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6/30/24 - By Maureen Wilkey

Things to do in Chicago in July means all outdoors, all the time! Kicking off with fireworks downtown and in the suburbs, and continuing with movies, concerts, street festivals, and more. You can enjoy food fests like Taste of Chicago and Taste of Lincoln Avenue, and celebrate different cultures at the Chinatown Summer Fair, Bastille Day, or International Festival of Life. Or, see a children's play like Corduroy at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater or Jack and the Beanstalk at Beverly Arts Center. 

We have the best lists of the music and movies happening outdoors this summer. You can also take a day trip, visit a water park, or check out one of our favorite summer festivals. There's also a NASCAR race downtown on July 6-7, so unless you're attending, you may want to steer (get it?) clear of the crowds in Grant Park/Millenium Park on those two days.

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Summer festivals are still going strong in Chicago in July. Photo courtesy of the International Festival of Life
Summer festivals are still going strong in Chicago in July. Photo courtesy of the International Festival of Life

Top Things to Do In July with Kids in Chicago

Summer Fireworks at Navy Pier

Downtown - FREE
Saturdays throughout July, 2024
Fireworks fans of all ages can enjoy a spectacular display, synchronized to music, for FREE every Wednesday and Saturday night at Navy Pier.  READ MORE

Tuesdays on the Terrace

Mag Mile - FREE
Tuesdays, July 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30, 2024
Museum of Contemporary Art showcases some of Chicago's favorite musiciansin a weekly concert on its terrace. This year’s series includes the jazz music always featured at MCA, along with other Chicago favorite genres like hip-hop, house, blues, bomba, and more. READ MORE

Corduroy at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater

Downtown
July 2-3, 5-7, and 10-14, 2024
Embark on a heartwarming adventure with the beloved bear whose button has gone missing, and he can’t go home with kindhearted Lisa without it. Follow Corduroy’s rollicking and delightfully destructive journey through the department store as he searches high and low—up escalators, and to the top of a teetering store display. READ MORE

Frontier Days

Arlington Heights - FREE
Wednesday, July 3-Sunday, July 7, 2024
Arlington Heights' annual Fourth of July fun fest has live entertainment, a carnival, a 5k race, food vendors, a Fourth of July parade, and fireworks. READ MORE

Morton Arboretum's Arbor Evenings

Lisle
Wednesdays, July 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31, 2024
Families can enjoy an evening of music and activities at the Morton Arboretum's Frost Hill on Wednesday nights throughout the summer. A different local band and various food trucks will be featured each week. READ MORE

Taste of Oak Brook

Oak Brook - FREE
Wednesday, July 3, 2024
The Village of Oak Brook offers local families a taste of its cuisine and a little fun at the annual Taste of Oak Brook festival. Kids' activities include face painting, a bounce house, and a petting zoo. Fireworks will start at 9:30pm. READ MORE

Movies on the Lawn at Oakbrook Center

Oak Brook - FREE
Wednesdays, July 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31, 2024
The magic of the movies moves outdoors at Oak Brook Center with the Movies on the Lawn series each Wednesday. Movies are shown on a 32' by 18' screen in the shopping center's courtyard. All movies are shown in their original, unedited format and are rated G, PG, or PG-13. READ MORE

Tinley Park Ribfest

Tinley Park
Thursday, July 4-Sunday, July 7 , 2024
Enjoy music, ribs, kiddie rides, fireworks and more at Tinley Park's annual Ribfest. Single day admission is $15 or $55 for a family of up to six people. READ MORE

Westmont Independence Day Celebration

Westmont - FREE
Thursday, July 4, 2024
Westmont celebrates Independence Day at this annual event featuring food trucks, concessions, beer, crafts, games, and music. The day concludes with fireworks at Ty Warner Park. READ MORE

Elmhurst 4 on the 4th and Kids 1K

Elmhurst
Thursday, July 4, 2024
Run four miles to celebrate the Fourth of July! Kids ages 5-12 can participate in a 1K kids' dash. No strollers will be allowed in the 4-mile. READ MORE

Fourth of July in Glen Ellyn

Glen Ellyn - FREE
Thursday, July 4, 2024
Celebrate the Fourth of July in Glen Ellyn with a parade and fireworks on July 4. This year's parade grand marshal is Village Attorney Greg Matthews. READ MORE

International Festival of Life

Washington Park
Thursday, July 4-Sunday, July 7, 2024
The International Festival Of Life  features a very diverse showcase of culture and music from the Caribbean, Africa, Latin America, and United States.  The objective of the festival is to bring nations together and live together as one. READ MORE

Jack and the Beanstalk

Beverly
Wednesdays through Fridays, July 5-29, 2024
Chicago Kids Company - Theater for Children (CKC) presents Jack and the Beanstalk. Come along with Jack and his best friend Carmelita (a Spanish speaking cow), as they try to save their village from a crazy giant! Along the way you’ll meet a beautiful singing Harp, a Golden Goose, and a wacky Bean Salesman. Watch the Giant Beanstalk grow on stage! READ MORE

Movies in Cantigny Park

Wheaton - FREE
Fridays, July 5, 12, 19, and 26, 2024
Cantigny Park hosts weekly movies at its bandshell every Friday at sunset throughout the summer. Seating is first come, first served and visitors are encouraged to bring blankets and bug spray. Concessions can be purchased at Mamie's Toffee and Treats. READ MORE

Naperville Salute

Naperville - FREE
Friday, July 5-Sunday, July 7, 2024
Naperville Salute honors veterans with a celebration full of live music, fireworks, family fun, and a ruck march. Family activities include include exotic animals, face painting, interactive ninja course, patriotic crafts, magic, balloon animals and more! READ MORE

Oak Park Concerts in the Park

Oak Park - FREE
Sundays, July 7, 14,21 and 28, 2024
The Park District of Oak Park hosts free summer concerts in Scoville Park from June 9- August 25. Guests are asked to remember to carry out anything they brought in and use appropriate trash and recycling cans. READ MORE

CircEsteem Around Chicago Summer Tour

Parks throughout Chicago
July 11, 12 and 18, 2024
The show features youth from across the country who come together to teach each other, create a show together, and perform together! Enjoy an evening of music and fantastic feats like juggling, trapeze, acrobatics, clowning, aerial arts, and more. READ MORE

Fresh Fest!

Downtown - FREE
Thursday, July 11 & Friday, July 12, 2024
Youth performers play and sing music, dance, and perform spoken word art at Navy Pier's Wave Wall at this free two-day festival. READ MORE

Square Roots Fest

Lincoln Square
Friday, July 12-Sunday, July 14, 2024
Family fun featuring live music, local eats, and kids' activities abound at this neighborhood festival. You'll find food for every taste including tacos, Thai food, burgers, sushi, and everything in between. Kids of all ages can enjoy the art tent, instrument petting zoo, and all the other activities throughout the festival.    READ MORE

West Fest Chicago

West Town
Friday, July 12-Sunday, July 14, 2024
The West Town Chamber of Commerce hosts West Fest, an annual street festival featuring neighborhood retailers and restaurants, fine artists, crafters, and entertainment for the whole family. There is also a designated "Kid Fest," including family-friendly live music, pony rides, local dance and theatrical performances, family friendly vendors, games, and more.  READ MORE

Bastille Day at Navy Pier

Downtown - FREE
Friday, July 12, 2024
Celebrate Bastille Day with open air dining (a Pique Nique) at Navy Pier. The Committee of French Speaking Societies will host this event on the Lake Lawn with French cuisine and performances. Families can also learn to play the French game of Petanque and kids can have their faces painted, decorate cupcakes, and enjoy a bubble show. READ MORE

Bucktown Neighborhood and Garden Walk

Bucktown - FREE
Saturday, July 13 & Sunday, July 14, 2024
Bring the family to Bucktown for the  annual garden walk and neighborhood celebration READ MORE

Kids Fest at Wampum Lake

Thornton - FREE
Saturday, July 13, 2024
Families can get to know the Forest Preserves of Cook County at this kid-friendly event that includes canoeing, climbing, and archery. Kids can also make art, play games, and explore nature around Wampum Lake. READ MORE

Jazz Up Glen Ellyn

Glen Ellyn - FREE
Saturday, July 13, 2024
Musically inclined families can take to the streets of Glen Ellyn to enjoy live music and food from local vendors. Jazz duos and trios will be featured at local restaurants and musicians can take part in a jazz master class. READ MORE

Bubble Works: An Outdoor Festival

Oak Park
Saturday, July 13 & Sunday, July 14, 2024
Families can celebrate the magic and science of bubbles at Wonder Works Children's Museum in Oak Park. Activities include performances by Glowby the Bubble Blower, a giant foam pit, bubble painting, creating a custom bubble wand, mixing different bubble solutions, and more! READ MORE

Taco Fest & Highwood Days

Highwood - FREE
Thursday, July 18-Sunday, July 31, 2024
Formerly the North Shore Taco Festival, this refreshed event now features both tacos from local vendors showcasing Highwood's diversity. Families can enjoy a variety of food vendors and vote for their favorite. Other features include a carnival, live music, and a 5k run or walk. READ MORE

Tacos y Tamales Festival

Pilsen - FREE
Friday, July 19-Sunday, July 21, 2024
Families can enjoy some authentic Mexican food at the Annual Tacos y Tamales Festival, a street fair based on a traditional Mexican market known as the Tianguis. READ MORE

Disability Pride Parade

Downtown - FREE
Saturday, July 20, 2024
Chicago hosts the longest running disability pride parade in the country, and everyone is invited to celebrate and strengthen the pride, power, and unity of people with disabilities, their families, and allies! This year's theme is: Disability Pride Will Not Be Denied. READ MORE

Butterfield Park District Family Fun Fest

Lombard - FREE
Saturday, July 20, 2024
Kids can set sail for some summer fun at this nautical-themed family party. Activities include games, crafts, raffles, giveaways, and food. Admission to the pool is free during the event.  READ MORE

DuPage County Fair

Wheaton - FREE
Thursday, July 25-Sunday, July 28, 2024
Families can celebrate the agricultural history of DuPage County with entertainment, exhibits, a pie eating contest, demolition derby, carnival, food concessions, and karaoke. Musical acts are TBD. READ MORE

Taste of Lincoln Avenue

Lakeview
Friday, July 26-Sunday, July 28, 2024
Nearly 100 food vendors are featured in this festival, which is now in its 39th year. Kids can enjoy a chocolate tasting festival and kids' zone while adults can take part in whiskey and wine tastings. More than 30 acts play on two music stages. READ MORE

Taste of Chicago Marquette Park

Marquette Park - FREE
Saturday, July 27, 2024
Foodies of all ages can enjoy Chicago restaurants, live music, and family-friendly activities at the annual Taste of Chicago outdoor food festival. This summer's festival will be hosted in four different neighborhood parks, one in each month. READ MORE

Chinatown Summer Fair

Chinatown - FREE
Saturday, July 27-Sunday, July 28, 2024
The whole family can enjoy the annual Chinatown Summer Fair, featuring a Dragon & Lion Dance Procession, artisan booths, delicious neighborhood cuisine, and activities for families and children. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Museum of Contemporary Art
Chicago Shakespeare Theatre on Navy Pier
Lake Ellyn Park & Boathouse
Frontier Sports Complex
Various Parks around Chicago
Wonder Works, a Children's Museum
Plymouth Court and Van Buren Street