July — one of the hottest months of the year, a time for us to celebrate American Independence Day and the perfect opportunity for you to venture into the city and seize the summer. With our list — that covers everything from theatre to nature conservation, from fireworks to art festivals — we are certain that we can help you make the most of these sunny Chicago days.
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All Month
Immersive Monet & The Impressionists
If you’ve ever wondered what it might be like to live inside a painting, your opportunity to do so is waiting at the “Immersive Monet & The Impressionists” exhibit at the Lighthouse ArtSpace in Old Town. Experience the theatrical event as works from Monet, Degas, Toulouse-Lautrec and more are brought to life through sound, color and visual storytelling. Tickets are on sale now, more information can be found on the Immersive Monet website.
108 W. Germania Place
Dear Jack, Dear Louise
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A World War II-era love story of long-distance and personal choices will be on display at Skokie’s Northlight Theatre through early August. This poignant story is told from the lived experience of Ken Ludwig’s — a two-time Olivier Award-winning playwright — parents and their unlikely union during a strenuous time in American history. Tickets for “Dear Jack, Dear Louise” and additional information can be found on the Northlight Theatre website.
9501 Skokie Boulevard, Skokie
Kayak for Conservation
At the heart of the city is the Chicago River, though not many people can or know how to access it. This summer, join the Shedd Aquarium for a conservation day and river tour, during which participants can mosey down the waterway while learning about the river and what they can do to help preserve it. Kayaks are provided by Kayak Chicago, and additional information on pricing and tour dates can be found on the Shedd Aquarium website.
1220 W. LeMoyne
Antigone
It’s one woman against the world in the Redtwist Theatre production of “Antigone.” In an upward struggle to gain footing against the patriarchy, can one woman stick to her personal truth in order to succeed? Find out this July, as the show runs until the end of the month. Tickets can be reserved at the Redtwist Theatre website.
1044 W. Bryn Mawr
Human+Nature Sculptures at The Morton Arboretum
In celebration of 100 years on the North Shore, The Morton Arboretum is unveiling three new sculptures — including a “ginkgo-inspired piece” which will commemorate the anniversary. The new additions will round out the exhibition — by artist Daniel Popper — to eight sculptures in total, making it the largest in the world and very much worth the trek to the suburbs to see these works of art for a once-in-a-lifetime celebration. The exhibit will run until March 2023, information on accessibility and hours of operation can be found on The Morton Arboretum website.
4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle, IL
My Fair Lady
Critics nation-wide are raving about Director Bartlett Sher’s boisterous rendition of “My Fair Lady” — now running at the Cadillac Palace Theatre until mid-July. For theatre-lovers who can’t resist a classic such as this or for newcomers looking for something that is sure to strike a chord with their emotions — this production is a cannot-miss! Tickets and show times can be found on the Broadway In Chicago website.
151 W. Randolph St.
Twilight Tunes
On Fridays and Saturdays throughout the month of July, join the Brookfield Zoo for a night of open-air music. Self-dubbed “10 cool nights and 10 hot bands,” this series is the perfect way to escape the city for the night and enjoy live music at a unique venue. All concerts start at 7pm, information about band line-ups and admission fees can be found on the Brookfield Zoo site.
8400 W. 31st St.
Louvre Fantastique: The Exhibition
Want to take in the grandiose spirit of the Louvre but can’t travel to France to experience it? Not to worry, the world premiere of the Louvre Fantastique: The Exhibition is coming to the Chicagoland area for that very reason. Immerse yourself in a 360-degree view of some of the world’s most notable artworks that have shaped our culture. Tickets to the 90-minute experience — which begins July 15 — can be found on the exhibition’s website.
2120 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook
July 1: Summer Pop-Up! Katie Brickman Art
ARCH in Winnetka will be the home to Katie Brickman’s next installation. Only three days long, viewers should be sure to get this on their calendar now as to not miss her nationally-acclaimed work. The event will run from 10am – 5pm, all are welcome to this free event.
913 Greenbay Road, Winnetka
July 2: Navy Pier Fireworks
Every Chicagoan knows that if it’s the Fourth of July weekend, Navy Pier will be packed with audiences vying to get a view of the magnificent fireworks over Lake Michigan. This family-friendly event is perfect for all ages. Don’t miss the spectacular show — find more details at the Navy Pier website.
600 E. Grand Ave.
July 2 – 4: International Festival of Life
Coming back for its 29th year, the African/Caribbean International Festival of Life will be just as vibrant and celebratory as ever. Head on down to Washington Park for a day of food, community and music — with a range of genres from R&B to Reggae, and a mix of others. No better way to celebrate than with friends, family and Chicago as the backdrop. More information can be found on the festival’s website.
Washington Park, 55th and Cottage Grove
July 3: Starlight Concert: Indika Reggae Band
In conjunction with a street renaming for Judge Lionel Jean-Baptiste, former 2nd Ward Alderman, Evanston will be hosting a concert from 5:30 – 8:30pm. The Starlight Concert will feature the Indika Reggae Band, one of the most innovative and influential reggae bands in the Midwest, with a vast repertoire of genres. Family friendly and a good excuse to get out and see what all the suburbs have to offer.
Harbert-Payne Park, 3220 Main St.
July 6: Cirque Goes to Hollywood
As a part of the Grant Park Music Festival, “Cirque Goes to Hollywood” will be on display for one night only. Witness the magic of aerialists and jugglers performing great feats of agility to the tune of some of Hollywood’s best music — like the theme from Mission Impossible, The Godfather and more. Grant Park is perfect for getting away and getting outdoors — tickets for this event are on sale now. Visit the Grant Park Music Festival website for more information.
201 E. Randolph St.
July 7: Thursday Night Market
Maybe you got caught up during the day with work, errands and family. Maybe you haven’t had a chance to get out on the town in a while. Thankfully, Evanston will be hosting their monthly Thursday Night Market, which allows attendees to shop, eat, drink and enjoy the downtown in all its glory. Families welcome, but this is also a fun opportunity for parents to get out on their own and enjoy some adult fun — like beverages from Smylie Brothers Brewing Co. Open from 4 – 8pm, this event is sure to be a fan-favorite.
Fountain Square, Davis Street at Sherman and Orrington Avenues, Evanston
July 9 – 10: Barrio Arts Fest
Celebrating the Puerto Rican culture alive within the city, the Barrio Arts Fest — hosted by the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture — will be bringing heritage and tradition to the streets of Chicago. In its 22nd year, enjoy live music, family workshops and authentic food at the fest. Times vary per day as do activities, visit the Museum’s event page for more information.
3015 W. Division St.
July 9 – 10: Rita Finds a Home
The Joffrey Ballet, in collaboration with Miami City Ballet, will launch its latest performance “Rita Finds a Home” in Chicago this month. The tour will begin at Navy Pier’s Polk Bros Park; is very family-friendly; and, the best part, will be free to the public. This story of navigating your future and dreams through art and dedication is a sure fire way to enthrall your kids. For more additional tour dates and ticketing information, visit The Joffrey Ballet website.
600 E. Grand Ave.
July 11: Music on the Esplanade
Calling all Chicago Botanical Garden lovers to share in this special event, “Music on the Esplanade” featuring The Fernandez & Kimball Spanish Guitar Trio. Known across the Chicago region and internationally, the trio has quite the repertoire in store for attendees — meaning it may rapture anyone familiar with or new to Spanish music. More information can be found on the Chicago Botanical Garden website.
1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe
July 11: Food Truck and Happy Hour Mondays
A little bit of food, some happy hour drinks and live music — come on, can you beat that? Join the Kenilworth Park District on Mondays for all of this and more, with food from local favorite Soul and Smoke Food Truck and music by Liz Berg. All are welcome to this free event from 5 – 7pm.
Assembly Hall West Lawn, 410 Kenilworth Ave.
July 12: Takeout Tuesdays in Highland Park
At the forefront of this weekly event is the chance to grab some takeout food from various local restaurants — all while music, games and other on-site activities are taking place. Want to try something new for dinner on these summer nights? Bring the family down to Highland Park’s “The Lot” where this event — and many other public activities — will be hosted this summer. More information on accessibility and vendors can be found on Highland Park’s site.
This event has been canceled, for more updates visit the City of Highland Park’s website.
523 Central, Highland Park
July 14-17: Evanston Made Plein Air Art Festival
Evanston Made presents the inaugural “Plein Air Art Festival,” during which artists can create and sell their art created in Plein Air Style. The event will conclude with a judging by painter Don Yang and other community members. So bring family and friends, come on down and soak up some culture in downtown Evanston this summer. Information on location and event times can be found on the Evanston Made website.
July 15 – 17: Roscoe Village Burger Fest
Coming in hot for its 15th year, the competition to see who makes Chicago’s Best Burger is getting fired up. 10 of the best burger joints in the city come together to grill it out to see who really is the best of the best. Lucky Chicagoans get to reap the benefits by coming through, grabbing a delicious burger and voting for who their favorite is. This three-day event is in the heart of Roscoe Village and perfect for kids, too, since there will be a “Kids’ Zone” for activities.
2000 W. Belmont Ave.
July 15 -17: Millennium Art Festival
Come witness the 130 artists from near and far as they exhibit their work at the Millennium Art Festival — with mediums like painting, photography, furniture making, ceramics and much more. The fest will also include food and live music from French singer Michelet. These fests are what make summertime-Chi what it is, so don’t miss out!
Michigan Ave. and E. Lake St.
July 16: Outdoor Yoga & Live Music
A little outdoor yoga can go a long way for physical and mental health, which is why Heaven Meets Earth and The Chicago Yoga Project are presenting this opportunity in downtown Evanston, from 10 – 11am. This event is open to the public and participants of any level — all you need is a yoga mat or towel and an open mind.
Dawes House, 225 Greenwood St., Evanston
July 16 – 17: Winnetka Sidewalk Sale
One of the best parts about the suburbs is shopping small and supporting local. Which is why Winnetka will be hosting an open-air sidewalk sale this July, from 9am – 5pm. Come on down and see what your local business owners are up to and what treasures you might find in their inventory. More information will be available at the Winnetka community homepage.
July 16 – 17: Heatwave Music Festival
This festival is unlike any other in the city. This fully-immersive, pop-art experience marries experimental art and dance music performances to make this “music-meets-art landscape” for attendees to enjoy. Don’t miss this thrilling line-up this summer, and be sure to check the Heatwave Music Festival website for updates and additional information.
Douglass Park, 1401 S. Sacramento Dr.
July 21 – 24: Highwood Days Taco Truck and 5k
This North Shore-favorite is upon us once again, giving you the perfect chance to get outside with your community and enjoy a carnival, live music and some delicious tacos. Then, whether you ate too many tacos or just want to get yourself in gear, there is also a family-friendly 5k race that weekend — open for folks who want to run, walk or just stroll. No matter what you’re in it for, Highwood Days are sure to deliver.
7 Highwood Ave., Highwood
July 14, 17, 27: Sounds of Summer Outdoor Entertainment
Bringing the gift of music back to the public is the aim of the Wilmette Park District’s Sounds of Summer Outdoor Entertainment series. Throughout the summer — and weekly through July, weather permitting — spend some time in the summer air while enjoying a variety of musicians. Some shows are for children, while most are for adults. For specific programming and locations, visit the Wilmette Park District website.
July 27: Malt Row on Damen
Stroll down Damen Avenue while sipping on some brews from local “Malt Row on Damen” distilleries and breweries. These local companies are coming together for the 4th year in a row to celebrate the history and modern-day presence of beer in Chicago. Also at the event, take time to pop into other local shops and restaurants in the area. Hosted by The Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce, this event will highlight just how good Chicago craft beer can be — as if there was ever any question about it. More information can be found on the GRCC website.
July 28 – 31: Lincolnwood Fest 2022
When you think of local, summer festivals what do you picture? Food vendors, live music and kid-friendly activities? Sure! But what about a classic car show and carnival? That’s right, this year’s Lincolnwood Fest has it all and so much more. All ages are welcome at this community event. More information about admission and location can be found on the Village of Lincolnwood page.
July 29 – 31: 36th Annual Newberry Book Fair
Though they took a two-year hiatus, the 36th Annual Newberry Book Fair is back in full swing. Literary lovers can shuffle through this free, indoor and outdoor event that will have a little something for any bookworm — sessions with authors, readings and plenty of written word-related goodies for purchase as well. All book fair proceeds will go to the Library to help their pursuit of research and learning for all. Hours of operation and fair programming can be found on the book fair’s site.
60 W. Walton St.
July 30: Words of Wonder Literary Festival
This inaugural event celebrates all that literature is and all it will become by uplifting the next generation of readers and writers. Aimed specifically at youth and their families, this one-day event, from 11am – 5pm, will bring young minds together for literary-based fun. Enjoy animated storytelling by Black authors and illustrators, story-based dance, interactive writing workshops, Indigenous- and African-styled drumming, healthy snacks and a whole lot more. All are welcome, admission is free, additional information can be found on the W.O.W. page.
10201 S. Cottage Grove Ave.
More from Better:
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- A Celebration of Literature and Community: The 2022 Printers Row Lit Fest Comes to the South Loop for a 37th Year
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Margaret Smith is a Chicago-based writer and editor with a passion for socio-political storytelling about their community. They are a graduate of Columbia College Chicago.
