July 2019 events calendar for Chicago

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 24. See the complete details of the SummerDance series here.

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

Game of Thrones is over, but you can fill the medieval void in your life with a trip to the Bristol Renaissance Faire, which recreates a 16th-century port city (call is King's Landing, if you like). You'll find knights in shining armor, jousting archery, Cornish pasties and dubious English accents throughout the grounds. Plus, for an additional fee you can join in on immersive RenQuest theatrical gaming experience, interacting with chracters to complete quests and solve mysteries.

Dark Matter Coffee throws an old-fashioned Chicago block party every summer, complete with free refreshments, food, a play area for the kids and music from local bands. If you're feeling charitable, you should donate some dollars in return for all the gratis goodies—all money raised at the one-day event benefits a local Chicago nonprofit or charity. The party takes place in a vacant lot at the corner of Chicago and Western, just across the street from Dark Matter's Monthership coffee bar.

Taking place on the weekend after the Fourth of July, you can count on West Fest to continue the celebration with delicious food, cold beverages and a music lineup stacked with exciting local bands and intriguing touring acts. This year, the street fest boasts sets from Welsh indie-rockers Los Campesinos!, experimental pop artist John Maus, dark electronic duo Boy Harsher and psychedelic Columbian outfit Combo Chimbita. The event also features a Pet Fest and a Kids Fest, stocked with activities for your little ones and four-legged friends.

Avid adventurers can explore their passions and try something new at the Outside Experience convention, which brings together more than 200 exhibitors and lots of activites for attendees to take part in. Guests can shop for the latest in outdoor gear, climb aboard an RV, conquer a mountain biking demo course, scale a climbing wall or start planning for their next vacation—there's even a cornhole tournament with a $5,000 cash prize.

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 from some of the city's most beloved eateries. 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.

Alt-country, folk and Americana music take the spotlight at Square Roots, a street festival that takes over the main drag of Lincoln Square. This year, alt-country stalwarts Son Volt headline the event (perhaps frontman Jay Farrar will patch up his differences with former Uncle Tupelo bandmate Jeff Tweedy onstage?), joined by rootsy rock outfits Camper Van Beethoven and Cracker. The weekend will also host a 25th anniversary celebration for local label Bloodshot Records, with performances from Mekons, Murder by Death and some yet-to-be-announced guests. When you're not parked in front of a stage, you'll find open jam sessions, dance parties and family-friendly activities that make this fest feel like a gigantic neighborhood block party.

Refinery29's popular 29Rooms exhibition returns to Chicago for a 10-day engagement, setting up interactive installations on a former trading floor inside the Chicago Board of Trade Building. The latest edition of the event series is entitled Expand Your Reality, allowing to experience 29 installations over the course of a session, including creations by local artists, rooms that have appeared in previous activations (such as a neon-lit dance party called Inner Beauty Ball) and branded collaborations. If you need to add some pizazz to your Instagram feed this summer, you're sure to capture some surreal scenes within this inventive funhouse.

Humboldt Park's lagoon will be illuminated with thousands of floating paper lanterns during the Chicago Water Lantern Festival, which brings live music, food truck and a photogenic spectacle to the West Side park. Each ticket to the event includes a floating rice paper lantern that you can decorate with a maker before releasing it into the water (don't worry, organizers will be retreiving all of the lanterns after the event is over).

Calling all hype beasts! Pop culture publication Complex is bringing a new edition of its ComplexCon event (which has previously taken place in Long Beach, California) to Chicago, with more than 100 brands, a lineup of performers and stacked selection of restaurants in tow. Attendees will be able to snag exclusive merchendice from the likes of Puma and Champion, as well as local streetwear makers like Joe Freshgoods and Jugrnaut (though you'll likely have to spring for early admission to cop the most sought-after drops). Rapper Schoolboy Q and singer Ella Mai headline the convention's live music lineup, while influential designers, musicians and chefs will take the stage for in-depth panels.

It’s not too late to flesh out your summer reading list at one of the city’s largest used book fairs, where you can browse more than 135,000 titles that are priced to move. Many titles are $3 or less and the selection is vast, including cookbooks, music, fiction, art books and children's literature as well as movies and records (for those who already have all the books that they need, but still want to purchase some physical media). Fill your shelves and support the Newberry while you're at it.

Wicker Park may be overrun with chain restaurants, boutiques and 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 music lineup, which features sets from neo-soul outfit Durand Jones & The Indications, West Coast rockers Wavves, cinematic folk band Murder By Death and New Jersey punks Screaming Females. You'll also find plenty of delicious food, sales at local shops, daily fashion shows and twentysomethings watching the festivities from precarious perches on rooftops, balconies and fire escapes.

Eating pork is a Fourth of July weekend tradition in Uptown, where attendees can flex their jaw muscles and stretch their waistlines at this barbecue fest. You'll find local ribbers as well grillmasters from as far away as Austin, Texas and Austrailia—all cooking tasty racks that you can slather in sauce. Once you're full, you can walk off the meat while browsing a lineup of local vendors or take in a set from your preferred street festival cover band.

The Chicago Michelada Festival honors one of the most ingenious beverages on the planet: Mexcian beer combined with tomato juice, lime and spices, served in a salt-rimmed glass. Vendors like Big Mich, Pinches Miches, Micheladas Los Mochis and Rancheladas will be serving the cocktail throughout this two-day event, accompanied by delicious food, live music and a beer pong tournament.

In Lisle, the Fourth of July features plenty of airborne eye candy, including fireworks and hot air balloons. Balloons launch every morning and evening, filling the sky with colorful inflatables of all shapes and sizes (for an additional fee, you can even go for a ride on one of them). When the sun sets, the balloons come down and the fireworks begin. Attendees can also check out the festival's carnival, kids area, live music and craft fair. As always, admission to the morning balloon launches (which typically begin at 5:30am) is free.

Dark Matter Coffee throws an old-fashioned Chicago block party every summer, complete with free refreshments, food, a play area for the kids and music from local bands. If you're feeling charitable, you should donate some dollars in return for all the gratis goodies—all money raised at the one-day event benefits a local Chicago nonprofit or charity. The party takes place in a vacant lot at the corner of Chicago and Western, just across the street from Dark Matter's Monthership coffee bar.

Fourth of July weekend in Washington Park means reggae, soccer, dancing and delicious Afro-Caribbean food. The African Caribbean International Festival of Life promotes cultural awareness by bringing together more than 200 vendors selling handmade goods and traditional dishes.

Taking place on the weekend after the Fourth of July, you can count on West Fest to continue the celebration with delicious food, cold beverages and a music lineup stacked with exciting local bands and intriguing touring acts. This year, the street fest boasts sets from Welsh indie-rockers Los Campesinos!, experimental pop artist John Maus, dark electronic duo Boy Harsher and psychedelic Columbian outfit Combo Chimbita. The event also features a Pet Fest and a Kids Fest, stocked with activities for your little ones and four-legged friends.

Each Thursday during the latter half of the summer, Argyle Street turns into a market featuring regional farmers, dishes from local restaurants and live performers. The fun takes place on the Argyle Streetscape between Kenmore and Sheridan, welcoming visitors to enjoy an evening of food, shopping and entertainment.

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 more than 12 local restaurants while enjoying live music and ample libations. Don't forget to vote for your favorite—the most popular burger of the weekend earns the visitors' choice award.

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 sit down on a patio to enjoy food and drink specials throughout the weekend.

Alt-country, folk and Americana music take the spotlight at Square Roots, a street festival that takes over the main drag of Lincoln Square. When you're not parked in front of a stage, you'll find open jam sessions, dance parties and family-friendly activities that make this fest feel like a gigantic neighborhood block party. The event also features multiple craft beer gardens, food from local restaurants and a market stocked with goods from area businesses.

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 from some of the city's most beloved eateries. 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.

Looking to add some new fine art to your apartment this summer? You'll find 65 juried artists exhibiting their work at this annual art show, which takes place at the foot of the historic Tribune Tower. Stop by the two-day fest, shop around and see if you can find something worth exhibiting in your personal (home) gallery.

Humboldt Park's lagoon will be illuminated with thousands of floating paper lanterns during the Chicago Water Lantern Festival, which brings live music, food truck and a photogenic spectacle to the West Side park. Each ticket to the event includes a floating rice paper lantern that you can decorate with a maker before releasing it into the water (don't worry, organizers will be retreiving all of the lanterns after the event is over).

This three-day Pilsen food festival takes its inspiration from the Tianguis, a traditional Mexican and Central American bazaar. As its name suggests, guests are invited to sample plenty of tacos and tamales, prepared by authentic local restaurants. Between bites, cruise vendor stalls, sip a cold one inside the Modelo beer garden and dance to live Latin music.

This annual benefit thrown by St. Benedict Parish in North Center is one of the city's premiere family-friendly fests, stocked with inflatables, a waterslide, basketball, Skee Ball and a plenty of other activities for the kids. Adults can enjoy live music, food from local restaurants and a relaxing afternoon spent in the shadow of the parish's steeple.

If the foamy, flat macrobrewed suds served in a plastic cup that most street festivals serve aren't your idea of a good time, head to Lakeview's celebration of craft beer. You'll find more than 70 local, regional and national craft beers from 35 brewers on offer at this event. Purchase tickets before making your way to the tasting area each day from 1–8pm—each ticket is good for one 3 ounce sample of beer.

Calling all hype beasts! Pop culture publication Complex is bringing a new edition of its ComplexCon event (which has previously taken place in Long Beach, California) to Chicago, with more than 100 brands, a lineup of performers and stacked selection of restaurants in tow. Attendees will be able to snag exclusive merchendice from the likes of Puma and Champion, as well as local streetwear makers like Joe Freshgoods and Jugrnaut (though you'll likely have to spring for early admission to cop the most sought-after drops). Rapper Schoolboy Q and singer Ella Mai headline the convention's live music lineup, while influential designers, musicians and chefs will take the stage for in-depth panels.

Don't want to deal with the crowds in Union Park? Head to Hyde Park where cultural storefront the Silver Room is organizes an expansive block party, complete with three outdoor stages in addition to performances at businesses and venues throughout the neighborhood. In addition to live music, local food and plenty of libations, this year's block party also features a roller skating rink (soundtracked by a lineup of DJs) and basketball tournaments.

Chinatown celebrates the arrival of summer at this annual event, featuring food, art and music. The festival opens with a traditional lion dance procession and continues with performances, kung fu demonstrations and cuisine from Chinatown restaurants.

River North may not have as many culinary institutions as neighborhoods like the West Loop, but there are some good eats to be found in the area—and you'll be able to try a lot of it at this tasty gathering of local eateries. While you're digesting, you'll enjoy tunes from local cover bands and plenty of beverages.

Head to the South Loop for an afternoon of beer and cider samples served in Chicago Women's Park. featuring more than 100 beverages provided by some of the region's most popular breweries and cideries. The outdoor festival also welcomes a lineup of Chicago food trucks and live performances from local musicians. All proceeds from the festival will benefit Chicago Women's Park and Gardens.

The annual Bantu Fest prides itself on bringing people, cuisine and culture from more than 30 different countries together for a two-celebration of Chicago's (and the world's) diversity. When you're not sampling tantalizing dishes from around the globe, you can take in sets from local musicians and enjoy the sights during a summer afternoon on Midway Plaisance.

For one weekend each summer, Navy Pier's margarita options extend well beyond what's offered at Jimmy Buffett's joint. A selection of Chicago bars and restaurants mix their finest tequila-filled concoctions during two sessions of tipsy revelry along Lake Michigan. Our advice: Ride the Ferris wheel before you pour a bunch of sugary drinks into your body.

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

Wicker Park may be overrun with chain restaurants, boutiques and 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 music lineup, which features sets from neo-soul outfit Durand Jones & The Indications, West Coast rockers Wavves, cinematic folk band Murder By Death and New Jersey punks Screaming Females. You'll also find plenty of delicious food, sales at local shops, daily fashion shows and twentysomethings watching the festivities from precarious perches on rooftops, balconies and fire escapes.

Taking place on the weekend after the Fourth of July, you can count on West Fest to continue the celebration with delicious food, cold beverages and a music lineup stacked with exciting local bands and intriguing touring acts. This year, the street fest boasts sets from Welsh indie-rockers Los Campesinos!, experimental pop artist John Maus, dark electronic duo Boy Harsher and psychedelic Columbian outfit Combo Chimbita. The event also features a Pet Fest and a Kids Fest, stocked with activities for your little ones and four-legged friends.