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Photograph: Courtesy Volleywood
Photograph: Courtesy Volleywood

The best July 2026 events in Chicago

Plan your July in Chicago with our calendar of events and things to do, including festivals, concerts and movie screenings.

Jeffy Mai
Edited by Jeffy Mai
Contributor, Time Out Chicago
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Summer in Chicago hits its peak during July, when some of the city's biggest festivals and events return to town and bring enough live music, incredible food and general outdoor merrymaking to fill every weekend (and probably a good amount of weekdays, too). Kick off the month with Fourth of July celebrations, highlighted by sparkling fireworks shows across the city and suburbs. From there, take a deep dive into the heart of summer festival season at events like Wicker Park Fest, Miche Fest, Windy City Smokeout and Pitchfork Music Festival. For even more ways to keep busy on long summer days and nights, check out our guide to the best things to do in Chicago this July.

RECOMMENDED: Events calendar for Chicago in 2026

The best events in Chicago this July

Movies in the Parks

  • Movies
  • Recommended
Movies in the Parks
Movies in the Parks
Photograph: Courtesy Chicago Park District
From June through September, more than 90 movies will screen in parks across Chicago as part of the Park District's annual Movies in the Parks program. From recent blockbusters like Zootopia 2 and Freakier Friday to classics like Back to the Future and Jumangi, you're sure to find something good to watch (for free!) beneath the stars this summer. Screenings typically begin at 8:45pm, or dusk, each evening. Take a look at the full list of movies and participating parks.

Summer Friday Magic

  • Circuses & magic
  • Streeterville
  • price 2 of 4
  • Recommended
Summer Friday Magic
Summer Friday Magic
Photograph: Courtesy of the Rockwell Group
Chicago's opulent new magic lounge, The Hand & The Eye, is introducing a limited-edition series dubbed Summer Friday Magic. Through Labor Day, a limited number of guests can enjoy a truncated, 45-minute show in the venue's Vault Theatre without having to commit to the typical full evening of programming.
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Grant Park Music Festival

  • Music
  • Classical and opera
  • Millennium Park
  • Recommended
Grant Park Music Festival
Grant Park Music Festival
Photograph: Shutterstock
For classical music lovers who enjoy taking in a show set beneath Chicago's skyline, the annual Grant Park Music Festival is a perennial favorite summer event. This year's series of classical concerts runs through August 15 with performances ranging from symphonies by Mozart and Brahms to an evening of classic Broadway arrangements and the annual Independence Day salute. Take a look at the complete schedule of events below and find more information on the Grant Park Music Festival website.

Taste of Chicago

  • Things to do
  • Festivals
  • Millennium Park
  • Recommended
Taste of Chicago
Taste of Chicago
Photograph: Courtesy City of Chicago DCASE
The annual festival will feature dozens of vendors and food trucks, plus musical performances.  And just like last year, the Taste of Chicago will be preceded by a series of day-long fests throughout the summer (at Albany Park, Pullman Park and Marquette Park) before heading to Grant Park for the three-day main event.
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Summer Skate at Navy Pier

  • Things to do
  • Streeterville
  • price 1 of 4
  • Recommended
Summer Skate at Navy Pier
Summer Skate at Navy Pier
Photograph: Lauren Brocato for Time Out
Navy Pier's former Crystal Gardens space transforms into a retro roller skating rink this summer. Grab your skates (or borrow a pair; they're included with your ticket) and hit the rink for old-school fun, plus an arcade, photo booth, drinks and groovy disco tunes. At night, the Skate After Dark party turns up the energy for the 21+ crowd with DJ sets on select nights throughout the summer.
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Independence Day Fireworks at Navy Pier

  • Things to do
  • Festivals
  • Streeterville
  • Recommended
Independence Day Fireworks at Navy Pier
Independence Day Fireworks at Navy Pier
Photograph: Anthony Soave
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, which takes place on Saturday, July 4 at 10pm. Head to the pier, Ohio Street Beach or Millennium Park for an up-close view of the extended show, set to music, in honor of America's 250th birthday. 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.
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ART on THE MART

  • Art
  • Film and video
  • Recommended
ART on THE MART
ART on THE MART
Photograph: Courtesy of ART on THE MART
Displaying a 25-story-tall video installation on the side of THE MART, ART on THE MART is the largest permanent digital art projection in the world, with programming that changes seasonally. ART on THE MART's array of 34 digital projectors show the creations after dusk every evening. Running Thursdays through Saturdays beginning at 7:30pm, it’s best viewed from the section of the Chicago Riverwalk between Wells Street and Franklin Street.

Navy Pier Fireworks

  • Things to do
  • Fireworks
  • Streeterville
  • Recommended
Navy Pier Fireworks
Navy Pier Fireworks
Photograph: Neal O'Bryan
During the summer, the Chicago attraction hosts twice-weekly fireworks shows (on Wednesdays at 9pm and Saturdays at 10pm) from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, with stunning views available from across the pier's public spaces. During the winter months, the pyrotechnics return for a much-needed encore. If you're feeling weary of crowds, you can also take in the show from nearby beaches or while cruising along the Lakefront Trail.
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Jazzin’ at the Shedd

  • Music
  • Jazz
  • Museum Campus
  • price 2 of 4
  • Recommended
Jazzin’ at the Shedd
Jazzin’ at the Shedd
Photograph: Brenna Hernandez
The Shedd Aquarium's weekly summer concert series presents a rotating lineup of jazz bands on its scenic lakeside terrace, where attendees can dance, have a drink and get a great view of the Navy Pier fireworks. Guests also get access to the Shedd's exhibitions, meaning that you can gaze at the creatures that inhabit the Caribbean Reef, snap a picture of a cute sea otter or touch a sea star.
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Millennium Park Summer Music Series

  • Music
  • Millennium Park
Millennium Park Summer Music Series
Millennium Park Summer Music Series
Photograph: Patrick L. Pyszka
Head to Pritzker Pavilion on select Mondays and Thursdays from June 15–August 6 for the Millennium Park Summer Music Series, which showcases a wide range of music from both emerging and well-established performers. Check the official website for the full list of artists and schedule.
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