July 2018 events calendar for Chicago

The city of Chicago ditched its official fireworks show a few years back, but Navy Pier picks up the slack with its explosive Independence Day celebration. Revelers can head down to the pier or Millennium Park for an up-close view, but if you're not a fan of crowds you'll want to hit the lakefront or find a friend with a rooftop by the shore.

After Radiohead headlined Lollapalooza in 2016, we didn't expect to see the band in Chicago again anytime soon—at least not until it got around to recording another album. Thankfully, Thom Yorke and company are full of surprises, the latest of which is another North American tour in support of A Moon Shaped Pool that kicks off at the United Center. Radiohead's larger-than-life experimental rock is fit for an arena, but we're just as excited about the mind-blowing light show.

Befitting its location on the hip Chicago Avenue corridor, West Fest can be counted on for a great sleeper of a summer street fest bill. Folk-rocker Kevin Morby and local hip-hop emcee Joey Purp top this year's music lineup, joined by Chicago acts like Ohmme, Varsity and oddCouple. The event also features a Pet Fest and a Kids Fest, stocked with activities for your little ones and four-legged friends.

In 1990, a group of Chicago house DJs and a small group of friends gathered in Jackson Park for an impromptu concert. Today, the Chosen Few DJs spin tracks for thousands of fans each summer, joined by a selection of guests, including production collective Basement Boys, remix artist Ralphi Rosario and local singer Sheree Hicks. Attendees can bring a picnic basket, set up a tent or hit the dance floor to groove along to a day of slick house beats.

Since 1980, Grant Park has been hosting what has become the granddaddy of food festivals. You know the drill: Trade tickets for a taste of Chicago's street fare. Hopefully what you gain in weight, you'll lose from your wallet. As always, there will be music at Petrillo for you to listen to while you devour your turkey leg, Eli's Cheesecake or deep dish pizza.

Each month, Chicago Loop Alliance throws a party in an unexpected location downtown with the help of local artists and DJs. Guests can RSVP to receive a free drink when they arrive and enjoy an evening of music, art and entertainment. In July, the party takes place in the Sullivan Center alley on Monroe between State and Wabash. The theme of the event is TunnelVision, featuring projection-mapped art, a virtual reality lounge, light sculptures and music from Bit x Bit and DreamBait.

Alt-country, folk and Americana music take the spotlight at Square Roots, a street festival that takes over the main drag of Lincoln Square. Alt-country pioneers the Jayhawks, Americana explorer Pokey LaFarge, and Appalachian folk duo the Handsome Family are among the headlining acts on the diverse music lineup. The event also features multiple craft beer gardens, food from local restaurants and a market stocked with goods from area businesses.

Spend a weekend eating barbecue and listening to country music at the Windy City Smokeout, which fills a parking lot with some of the country's best pitmasters and musicians. Sample smoked meats cooked by BBQ masters from Texas, Georgia, North Carolina and Tennesee while you listen to twangy tunes from the likes of Brett Eldredge, Brothers Osborne, Ashley McBryde and Aaron Lewis. Dust off your cowboy hat, tie a bib around your neck and dig into this weekend of delicious meat and music.

Oklahoma weirdos the Flaming Lips have been mining various strains of psychedelia for the past 35 years, but the group's confetti-covered live performances backed by costumed dancers are where it has always shined brightest. Touring behind a new collection of the band's greatest hits, Wayne Coyne and his band will bring their falsetto philosophizing and outrageous (not always family-friendly) stage show to the Taste of Chicago. Mexican garage rockers Le Butcherettes and local singer-songwriter Half Gringa support.

George Clinton (a.k.a. the Godfather of Funk) recently announced that he'll hang up his hat and retire from touring with Parliament Funkadelic in 2019. Before that happens, you'll get at least one more chance to see him fronting the modern incarnation of P-Funk, which incorporates hip-hop arrangements and dancing contortionists amid renditions of classic tracks like "One Nation Under a Groove" and "Give Up the Funk." Local singer-songwriters BJ the Chicago Kid and the Boy Illinois open the show.

If you're searching for a fest that showcases rising bands, underground legends and mainstream performers with strong independent roots, look no further than the Pitchfork Music Festival. This Union Park fest is best described as a laid-back weekend of musical discovery. Headlining acts include Aussie psych outfit Tame Impala, folk-rockers Fleet Foxes and R&B singer Ms. Lauryn Hill (performing her 1998 debut The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill). You'll want to show up early to catch sets from funk legend Chaka Khan, electronic duo Mount Kimbie, experimental collective This is Not This Heat and host of other compelling performers.

Foamy, flat macrobrewed suds in a plastic cup not exactly your idea of a good time? Unleash your inner sophisticate at this Lincoln Park fest, which serves up more than 70 local, regional and national craft beers from 35 brewers. Purchase tickets before making your way to the tasting session each day from 11:30am–4pm—each ticket is good for one 3 ounce sample of beer. Once you've got a buzz going, admire some lawns or catch a band at the nearby Sheffield Music Festival and Garden Walk.

Dave Grohl saw his very first punk rock show at the Cubby Bear in 1983, so the Foo Fighters’ return to Wrigleyville is a homecoming of sorts. During the band’s last visit to Wrigley Field (in 2015) Grohl had a giant cast on his leg and had to play the show from atop an ornate throne, adorned with guitar necks. This time around, he’ll have the run of the Friendly Confines—we’re imaging a rendition of “Best of You” performed while rounding the bases or a version of “Learn to Fly” sung from atop the Wrigley scoreboard.

Wicker Park may be overrun with chain restaurants and gigantic shoe stores, but the neighborhood still clears out Milwaukee Avenue for a street celebration each summer. The main attraction of the annual fest is the Pitchfork-quality music lineup, which features synth-pop act Porches, punk rockers Against Me!, stoner metal act Red Fang and singer-songwriter Ezra Furman. You'll also find plenty of delicious food, sales at local shops and twentysomethings watching the festivities from rooftops and balconies.

One of the largest Latino fests in the Midwest returns to the heart of Pilsen, hosting a carnival, delicious food from local vendors and a lineup of traditional music. Unlike many other street fests, Fiesta del Sol is a proudly booze and tobacco-free event, making it ideal for families. 

Have a jolly olde time and butcher your favorite European accent as you engage in live-action fantasy play, enjoy interactive riddles, cheer on your favorite jousting knight or revel in period performances from 1574. The festival takes place Saturdays, Sundays and Labor Day in July, August and early September.

Spend a weekend eating barbecue and listening to country music at the Windy City Smokeout, which fills a parking lot with some of the country's best pitmasters and musicians. Sample smoked meats cooked by BBQ masters from Texas, Georgia, North Carolina and Tennesee while you listen to twangy tunes from the likes of Brett Eldredge, Brothers Osborne, Ashley McBryde and Aaron Lewis. Dust off your cowboy hat, tie a bib around your neck and dig into this weekend of delicious meat and music.

It's no secret that we unabashedly love burgers, so you can imagine how much we're anticipating Roscoe Village's annual celebration of succulent, beef patty cuisine. Loosen your belt and prepare to taste grilled creations from local restaurants while enjoying live music and ample libations. 

Chinatown celebrates the arrival of summer at this annual event, featuring food, art and music from the Far East. The festival opens with a traditional Lion Dance Procession and continues with performances, kung fu demonstrations and cuisine from Chinatown restaurants.

The Southport Corridor hosts its annual two-day art festival, bringing together a variety of artists and local vendors near neighborhood landmarks like the Music Box Theatre. Guests can peruse pieces, shop at Southport Avenue stores or get up early and enjoy the annual Gospel Brunch on Sunday morning.

This riverfront bash offers samples of dishes from trendy area restaurants like Farmhouse, Taco Joint and El Hefe in addition to great view of the skyline. The shindig also includes a family fun area and live music.

If you're searching for a fest that showcases rising bands, underground legends and mainstream performers with strong independent roots, look no further than the Pitchfork Music Festival. This Union Park fest is best described as a laid-back weekend of musical discovery. Headlining acts include Aussie psych outfit Tame Impala, folk-rockers Fleet Foxes and R&B singer Ms. Lauryn Hill (performing her 1998 debut The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill). You'll want to show up early to catch sets from funk legend Chaka Khan, electronic duo Mount Kimbie, experimental collective This is Not This Heat and host of other compelling performers.

If you're really lucky, you'll walk away from BenFest with $10,000 in your pocket. Even if you don't win the cash raffle, there's still plenty to see and do at this annual benefit for the St. Benedict Parish in North Center, including live music and a 3-on-3 basketball tournament for the kids.

The Art Institute of Chicago hosts its very first Block Party celebration, inviting guests to learn about the museum while enjoying exhibitions, activities, presentations, gallery tours, live music and more. The evening is headlined by performances from guitarist Jeff Parker and local jazz musician Ben LaMar Gay.

Foamy, flat macrobrewed suds in a plastic cup not exactly your idea of a good time? Unleash your inner sophisticate at this Lincoln Park fest, which serves up more than 70 local, regional and national craft beers from 35 brewers. Purchase tickets before making your way to the tasting session each day from 11:30am–4pm—each ticket is good for one 3 ounce sample of beer. Once you've got a buzz going, admire some lawns or catch a band at the nearby Sheffield Music Festival and Garden Walk.

One of the largest Latino fests in the Midwest returns to the heart of Pilsen, hosting a carnival, delicious food from local vendors and a lineup of traditional music. Unlike many other street fests, Fiesta del Sol is a proudly booze and tobacco-free event, making it ideal for families. 

Relentless troubadour Neil Young has dabbled in everything from soul to psych, tried to launch an iPod for audiophiles, made an entire album protesting biotech corporation Monsanto and is now hard at work on a digital archive of his recorded output. For his latest set of gigs in Chicago, Young will perform solo at the Auditorium Theatre, where Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young once performed on their way to Woodstock. Expect a career-spanning show from one of the most eclectic and unpredictable artists of his generation.

Vocalist Josiah Wise presents a sultry, futuristic take on gospel music and R&B balladry inspired by his love of artists like Björk and Brandy, using his flexible voice to sing about his experiences as a black, queer man. Serpentwithfeet comes to Bottle in support of his debut album, soil, which features production by frequent Adele collaborator Paul Epworth. Philadelphia soul singer Lee Mo opens the show.

After appearing in films like Moonlight and Hidden Figures, sci-fi soul diva Janelle Monáe returns to outer space on her new album, Dirty Computer. The sprawling record features backing vocals from Brian Wilson, grooves that the late, great Prince gave his blessing and songs that reckon with Monáe's pansexual awakening. If the "emotion picture" video that Monáe released alongside the album is any indication, she'll wrap the funky, soul-searching songs into a visually-arresting, futuristic live performance. R&B duo St. Beauty open the show.

Befitting its location on the hip Chicago Avenue corridor, West Fest can be counted on for a great sleeper of a summer street fest bill. Folk-rocker Kevin Morby and local hip-hop emcee Joey Purp top this year's music lineup, joined by Chicago acts like Ohmme, Varsity and oddCouple. The event also features a Pet Fest and a Kids Fest, stocked with activities for your little ones and four-legged friends.

After Radiohead headlined Lollapalooza in 2016, we didn't expect to see the band in Chicago again anytime soon—at least not until it got around to recording another album. Thankfully, Thom Yorke and company are full of surprises, the latest of which is another North American tour in support of A Moon Shaped Pool that kicks off at the United Center. Radiohead's larger-than-life experimental rock is fit for an arena, but we're just as excited about the mind-blowing light show.

In 1990, a group of Chicago house DJs and a small group of friends gathered in Jackson Park for an impromptu concert. Today, the Chosen Few DJs spin tracks for thousands of fans each summer, joined by a selection of guests, including production collective Basement Boys, remix artist Ralphi Rosario and local singer Sheree Hicks. Attendees can bring a picnic basket, set up a tent or hit the dance floor to groove along to a day of slick house beats.

Endearingly cheesy power-pop act Weezer and ‘90s alt-rock titans Pixies co-headline an evening of nostalgic melodies, taking audiences back to a time when MTV still played music videos and tracks like “Buddy Holly” and “Monkey Gone to Heaven” could become minor radio hits. Of course, both groups have soldiered on since their respective heydays, with reshuffled lineups, new music and a fair amount of legacy-building (not to mention Weezer's recent fan-requested cover of Toto's infamous song, “Africa”). English rockers the Wombats open the show.

Lincoln Park hosts a music festival devoted to jam bands, reggae and roots rock at this new event, which should provide a fitting comedown from Fourth of July celebrations. Reggae act Michael Franti and Spearhead headline the fest on Saturday night and Phish bassist Mike Gordon closes out the weekend on Sunday evening. Live in Lincoln Park also features sets from the Original Wailers, Collie Buddz, Cory Wong, Pimps of Joytime and more great acts.

Americana singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile belts out impactful anthems about empathy and motherhood on her latest album, By the Way, I Forgive You. A skilled lyricist (who has been covered by the likes of Adele, Dolly Parton and Pearl Jam), Carlile's folk, country and rock ballads betray a contemplative outlook on the world that still seems wise beyond her years. Blues and soul singer Martha Redbone and her Roots Project band open the show.    

Two decades ago, Yasiin Bey (formerly Mos Def) and Talib Kweli—two of hip-hop's most conscientious emcees—joined forces as Black Star. Now the pair has a new record produced by Madlib on the way and is taking the stage in anticipation of its release. Nevermind that Yasiin Bey announced his retirement from the music industry back in 2016—we're just happy that Black Star is rising, once more. L.A. musician and activist Madame Gandhi opens this Taste of Chicago concert. 

The city of Chicago ditched its official fireworks show a few years back, but Navy Pier picks up the slack with its explosive Independence Day celebration. Revelers can head down to the pier or Millennium Park for an up-close view, but if you're not a fan of crowds, you'll want to hit the lakefront or find a friend with a rooftop by the shore.

All ages and skill levels are welcome at this annual event series that will allow you to practice your jives, twirls and jumps. The dancing breaks out Thursday through Saturday nights and Sunday afternoons in the Spirit of Music Garden in Grant Park, where a professional instructor gives dance lessons (with genres ranging from Swing to Argentine Tango) for the first hour before allowing participants to cut a rug with the accompaniment of a live band. You'll also find SummerDance lessons at Buckingham Fountain during Taste of Chicago and one-off events in parks throughout the city. The series culminates with a day of dancing and performances in Millennium Park on August 25. See the complete details of the SummerDance series here.

Head to Polk Bros Park and take in a movie set against Lake Michigan at Navy Pier's Water Flicks summer film series. Presented with the help of the Chicago International Film Festival and Broadway in Chicago, this year's lineup features classic and modern musicals—from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory to Frozen. Admission is free and so is the popcorn (provided by Navy Pier IMAX at AMC). This month, you can catch Sing (July 2), Pitch Perfect (July 9) Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (July 16) Selena (July 23) or Viva Las Vegas (July 30).

Evey Monday, ROOF on theWit scratches your rooftop movies itch with free screenings of recent box-office hits as well as ’80s and ’90s favorites. Show up early to snag a table (and grab some complimentary popcorn). Check out the complete movie lineup below. This month's movies include Molly's Game (July 2), Dirty Dancing (July 23) and Ready Player One (July 30). 

Bring your blanket and your favorite movie snacks and sprawl out on the Millennium Park lawn. Things will kick off on June 5 with a screening of the classic 1988 dance comedy Hairspray. The series will close on August 21 with Slumdog Millionaire, the 2008 box-office hit about an 18-year-old who's accused of cheating when he's just one question away from winning 20 million rupees on an Indian game show. Catch them all for free as they're broadcast on the park’s 40-foot-wide LED screen. High Fidelity, Iron Giant, Man on Wire, Get Out, WALL-E and Crash will be screened in July.

Each Tuesday, the Museum of Contemporary Art hosts a free concert in its Anne and John Kern Terrace Garden—admission to the museum is also free for Illinois residents. The lineup is stacked with notable performers from the Chicago jazz community, including Katie Ernst, Greg Ward and Tomeka Reid. Attendees can order food à la carte from the outdoor grill, which features tacos, beef tenderloin, lobster rolls and BBQ chicken. In July, you can see Dee Alexander, Thaddeus Tukes's Viibez, Fred Anderson, Katie Ernst and more great acts.

Gallagher Way (the plaza formerly known as the Park at Wrigley) tapped their neighbors at the Music Box to program free outdoor screenings on Wednesday evenings when the Cubs are on the road. The theater selected a series of mostly family-friendly films (all PG-13 or less). Gates open at 6pm and screenings start at 7:30. This month, you can see Home Alone (July 11) and Twister (July 18).

The crew behind Dark Matter Coffee comes together every summer to throw an old-fashioned Chicago block party, complete with free refreshments, food and music from the likes of Dos Santos, the Hood Internet and Black Bear Combo. Of course, if you're feeling charitable, you should donate some dollars in return for all the gratis goodies—all money raised at this year's two-day event benefits Hope For The Day, a local organization that raises awareness about mental health. 

Since 1980, Grant Park has been hosting what has become the granddaddy of food festivals. You know the drill: Trade tickets for a taste of Chicago's street fare. Hopefully what you gain in weight, you'll lose from your wallet. As always, there will be music at Petrillo for you to listen to while you devour your turkey leg, Eli's Cheesecake or deep dish pizza.

Americana singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile belts out impactful anthems about empathy and motherhood on her latest album, By the Way, I Forgive You. A skilled lyricist (who has been covered by the likes of Adele, Dolly Parton and Pearl Jam), Carlile's folk, country and rock ballads betray a contemplative outlook on the world that still seems wise beyond her years. Blues and soul singer Martha Redbone and her Roots Project band open the show.    

Latin pop star Juanes headlines an evening of rock and pop en español at the Taste of Chicago. Formerly a member of Columbian rock group Ekhymosis, Juanes combines traditional musical styles with pop songcraft and has collaborated with the likes of Nelly Furtado and Kali Uchis. He's joined by La Santa Cecilia, a Mexican-American band that provides a contemporary, rock-influenced take on cumbia and bossa nova.

Two decades ago, Yasiin Bey (formerly Mos Def) and Talib Kweli—two of hip-hop's most conscientious emcees—joined forces as Black Star. Now the pair has a new record produced by Madlib on the way and is taking the stage in anticipation of its release. Nevermind that Yasiin Bey announced his retirement from the music industry back in 2016—we're just happy that Black Star is rising, once more. L.A. musician and activist Madame Gandhi opens this Taste of Chicago concert.