green at 320 in a hidden rooftop oasis, bringing all the summer vibes with a packed schedule filled with live readings, farmers’ markets, and more. It’s the perfect place to bring a picnic blanket, snacks, or takeout from your favorite Chicago restaurant.
26. Enjoy some of the extraordinary exhibitions taking place in Chicago this year
One of Chicago’s most impressive qualities is its collection of world-class museums and the array of exhibits they offer. This year, a whole host of new extraordinary art exhibits are coming to the Windy City.
Art, science, and human connection have a truly transformative power, and now, after the tumultuous and unprecedented years that we’ve just endured, it’s time to remember that.
27. Browse some of the world’s most famous artworks for free
One of the planet’s oldest and largest art museums, the Art Institute of Chicago is undoubtedly one of the city’s most renowned museums and one of the best things to do in July In Chicago. Since its founding in 1879, it has flourished into one of the most recognized art museums in the world.
The museum is permanently home to over 300,000 works of art, including masterpieces such as Grant Wood’s American Gothic, Edward Hopper’s Nighthawks, Georges Seurat’s A Sunday on La Grande Jatte, Vincent van Gogh’s The Bedroom, 1889, and Pablo Picasso’s The Old Guitarist.
28. Get free entry to Adler Planetarium on a Wednesday
Another of Chicago’s famed attractions, The Adler Planetarium, underwent a huge revamp during a two-year Covid-19-induced hiatus and now boasts a brand new telescope in the Doane Observatory, which holds the title of the largest public telescope in the state.
As well as a new observation park, the planetarium has a shiny new roof, giving the 80-year-old dome an iconic new glow. However, The best news is that upon its reopening, the planetarium announced that Illinois residents would be able to enter for free every Wednesday evening from 4-10 pm for the foreseeable future, provided they bring proof of residency.
29. Spend a Sunday at Maxwell Street Market
Maxwell Street Market, Chicago’s longest-running open-air market, first debuted back in 1912, has returned for its 111th summer stretch with handmade crafts and undetected treasures.
Open every Sunday at 800 South Des Plaines Street from 9 am to 3 pm through to Sunday, October 29; shoppers can expect a Sunday of spirited live music and sensational street food as well as an eclectic array of bric-à-brac.
30. Brunch to your heart’s content
If you’re in need of an instant mood boost, searching for a group Sunday Funday activity, or looking to cure a hangover from the night before, brunch is the solution to all problems.
Luckily, Chicago has an abundance of seriously good morning eats, and here we’ve compiled the best of the bunch!
31. Sample the best cocktails in Chicago
Whether you’re treating yourself to brunch in Chicago, kicking back on a Chicago patio, or enjoying drinks out at one of Chicago’s many bars and restaurants, you can be sure a finely-crafted cocktail is only seconds away.
From top-notch margaritas to more innovative cocktail concoctions and everything in between, the Windy City and its abundance of revered mixologists have the answers to whatever it is you’re after.
We’ve recently filtered through the noise to round up the best cocktail bars in Chicago based on our experiences at Secret Chicago, our reader’s most popular choices, and a scrupulous assessment of settings and drink quality.
32. Kick back at a revered brewery
If craft beers are more your style than a fruity cocktail, worry not—Chicago has an abundance of internationally acclaimed breweries.
Frequently recognized as one of the best beer cities in the country, our seasoned and inventive beer scene has produced so many fantastic breweries and taprooms in Chicago that we’re spoilt for choice.
There are now over 200 breweries, big and small, across Chicagoland, meaning one of the best things to do in July in Chicago is to enjoy a finely crafted beer in various environments, whatever the weather.
To make sure you’re checking out the best of the best, we’ve here rounded up the 10 best breweries, brewpubs, and taprooms in Chicago. Cheers!
33. Buckel up for a Drunk Shakespeare show
On that topic, another brilliant Chicago experience comes in the form of a live Drunk Shakespeare show.
On a stage in a hidden speakeasy behind the Chicago Theater, guests will find a glam cocktail bar and library with over 10,000 books. Five classically-trained actors meet as members of “The Drunk Shakespeare Society.” One of them has had at least five shots of whiskey, and then they (quite over-confidently) attempt to perform a major role in a Shakespearean play!
Hilarity and mayhem ensue while the four sober actors try and keep the script on track. Every show is different depending on who is drinking… and what they’re drinking!
Grab tickets to a Drunk Shakespeare show here.
34. Chuckle away at Chicago comedy show
If you’re looking for a chuckle, there’s no place better for that than at a Chicago comedy show. One of the best things to do in July in Chicago, the city is famous for its production of funny guys and girls. Chicago has some of the best places to see a comedy show in the country.
At Laugh Factory Chicago, some of today’s biggest names and local comedians are delivering something for every taste and style throughout the year.
Grab tickets to a show at Laugh Factory Chicago here.
35. Peruse the magnificent street art murals of Chicago
Chicago’s street art and graffiti scene has continued to thrive in Chicago over the last decade. One of the best things to do in July in Chicago is to gaze at the new pieces, which are so esteemed that they’ve embedded themselves in the very fabric of Chicago and are now part and parcel of the Windy City’s identity.
Today, murals do more than just provide an extraordinary spectacle for our eyes. They pay homage to icons, fight for racial equality, celebrate different heritages, and honor the essential workers of our societies during turbulent times. Hunting down the must-see street art murals in Chicago is a rewarding experience any time of the year.
We’ve rounded up our top 25 most amazing murals in Chicago so you can navigate your way around the best of the best and learn about its history and the inspiration behind some of Chicago’s famous murals.
Alternatively, you can also jump on an Offbeat Street Art Tour of Chicago and be guided by a seasoned street art enthusiast!
36. Unleash your inner artist at a Spray ‘N’ Sip urban art workshop
If perusing Chicago’s incredible street art has your creative juices flowing, there’s no better place to let your inner artist run wild than at Chicago’s incredible BYOB Urban Art Workshops.
Taking place weekly within Studio W.I.P. at The Chicago Kedzie Plaza, there’s no pressure and no presumptions, just creativity and fun flowing in all forms. Trained professional artists will teach you the tricks of the trade as you unleash your inner artist on a mural with your favorite drink in one hand and a spray can in the other.
Grab your tickets to a Spray Paint ‘n’ Sip Urban Art Workshop here.
37. Savor sensational food samples on a food tour
For foodies who prefer to sample tasty delicacies over perusing extraordinary street art, there is a range of fantastic food tours for all manner of foodies.
Taste all of Chicago’s classic eats on a four-hour guided bicycle tour courtesy of America’s longest-running city bicycle tour company with Bikes, Bites, and Brews: Chicago’s Signature Dishes Bike Tour. The journey is 14 miles in total (traversed at a nice leisurely pace) and includes a slice of deep-dish pizza, a gourmet brownie, a Chicago-style hot dog, and a few samples of Chicago’s legendary craft beer!
Despite having a kaleidoscopic food scene offering all manner of savory and sweet treats, nothing in Chicago has truly celebrated donuts in all their glory until now. The Underground Donut Tour is Chicago’s first-ever donut tour and was born to give those who truly enjoy donuts the perfect excuse to sample the Windy City’s very best. Tours include such favorites as Do-Rite Donuts, Firecakes, Stans, and Doughnut Vault, as well as some lesser-known spots.
Grab tickets to the Bikes, Bites, and Brews tour here or a donut tour here.
38. Jump into spring with indoor skydiving
Recent years have reminded us that we should be active, try new things, and make the most of the adventures and experiences available to us. One thing that always finds itself on bucket lists worldwide is skydiving.
Now, we’re not saying jump out of a plane in the freezing skies above Chicago, but we are saying give it a go in one of Chicago’s indoor centers to get a taste of what it is like and why it is such a popular ‘do before you die’ activity.
With a state-of-the-art iFly Indoor Skydiving Center in Lincoln Park and another iFly Indoor Skydiving Center in Rosemont, Chicago is home to two conveniently located cutting-edge centers where kids and adults can get the same sensation you’d get 12,000 feet up in the sky.
If the experience has you wanting more, you can always test your vertigo above Chicago’s skyscrapers at one of the world’s largest skydiving resorts in Skydive Chicago and boast that you’ve jumped out of a plane above the Windy City.
39. Head out of the city and see Illinois’ natural spectacles
Heading out into the wilderness is another way to enjoy a fulfilling experience without paying more than the cost of travel. If you enjoy being surrounded by nature, then heading out to the quiet of Illinois’ natural beauty is a great spring experience.
Though our state may not boast wonders with the universal magnitude of the Grand Canyon nor the grandiose reputation of Niagra Falls, Illinois is teeming with diverse ecological landscapes that transform into incredible spectacles this time of the year. From monolithic marvels to cascading waterfalls, here are seven natural wonders of Illinois that you can visit while they’re about to peak:
- Garden Of The Gods: Saline County
- Wildcat Canyon In Starved Rock State Park: La Salle County
- Cache River State Natural Area: Johnson County
- Cave-In-Rock: Hardin County
- The Pomona Natural Bridge: Jackson County
- Cascade Falls In Matthiessen State Park: La Salle County
- Bork Falls In Ferne Clyffe State Park: Johnson County
40. Stay in a Starved Rock Getaway cabin
For an even more prolonged experience in nature. Getaway House is a chain of tiny cabin hideaways helping people in big, bustling cities like Chicago, DC, LA and NYC, disconnect from their busy city lives with restorative stays in the middle of nature.
One of the aforementioned spots, Starved Rock State Park, has just opened a selection of minimalistic cabins with floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing guests to wake up fully immersed in the wilderness. Located in lush landscapes and with minimalistic yet comfortable designs, they offer the perfect escape for those wanting to disconnect from busy city lives with restorative stays in the middle of nature.
41. Discover the Windy City’s small pockets of Eden
Of course, you don’t have to leave the Windy City to find natural escapes. Chicago is certainly not far from nature. There are many places you can get back in touch with Mother Nature right here in the city, and there is no better time than spring.
The Lakefront, lush parks, and incredible hiking trails offer great natural experiences, but Chicago also has numerous secret gardens hidden across the city, which make it one of the most beautiful things to do in July In Chicago
42. Venture to this fundraiser dinner ahead of Chicago’s NASCAR races
NASCAR’s second edition of the Chicago street races is July 6-7. To kick off the exciting festivities, the NASCAR Foundation is hosting a dinner at Steak 48 on June 28 from 5 to 8 p.m. Guests can Enjoy a dinner prepared by renowned chefs, rub shoulders with NASCAR drivers, and bid on exclusive silent auction items, with funds benefiting the YWCA.