Chicago July 2025

Chicago July 2025 Events

Chicago July 2025 Events

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Chicago in July: A Symphony of Sun, Sounds, and Smoky Barbecue

Average temperature low and high: 70°- 82°
July in Chicago sees the sun doing overtime, making the city the ultimate magnet for sun-chasers and fun-seekers. Not to be outdone, the African/Caribbean International Festival of Life adds a pinch of pizzazz, churning out reggae beats faster than you can say 'jerk chicken'​. Simultaneously, the Windy City Smokeout is busy upstaging every BBQ you've ever attended with a country music soundtrack. And as the day wanes, rooftop bars bloom, serving up views and brews.
Chicago July Festivities Calendar
Things to do in Chicago July
Chicago Nightclub Events in July
Chicago Sporting Events, Concerts & Show Tickets in July

Broadway shows in Chicago in July

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July Event Calendar

Chicago Sky Lantern Festival

Date to be confirmed Chicago, IL, USA View on Map
Chicago Sky Lantern Festival
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Experience a magical evening at the only American-themed sky lantern festival. In addition to sky lanterns that will illuminate the night sky, there will be bonfires, food, and drinks, smores and smores cocktails, and live music performances at the Chicago Sky Lantern Festival. Festival vendors will only accept contactless payments through google pay, apple pay, klarna, etc. Kids' passes are $45 for children and $95 for adults. Parking passes are also available for $30. Purchase tickets and find additional information online. 

Summerfest

Date to be confirmed Milwaukee, WI View on Map
Summerfest
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Take part in one of Milwaukee’s most popular events. Summerfest is celebrating its 56th anniversary with three weekends of musical entertainment. 

Summerfest includes 12 stages featuring over 1,000 performances and 800 acts, making this a festival unlike any other. Enjoy the musical stylings of local artists and famous musicians such as Carly Rae Jepsen and Keith Urban. 

In addition, Summerfest presents numerous food vendors, beverage options, and a unique shopping selection. Other interactive experiences include face painting, henna, and tie-dye. 

Summerfest takes place Thursday through Saturday on three consecutive weekends: June 20-22, June 27-29, and July 4-6, 2024, from noon to midnight. There are multiple ticket options, ranging from general admission to multi-day passes.

The African/Caribbean International Festival of Life

Date to be confirmed Washington Par, DuSable Museum Garden View on Map
The African/Caribbean International Festival of Life
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The African and Caribbean diasporas in Chicago are represented well at the International Festival of Life (IFOL). Live music is integral to the festival, with reggae, various forms of Latin music, and jazz playing throughout the festival. Of particular interest may be all the excellent food from local African and Caribbean restaurants.

Craft Beer Festival

Date to be confirmed Jonquil Park View on Map
Craft Beer Festival

Chicago is home to 200 microbreweries, so craft beer is a big deal here. With that said, you won't want to miss the annual Craft Beer Festival, which will feature beer samples from over 12 breweries. This year it will be held at Jonquil Park. You can register online to reserve tickets.

Bristol Renaissance Faire

Date to be confirmed Off I-94 at the IL/WI Border View on Map
Bristol Renaissance Faire
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The Bristol Renaissance Faire, which starts in early/mid-July and continues through September, is an annual experience worth checking out. On Saturdays, Sundays, and Labor Day, you can attend an event that will make you feel like you just stepped out of a time machine. It will feature knights jousting, artisan markets, costumed minstrels, games, shows, and more. Single-day passes for adults are $40 and $15 for kids 5-12; children under 4 get in for free. 

Windy City Smokeout

Date to be confirmed West Madison Street View on Map
Windy City Smokeout
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BBQ, Beer, and good country music? What more could one ask for? Check out the Windy City Smokeout, a BBQ & Country Music Festival, as it returns to Chicago. The annual event will feature live music performances, access to BBQ from 20 of the world’s best pitmasters, and bars, and concessions throughout the festival grounds. 

Naperville Ale Fest

Date to be confirmed Naper Settlement View on Map
Naperville Ale Fest
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Nothing like cooling off from the hot summer sun with a cold brew. The Naperville Ale Festival is a popular and favorite event that you won't want to miss. It's so popular in fact that annually, there are two: one in the Winter and one in the Summer. The festival will feature over 100 unique American craft beers, live music, and food from some of the area's favorite restaurants and food trucks.

Passport Vibes Afrobeat Street Fest

Date to be confirmed The Promontory View on Map
Passport Vibes Afrobeat Street Fest
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This Passport Vibes Fest is returning as one of the most diverse party experiences in Chicago. You'll feel like you're on an island vacation while being right in Chicago. Dance to music from international DJs that you can expect to be a mix of genres, including hip-hop, R&B, reggae, afrobeat and many more. There will also be food, crafts, and fun activities for entertainment. 

Pitchfork Music Festival

Date to be confirmed Union Park View on Map
Pitchfork Music Festival
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The Pitchfork Music Festival returns to Union Park from July 19th through July 21st, featuring a diverse lineup of over 35 artists. With three stages showcasing indie rock, hip hop, electronic music and more, the festival offers something for every musical taste. Some of this year’s performers include Black Pumas, Muna, Jessie Ware, and many more. In addition to the performances on stage, attendees can browse through local vendors selling food and merchandise. Multiple ticket options are available.

Chicago Food Truck Fest

Date to be confirmed South Loop, Chicago View on Map
Chicago Food Truck Fest
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Experience one of America's top food truck festivals by eating with gathered mobile chefs at the Chicago Food Truck Festival. Being that Chicago is commonly referred to as the food and drink capital of the world, you're bound to have an unforgettable culinary experience. General admission is free. VIP tickets are available for purchase online; they include free drinks and 1 hour of early admission.

Chinatown Summer Fair

Date to be confirmed Wentworth Ave View on Map
Chinatown Summer Fair
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A celebration of Chinese culture in the heart of Chicago, the Chinatown Summer Fair features traditional Chinese music, dragon and lion dances, and an array of the many types of Chinese food. The event starts at 12:00 pm on July 27 and begins at 10:00 am on July 28.

Roscoe Village Burger Fest

2025 July Fellger Park View on Map
Roscoe Village Burger Fest
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At the annual Roscoe Village Burger Festival, over a dozen eateries will come together to deliver some of the best burgers you’ll ever taste. In addition to delicious beef burgers, turkey burgers, and veggie burgers, the festival will also feature BBQ, two stages with live music entertainment, a kids’ activity area, arts & craft vendors, and the opportunity for visitors to vote for the best Chicago burger. There is a suggested entrance donation of $10. Funds raised will go to Roscoe Village Chamber of Commerce. You can start feasting Friday from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM and the weekend from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

Lincolnshire Art Festival

2025 July Lincolnshire View on Map
Lincolnshire Art Festival

See work from over 80 international artists in a variety of mediums; the festival will feature ceramic, fiber, glass, jewelry, painting, and sculpture artworks. In addition to seeing and purchasing art at the Lincolnshire Art Festival, you will also have the opportunity to meet and interact with the artists present. This two-day festival is free and open to the public. Free on-site parking will be available. 

Chicago Events in July

Concerts

Theater & Headliners

Sports

Nightclubs

Nightclubs in Miami
Best Nightclubs in Chicago 2025
Things to do in Chicago

Things to Do in Chicago in July

Go on an Architecture Tour

Go on an Architecture Tour
The city of Chicago was once considered a center for architectural experimentation and innovation, with buildings that were the tallest in the world. There's no better way to explore and learn about the Windy City's architecture and history than by booking a tour.

Have a Drink at a Rooftop Bar

Have a Drink at a Rooftop Bar
Chicago is known for swank roof-top bars and lounges with unique and breath-taking views of the city. Enjoy craft cocktails and bites during a comfortable summer evening.
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