Summer has started to make Chicago sweat, and people are ready to be served the best time ever in the Windy City! July 2024 brings back so many annual events and festivals, which are the pride of July in Chicago. I have made you an amazing list of events, festivals, and things to do in Chicago this July calendar that will fill your schedule with events in Chicago!
I know you are the most excited about something special (shush!!) this month. Let’s count what’s there for you this summer! July is the festival of the year, as it is the Fourth of July, so get ready to see the red, blue, and WOW!! flowing down the streets this summer! The musical festivals this month make July more alive than ever. But wait, there’s more! Bastille Day is celebrated dedicatedly this month with beautiful events in Chicago! Don’t forget the NARCAR Chicago Street Race Weekend! Plus, the annual and quirky festivals, exhibitions, and parties 🌟are always in the limelight!
Explore events and things to do in July in Chicago as it unfolds summer wonders, inviting you to savor the unique offerings that make this weekend in Chicago special.
The Comfort and Beloved Festivals
Events from July 1st to 31st
Did you miss out on some amazing festivals last July? Don’t worry; there’s a spectacular lineup of annual festivals in Chicago that you can cover up! These thrilling traditions happen like clockwork each July, so if you missed out last time, get ready to check off some bucket-list moments!
1) Sad Summer Festival
No, it is not a sad festival, I am suggesting to you! Don’t judge a book by its cover, remember? It is a touring emo and pop-punk music festival. The Sad Summer Festival happens all throughout the United States every summer. They are on tour, and Chicagoans can take advantage of the same! The lineup is huge, but unfortunately, it’s only a one-day festival! 😥
📍 The Salt Shed, Chicago, United States
🗓️ July 20th, 2024
2) Wicker Park Fest
Stretched along Milwaukee Ave, over 75000 visitors from all around will gather to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Wicket Fest! I am assuming you know by now that there (obviously!) will be stellar indie music with 50+ bands, but 200+ small businesses will also be a part of the fest, filled with local artists, kid-friendly spaces, and local food vendors!
📍 Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, United States
🗓️ July 26th to July 28th, 2024
3) Millennium Park 20th Anniversary Celebration
Marking the milestone of 20 years, Millennium Park celebrates its two decades as the #1 attraction in the Midwest and among the top 10 most-visited sites in the United States. This four-day free event includes concerts, fitness classes, new public art, family and youth events, award-winning headliners, and dance acts. It is happening almost 20 years after the Park’s official opening on July 16, 2004.
📍 Millennium Park, Chicago, United States
🗓️ July 18th to July 21st, 2024
Truly in AWE of so Many Upcoming Musical Days!
Events from July 1st to 31st
The one living in Chicago know what it means as Spring steps into the city! Yes, it’s time for the best music festivals in Chicago!🎶 Music is in every vein of the Windy City and Spring brings out the best of music for people. Come enjoy the ones which you fancy the most
1) Pitchfork Music Festival
Something that has been going on for years and has grown immensely. Does it need an introduction? Pitchfork Music Festival is way more scheduled (that you are not yet!) and lightens up Chicago for three days every July! You can see bands and musicians from the dance, electronic, hip-hop, alternative rock, and hardcore punk genres! Seek your comfort food and drinks and explore art and gig posters for your rooms for local, regional, and national vendors!
📍 501 W Randolph St, Chicago, United States
🗓️ July 19th to July 21st, 2024
2) Grant Park Music Festival
Unlike other ones on the list, this festival does not last for a couple of days! From the month of June to August, Grant Park Music Festival blesses people’s days with classical music, a world-class orchestra, and a chorus that changes something very core to you! It has been a tradition for 90 years, a summer tradition of musical sensation!
📍 501 W Randolph St, Chicago, United States
🗓️ July 19th to July 21st, 2024
3) 12th Annual Homegrown Arts and Music Festival
Driving Chicagoland communities above and beyond in the music industry, this festival brings out 100 musicians and artists showcasing their original music and art. Chicago’s biggest celebration of original music and art is where you can see passionate artists driven by dreams! Also, the festival exposes them to opportunities to connect with fans, the media, and their own whimsical community!
📍 BaseCamp Pub & Eatery, Chicago, United States
🗓️ July 27th, 2024
If Food Makes You Happy, Read Along!
Events from July 1st to 31st
Screaming and sharing these amazing festivals around Food & Drinks in Chicago today to bring out the foodie in you (and of course alcohol lover!) to these festivals! The variety of events covers all your preferences! So read along to find your favorite.
1) 8th Annual Tacos y Tamales Festival
What can you find here, you ask? The 16th Street Murals is where you will be surrounded by National and international artists works displayed on the walls! As you stare endlessly at the epic pieces of art, there will be amazing food vendors, beer portfolio b Modelo, live music, and shop as much as you can! Multiple stages will have performances, live music, and DJs while you gorge on tacos!
📍 16th Street & Peoria, Chicago, United States
🗓️ July 19th to 21st, 2024
2) Chicago Food Truck Festival
Since 1866, food trucks have made people happier than ever and were always welcomed as part of American and international culture. Honoring them, the food truck festival is back in Chicago for the 11th year, where the nation’s best and most beloved food trucks and vendors are here to crave every foodie. Along with indefinite cuisines, the best beers, wine, and spirit pourings of Chicago will also relish your summer quite well!
📍 South Loop, Chicago, United States
🗓️ July 20th to 21st, 2024
3) Taste of Lincoln Avenue
Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, it must need no convincing from my side that how great this festival is every year! One of the marquee events this summer it is anticipated by the whole neighborhood! With incredible food, music, live music, arts and crafts, and festivities, it is the best place to spend your day with family and friends.
📍 2500 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, United States
🗓️ July 26th to 28th, 2024
4) Chicago Summer Tequila Tasting Festival
If you think you can drink and love exploring new flavors and types of alcohol, this festival will surely be your plan this month! 2 to 4 hours of tequila tasting with 20+ different craft small batches and world-renowned tequilas and mezcals will take you to bliss! You can groove on to a live DJ and enjoy your food and drink specials! Share your love with the ones who love tequila as much as you do!
📍 Whiskey Business, Chicago, United States
🗓️ July 27th, 2024
Christmas In July Half Marathon & 5K
Events on July 20th
Who said Christmas cannot be celebrated in July as well in the sun? Take part in the Christmas in July Half Marathon & 5K this July! There are a lot of things that you will receive in this run when you burn your calories!
Summer-themed T-shirts, tank tops, a very cool medal, running hat and sunglasses, water and snacks every mile, finish line Elf’s treats, and obviously, the best part is for the end, Beers! It is a fun event where you can simply have a good time with friends and family!
Parties Will Never Take a Break!
Events from July 1st to 31st
This month has something to offer for every version of you! Let your night lover be free at the parties in Chicago this July. No doubt that it will end up with you craving to go to another one!
1) The Sky Affair House Music Day Party
Tune in to the music at the beautiful and huge rooftop for The Sky Affair House Party!🥂 The lineup of amazing DJ artists will keep you entertained throughout the night.
- DJ Sneak
- Terry Hunter
- Gene Hunt
- Microdot
- Adorio
- Groovin Kiki
📍VU Rooftop, Chicago, United States
🗓️ July 27, 2024
2) Summer DJ Competition
You might have seen people having competitions on spectacular DJ sets but here in Chicago this weekend, watch the DJ competition this summer! There is a third round of competition coming at the end of July where DJ Nickotine, DJ Takeout, and DJ Valley! Don’t miss the final competition at the end of the month as well. The vibes are amazing and they are just perfect drinks to get you in the mood!
📍The Walk In, Chicago, United States
🗓️ July 21 and 28, 2024
Chicago Career Fair
Events from July 20th
Job seekers in the city will get a fantastic opportunity to network with possible employers at the Chicago Career Fair. Recruiters and HR managers from a variety of organizations, including both regional and national Fortune 500 companies, will be present at this event.
The job fair offers an excellent opportunity to discover available roles and establish connections with hiring managers that might potentially lead to your ideal employment, regardless of whether you are a recent graduate, contemplating a career shift, or simply looking into new possibilities. Attending is entirely free for job searchers, so put your best foot forward professionally, dress to please, and advance your career!
See you at the Events!
So there you have it, the amazing list of events that will fill you with thrill, excitement, adventure, and serenity and groove you into a festive vibe at once! It was my job to share the best events from the list with you! Now, it’s your turn to go to the best ones you found.
If you wish to explore any events in Chicago further, click on the link below to have the events that will make your July a blast!
