THU/1
Millennium Park at Noon: The Astronomer
Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. Noon. Free.
Music Without Borders: Orchestre Septentrional d’Haiti
Music from the Caribbean. Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. 7:30pm. Free.
Naperville Rib Fest
July 1-4. The four days of food and music kicks off at Knoch Park in Naperville. Ribfest features rib vendors from around the country, two live music stages and fireworks on the 4th. The music lineup includes The Charlie Daniels Band, Julianne Hough, LeAnn Rimes, and Sammy Hagar. Knoch Park, 700 S. West, Naperville. Noon-10pm. $12, kids 11 and under free.
Taste of Chicago
June 25-July 4. The annual summer food behemoth includes over fifty local vendors—eleven are new to the festival–and daily chef demonstrations and concerts. Michigan and Congress. (312)744-3315. 11am-9pm. Free admission.
Theatre on the Lake: Abigail’s Party
June 30-July 4. A Red Orchid Theatre presents ” Abigail’s Party.”
Theater on the Lake, 2401 N. Lake Shore Drive, (312)742-7529. Wed-Sat at 7:30pm, Sun at 6:30pm. $17.50.
FRI/2
African/Caribbean International Festival of Life
July 2-5. Celebrate Independence weekend with the 18th Annual Festival of Life hosted by Martin’s International Culture, Inc. The festival will feature African and Caribbean musical performances, arts and crafts, and a variety of food selections. Washington Park, 5500 S. Cottage Grove. (312)427-0266. Free.
Family Adventure Days: Bronzeville
This Bronzeville adventure includes a tour of the S.R. Crown Hall with Andy Warhol’s “Silver Clouds,” lunch at the Illinois Institute of Technology and a behind-the-scenes tour of U.S. Cellular Field. Tours leave from the Visitor Information Center at the Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph at 9:30am and return at 2:30pm. (312)742-8497. $12 per person.
SAT/3
Edible Audible Picnic: Green Velvet aka Cajmere
Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. Noon. Free.
Grant Park Music Festival: Independence Day at Millennium Park
Musical fireworks showcasing America’s musical roots. Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. 1:30pm. Free.
SUN/4
Independence Day Fireworks
The city surrendered to the British and cancelled its traditional July 3 fireworks at Grant Park, but freedom will still ring at various locations throughout the city. Three short firework shows are slated for Independence Day at Montrose Beach, Navy Pier and near the 63rd Street Beach.
MON/5
Downtown Sound: New Music Mondays–The Thermals with Disappears
Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. 6:30pm. Free.
Edible Audible Picnic: Nice Nice
Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. Noon. Free.
TUE/6
Grant Park Music Festival: Chorus A Capella: French Sensuality
Musical manifestation of French sensuality. C’est vrai. Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. 6:30pm, also July 8 at 7:30. Free.
Grant Park Music Festival Open Rehearsal
Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. 11am and 3pm. Free.
Tuesdays on the Terrace: Maggie Brown
Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago, (312)397-4034. 5:30pm-8pm. $5 lawn seats, $22 dinner buffet.
WED/7
Bastille Day 5K Run/Walk and Block Party
Storm the streets of Chicago and finish with a cold one at a Lincoln Park block party with live music. Benefiting Mercy Home for Boys and Girls, this 5k might feed your appetite for exercise, sun, food, and fun. Cannon and Fullerton. (773)584-6615. $30, $27 until June 1.
Chicago SummerDance: Salsa
Salsa and merengue lessons followed by Afro-Cuban music from Angel d’Cuba. Athletic Field Park,3546 W. Addison. (773)478-2889. Dance lesson 6pm, live music 7pm-9pm. Free.
Grant Park Music Festival: Memoria del Fuego
Spoken word and music from Uruguayan author Eduardo Galeano’s “Memoria Del Fuego.” Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. 6:30pm. Free.
Grant Park Music Festival Open Rehearsal
Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. 11am. Free.
International Summer Screenings Program: “The Equation of Love and Death”
Cao Baoping, China, 2003. Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph, 2nd floor, (312)683-0121. 6:30pm. Also Sat, July 10, 2pm. Free.
Theater on the Lake–Baby Wants Candy
July 7-11. “Baby Wants Candy,” The Completely Improvised Full-Band Musical. Theater on the Lake, 2401 N. Lake Shore Drive, (312)742-7529. Wed-Sat at 7:30pm, Sun at 6:30pm. $17.50.
THU/8
Grant Park Music Festival Open Rehearsal Music
Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. 10:30am. Free.
Music Without Borders: Dobet Gnahore with Wictor Deme
Music from Africa. Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. 6:30pm. Free.
FRI/9
Family Adventure Days: Pilsen
Explore the home of the largest Mexican-American community in the city with a trip to the National Museum of Mexican Art and authentic eats. Tours leave from the Visitor Information Center at the Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph at 9:30am and return at 2:30pm, (312)742-8497. $12 per person.
Grant Park Music Festival Open Rehearsal
Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. 11am. Free.
Grant Park Music Festival: Sibelius, Symphony No. 2
Masterpiece from the Finnish composer. Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. 6:30pm. Also, July 10 at 7:30pm. Free.
Great Performers of Illinois
July 9-11. Millennium Park plays host to the 5th annual celebration of art and culture in the Land of Lincoln. The event features square dancing, live chainsaw carvings, sidewalk chalk drawings and the obligatory Abraham Lincoln impersonator. Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph. Fri 6:30pm-10pm, Sat 7am-11pm, and Sun 11am-10pm. Free.
Irish Fest
July 9-11. This year marks the twenty-fifth anniversary of the celebration of Irish culture put on by the Irish American Heritage Center. Visit the northwest side for a weekend of dancing, drinking, a hooley hook-up singles party, and music from The Tossers, The Elders, Eileen Ivers & Immigrant Soul, and many more. Irish American Heritage Center, 4626 N. Knox, (773)282-7035 ext. 10. $14, $8 until July 8, $7 for seniors, free for kids 11 and under.
North Michigan Avenue Art Festival
July 9-11. Browse an outdoor art gallery with over 200 works on display in Pioneer Court. The event includes live music, art activities for children, and all proceeds go to the Chicago Tribune’s Children’s Fund. Chicago Tribune Tower, 435 N. Michigan, (954)472-3755. Fri and Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 10am-5pm. Free.
Old St. Pat’s World’s Largest Block Party
July 9-10. The Barenaked Ladies headline this West Loop party outside the oldest public building in Chicago. Admission tickets include five free drinks to down while enjoying music and sun to benefit various St. Pat’s charitable causes. Madison and Des Plaines, 650 W. Madison, (312)648-1590. Fri and Sat 5:30pm-10:30pm. $40 in advance, $45 at the door.
Opening Reception for Grant Ramsey, Jason Peot, and Jackie Kazarian
Ramsey’s photographs of life in Nicaragua, Peot’s twenty-five most populated U.S cities installation, and the paintings of Jackie Kazarian will open with this reception at the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington from 6-8pm. Free.
Zoo Ball 2010: Rock and Roar
Bring a date to the Lincoln Park Zoo or go to the ball stag in hopes of meeting a stag. Or a doe. The dinner and dance benefits charitable causes of the Zoo’s Women’s Board. Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N. Clark, (312)742-2000. 6:30pm-midnight. Prices vary.
SAT/10
Chicago Folk and Roots Festival
July 10-11. Music abounds at this festival put on by the Old Town School of Folk Music. The 8th Annual Midwest Fiddle Championship will take place Saturday afternoon, and there will be singing, dancing, and children’s activities throughout the park. Wells Park, Montrose and Lincoln. $10, $5 for seniors and children.
L.A.T.E Ride
This year’s ride includes a new twenty-five-mile-route for the annual nighttime ride. Bike through to morning with thousands of other cyclists and enjoy a $7 all-you-can-eat breakfast upon completing the trek. It’s not a race, and you must wear your helmet. Eat your vegetables, too. Registration and route information at lateride.org.
Rock Around the Block
July 10-11. Rock out with 30 local bands playing in the heart of Lakeview. Bands playing continuously on three stages include 16 Candles and Breakfast Club. Molly Ringwald will likely not be in attendance, but food and crafts vendors will. Belmont and Lincoln, (773)665-4682. Sat noon-10pm, Sun noon-9pm. Free, $5 donation.
Roscoe Village Burger Fest
July 10-11. Previously the Belmont Arts & Music Festival, this burger celebration is deliciously American. Come for the burgers, stay for the art and music, and have another burger before you leave. Belmont and Damen, (773)327-5123. Sat and Sun noon-10pm. $5, $7 after 5pm.
Skokie Art Fair
July 10-11. Artists from all over the world converge on the North Shore in Skokie for the forty-ninth Annual Skokie Art Fair. Get your face painted and see work from a wide variety of juried artists. Be sure to stick around for the live music and ice cream. Devonshire Cultural Center, 4400 Greenwood, Skokie, (847)677-8163. Sat and Sun 10am-5pm. Free.
St. Andrew’s 49th Annual Greek Festival
July 10-11. See the Olympian Dance Troupe perform Saturday and Sunday at 8pm and enjoy Greek food and drinks all weekend. Festival includes church tours, children’s activities and a slice of Greek culture without all the debt. St. Andrew’s Greek Orthodox Church, 5649 N. Sheridan, (773)334-4515. Sat 2pm-11pm, Sun noon-11pm. $3, free for kids 12 and under.
West Fest
Juy 10-11. Listen to live music (presented by The Empty Bottle), eat, drink, get your dog a bath and your kid a pony-ride all at West Fest. Chicago Avenue between Damen and Wood, (312)850-9390. Sat and Sun noon-10pm. $5 donation.
SUN/11
New Muslim Cool at the DuSable Museum
Movies with a Mission presents New Muslim Cool, an insight into the journey of Hamza Perez from drug dealer to community leader and half of hip-hop duo M-Team. DuSable Museum, 740 E. 56th, (773)947-0600. 2pm-4pm. Free.
MON/12
Downtown Sound: New Music Mondays–Caribou with Budos Band
Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. 6:30pm. Free.
Edible Audible Picnic: El Guincho
Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. Noon. Free.
Halsted Tastes Better
But how can you be sure? Better go to this food and drink sampling festival to find out. Servers from local restaurants will compete in a Waitperson’s Race, and there will be live music. Halsted and Aldine, (773)883-0500. 6pm-9pm. $20 in advance, $30 at the door.
TUE/13
Grant Park Music Festival Open Rehearsal
Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. 11am and 3pm. Free.
Tuesdays on the Terrace: Mwata Bowden
Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago, (312)397-4034. 5:30pm-8pm. $5 lawn seats, $22 dinner buffet.
WED/14
Chicago SummerDance: Step
Fireworks will go off after a night of step lessons from Majestic Gents and R&B Steppin’ music from The Nu Blu Band. Navy Pier Beer Garden, 600 E. Grand, (312)595-7437. Dance lesson 6pm-6:45pm, live music 7:30pm-10pm, fireworks 9:30. Free.
Chicago SummerDance: Swing
Miguel Mendez leads salsa and merengue lessons followed by salsa music to practice your new moves. Jackson Park 63rd Street Beach, 6300 S. Lake Shore Drive, (773)256-0903. Dance lesson 6pm, live music 7pm-9pm. Free.
Grant Park Music Festival Open Rehearsal
Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. 11am and 3pm. Free.
International Summer Screenings Program: “Wonderful Town”
Aditya Assarat, Thailand, 2008. Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph, 2nd floor, (312)683-0121. 6:30pm. Also Sat, July 17, 2pm. Free.
Theater on the Lake–Red Noses
July 14-18. Straw Dog Theatre Company presents “Red Noses.” Theater on the Lake, 2401 N. Lake Shore Drive, (312)742-7529. Wed-Sat at 7:30pm, Sun at 6:30pm. $17.50.
THU/15
Grant Park Music Festival Open Rehearsal
Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. 10:30am. Free.
Green City Market Chef’s BBQ
This is the tenth annual gourmet picnic in Lincoln Park with food from 80 of some of the best chefs in the city. All dishes are made from Green City Market selections and local beer, wine, and handcrafted cocktails will be available. Advance tickets required: on sale at brownpapertickets.com. Green City Market, Lincoln Park, (773)880-1266. 6pm-8pm. Adults $100, Children $25, under 2 free.
Music Without Borders: Orchestre Poly-Rythmo de Cotonou with La 33
Music from Benin. Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. 6:30pm. Free.
FRI/16
Family Adventure Days: Bronzeville
This Bronzeville adventure includes a tour of the S.R. Crown Hall with Andy Warhol’s “Silver Clouds,” lunch at the Illinois Institute of Technology and a behind-the-scenes tour of U.S. Cellular Field. Tours leave from the Visitor Information Center at the Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph at 9:30am and return at 2:30pm. (312)742-8497. $12 per person.
Grant Park Music Festival Open Rehearsal
Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. 11am. Free.
Grant Park Music Festival: The Magic Toy Shop
Toys come to life in this family-oriented show. Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. 6:30pm. Also, July 17 at 7:30pm. Free.
Pitchfork Music Festival
July 16-18. The lineup for the fifth annual festival includes Modest Mouse, LCD Soundsystem and Pavement. Union Park, 1501 W. Randolph. Single-day tickets $40, three-day pass $90. For more information visit pitchforkmusicfestival.com.
Windy City RibFest
July 16-18. Fill your stomach with ribs, and your face with BBQ sauce at Chicago’s festival of ribs. Vendors come from all over the country to showcase their techniques and results. Lawrence and Broadway, (773)584-6630. Fri 4pm-10pm, Sat and Sun noon-10pm. Free.
SAT/17
Ethnic Arts Festival
July 17-18. Since1986, the Ethnic Arts Festival in Evanston has celebrated diversity with live music and dance, artwork, and food from around the world. Dawes Park, 1700 Sheridan, (847)448-8260. Sat and Sun noon-7pm. Free.
Lincoln Square Block Party
July 17-18. Browse over 50 arts and crafts vendors and enjoy food and entertainment at this weekend block party on the northwest side. On Lincoln Avenue between North Lincoln and West Lawrence. (773)728-3890. Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 11am-5pm. Free.
Millennium Park at Noon: Sybris
Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. Noon. Free.
The Petite Concours: The Art of Small Cars
July 17-18. This judged car show will motor through Lincoln Park with 40 microcars and minicars from the 50s and 60s. Experts in the diminutive automotive area will be present to answer questions and choose the winning cars. Armitage Avenue between Halsted and Sheffield, (312)543-5732, Sat 11am-6pm, Sun 11am-5pm. Free.
Sheffield Garden Walk
July 17-18. Tour over 80 urban gardens at the forty-second annual Sheffield Garden Walk. Proceeds from the event which also features food, drinks and live music benefit local charities. Webster and Sheffield, 2200 N. Sheffield, (773)929-9255. Noon. $7 donation, $10 after 3pm.
Southside Neighborhood Gospel Festival
Performing artists from around the country will converge on Ogden Park for this family-friendly festival. Retail and food vendors will be on site, as will activities for children. Ogden Park, 6700 S. Racine, (773)723-0908, 10am-8pm. Free.
Taste of River North
July 17-18. This riverfront festival hosted by the River North Residents’ Association has its own neighborhood flavor. River North restaurants and businesses will participate in the festival, which will include performances by the Jesse White Tumblers and the South Shore Drill Team. Erie Park (Park No. 511), 630 N. Kingsbury, (312)645-1047. Sat noon-10pm, Sun 11am-8pm. $5 donation.
SUN/18
Chinatown Summer Fair
Chinatown’s neighborhood festival features a lion dance procession at 12:45pm and the chance to take in Chinese art, food and merchandise throughout the day. Don’t miss the baby contest or the cutest dog contest. Chinatown, 2200 S. Wentworth, (312)225-6198. 10am-8pm. Free.
Dearborn Garden Walk
This year marks the fifty-second annual Dearborn Garden Walk. Make your way through these private gardens at your own pace and then take a guided tour of historic Dearborn Parkway and see buildings with rich cultural history. Dearborn Parkway, 1300 N. Dearborn, (312)632-1241. Noon-5pm. $35, $30 in advance, children 11 and under free.
Millennium Park at Noon: Das Boton
Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. Noon. Free.
MON/19
Downtown Sound: New Music Mondays—Kid Sister with Konoko N°1
Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. 6:30pm. Free.
Edible Audible Picnic: High Places
Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. Noon. Free.
TUE/20
Grant Park Music Festival Open Rehearsal
Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. 11am and 3pm. Free.
Tuesdays on the Terrace: Matt Ulery (Loom)
Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago, (312)397-4034. 5:30pm-8pm. $5 lawn seats, $22 dinner buffet.
WED/21
Grant Park Music Festival Open Rehearsal
Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. 11am. Free.
Grant Park Music Festival: Planet Earth Live
The Grant Park Symphony will accompany a screening of the BBC’s nature documentary that made the Earth and Sigourney Weaver cool again when it hit the states. Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. 6:30pm. Also, July 17 at 7:30pm. Free.
Theater on the Lake–Mary’s Wedding
July 21-25. Rivendell Theatre Company presents “Mary’s Wedding.” Theater on the Lake, 2401 N. Lake Shore Drive, (312)742-7529. Wed-Sat at 7:30pm, Sun at 6:30pm. $17.50.
THU/22
Chicago SummerDance: Latin
Puerto Rican Bomba lesson and Afro-Puerto Rican jam session. Humboldt Park Boat House, 1359 N. Sacramento, (312)742-7549. Dance lesson 6pm, live music 7pm-9pm. Free.
Grant Park Music Festival Open Rehearsal
Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. 10:30am. Free.
International Summer Screenings Program: “Me and My Sister”
Les Sœurs Fâchées, France, 2004. Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph, 2ndfloor. (312)683-0121. 6:30pm. Also, Sat, July 24, 2pm. Free.
Music Without Borders: Renato Borghetti with Boris Malkovsky and The Agam Ensemble
Musical collaboration featuring sounds from Brazil and Israel. Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. 6:30pm. Free.
Paws Chicago Beach Party
On a dog day of summer, cap your Thursday with a party at Castaway’s that helps raise money for PAW’s No Kill Adoption Center. The bigger the party, the more dogs saved. Castaway’s at North Avenue Beach Boathouse, 1603 N. Lake Shore Drive. 6pm-10pm. $150 in advance, $175 at door, $50 per pet.
FRI/23
Family Adventure Days: Hyde Park
Home to the UofC and the president, Hyde Park attractions include Frank Lloyd Wright’s Robie House and the Hyde Park Art Center. Tours leave from the Visitor Information Center at the Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph at 9:30am and return at 2:30pm. (312)742-8497. $12 per person.
Grant Park Music Festival: A Child of Our Time
World War II era work about Jewish resistance to the Nazis. Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. 6:30pm. Also, July 24 at 7:30pm. Free.
Grant Park Music Festival Open Rehearsal
Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. 11am. Free.
Moonlight Cruise: Latin BAD Moonlight Cruise featuring William Gomez Con Cache Orchestra
Eat, drink, dance, but don’t fall off. Part of “Clubbing on the Lake Series.” Boards at the south side of Navy Pier at 600 E. Grand Ave, (877)299-7783. Board 10pm, Cruise 10:30pm-1am. 21+
SAT/24
Celebrate Clark Street Festival
Go to Rogers Park for a weekend of live music and over 75 food and merchandise vendors. Clowns will be on-site to paint faces and there will be a jumping jack for the kids. Clark Street between Morse and Estes, (773)508-5885. Sat 1pm-11pm, Sun 1pm-10pm. $5 donation.
Chicago Beach Soccer Tournament
Get your sandy soccer on at the dozen fields set up at Montrose Beach. Hosted by the Illinois State Soccer Association and the Illinois Youth Soccer Association, the competition has youth and adult divisions. Visit chicagobeachsoccer.com to register a team. Montrose Beach, West Montrose Harbor, (312)226-7920. Sat and Sun 8am-6pm. Free to watch.
Disability Pride Parade
Author and activist Eli Clare is the Grand Marshall at the 6th Annual Disability Pride Parade in celebration of disability as a natural and beautiful part of human diversity. Downtown, starts at Dearborn and Van Buren, (866)260-5812. Noon. Free.
Dragon Boat Race for Literacy
The tenth annual Dragon Boat Race for Literacy will pit 30 teams racing in Ping Tom Memorial Park. Put on by the Chicago Chinatown Chamber of Commerce, this event will also include various live performances in the name of literacy and cultural diversity. Ping Tom Memorial Park, 300 W. 19th, (312)326-5320. 8am-5pm. Free.
Edible Audible Picnic: Chicago Hip Hop–All Headz on Deck
Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. Noon. Free.
North Shore Art Festival
July 24-25. This weekend festival displays the work of 150 juried artists from the U.S. and Canada. Enjoy kettle corn, art projects for children and music from French guitarist Michelet Innocent. Westfield Old Orchard Shopping Center, Corner of Skokie and Golf Road, Skokie, (847)926-4300. Sat and Sun 10am-5pm. Free.
Summer Sizzle July Sidewalk Sale
July 24-25. Find summer sales from a variety of shops participating in the sidewalk sale along the streets of Wicker Park and Bucktown. Sat 11am-6pm, Sun Noon-5pm.
Taste of Lincoln Avenue
July 24-25. One of the largest street festivals in the city, the Taste of Lincoln Avenue boasts over 350 vendors and 40 live music acts. Celebrate summer in Lincoln Park with a crowd of DePaul students and local families. Lincoln from Fullerton to Wrightwood, (773)868-3010. Sat and Sun Noon-10pm. $7-$10.
SUN/25
9th Annual Arts Adventure
Come downtown for outdoor art exhibitions with the opportunity to speak with the artists about their work. The adventure will include a demonstration by Art in Action. Superior and State, 750 N. State, (312)751-2500. 9am-5pm. Free.
Millennium Park at Noon: Casiotone for the Painfully Alone
Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. Noon. Free.
MON/26
Downtown Sound: New Music Mondays–Naomi Shelton and the Gospel Queens with Bomba Estero
Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. 6:30pm. Free.
Edible Audible Picnic: A Grape Dope
Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. Noon. Free.
TUE/27
Grant Park Music Festival Open Rehearsal
Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. 11am and 3pm. Free.
Tuesdays on the Terrace: Corey Wilkes
Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago, (312)397-4034. 5:30pm-8pm.
WED/28
Chicago SummerDance: Swing
Lessons from Margot McGraw-Toppen and Riley Wines, Jr. followed by swing and jazz music from The Boilermaker Jazz Band. Athletic Field Park. 3546 W. Addison, (773)478-2889. Dance lesson 6pm, live music 7pm-9pm. Free.
Grant Park Music Festival: The Fairy’s Kiss
Markus Groh on the piano. Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. 6:30pm. Free.
Grant Park Music Festival Open Rehearsal
Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. 11am. Free.
International Summer Screenings Program: “Stones”
Raphael Nadjari, Israel, 2004. Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph, 2nd Floor, (312)683-0121. 6:30pm. Also, Sat, July 31, 2pm. Free.
Newberry Library Book Fair
July 28-August 1. Readers are booked for the last days of July. The book fair, now in its twenty-sixth year, is a great chance to find inexpensive books from a collection of over 110,000. There are over 70 categories of books, many of which are under $2. The Newberry Library, 60 W. Walton, (312)943-9090. Wed 4pm-8pm, Thu and Fri Noon-8pm, Sat and Sun (Half Price Day) 10am-6pm.
NGBC Family Fest and Carnival
July 28-August 1. Paul Revere Park becomes a mini-amusement park for four days. Great for families, the event features rides, food, games and live music each night. Paul Revere Park, 3900 N. Rockwell, (773)463-4161. Wed, Thu and Fri 6pm-11pm, Sat and Sun 2pm-11pm. Free.
Theater on the Lake– The Ruby Sunrise
July 28-August 1. The Gift Theatre Company presents “The Ruby Sunrise.” Theater on the Lake, 2401 N. Lake Shore Drive, (312)742-7529. Wed-Sat at 7:30pm, Sun at 6:30pm. $17.50.
THU/29
Fiesta del Sol
July 29-31. Celebrando independencia y revolucion! The annual festival in Pilsen celebrates Latin culture with food, musical performances and carnival rides. Fiesta del Sol is alcohol and tobacco free. 1400 W. Cermak, (312)666-2663. Thu 5pm-10pm, Fri and Sat 11am-11pm.
Made in Chicago: World Class Jazz
Tortoise 2.0. showcases jazz with a “distinctively Chicago flavor” on Thursday evenings. Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph (312)742-1168. 6:30pm. Free.
Millennium Park at Noon: Can.Ky.Ree
Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. Noon. Free.
FRI/30
Family Adventure Days: Lincoln Park
Enjoy the Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool, the Nature Museum and after-lunch fishing. Tours leave from the Visitor Information Center at the Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph at 9:30am and return at 2:30pm. (312)742-8497. $12 per person.
Printer’s Ball
The word’s the thing at the 6th Annual Printer’s Ball with over 250 literary organizations gathering in Chicago. There will be a host of demonstrations and activities from readers, writers, publishers, editors and designers throughout the night. You’re sure to leave smarter than you came. 1104 S. Wabash, 6pm-11pm. Free.
SAT/31
Grant Park Music Festival Open Rehearsal
Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. 11am. Free.
Lincoln Park Arts Festival
July 31-August 1. In its second year in the Lincoln Park/DePaul neighborhood, this art festival includes live music on two stages and an exhibition from juried artists. Racine between Fullerton and Webster, (773)529-3010. Sat Noon-10pm, Sun Noon-9pm. Free.
Millennium Park at Noon: Sad Brad Smith
Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. Noon. Free.
Newberry Library Bughouse Square Debates
Every time you exercise your First Amendment rights, an angel gets its wings. Bring your soapbox to Washington Square Park and debate, debate, debate. Washington Square Park, 901 N. Clark, (312)255-3700. 1pm-4pm. Free.
Summer on Southport
July 31-August 1. Experience North Southport Avenue with this weekend event featuring eating and artwork. The festival includes the ninth annual Chicago Children’s Festival, as well as a Sunday Gospel Brunch and bike parade. 3700 N. Southport, (773)665-4682. Sat 11am-10pm, Sun 11am-9pm. Free.
Wicker Park Fest
July 31-August 1. Milwaukee Avenue hosts a weekend of alt-indie music, food and artwork. The festival, in its seventh year, will include Wicker Park Kid’s fest with interactive children’s activities. Milwaukee between North and Wood, (773)384-2672. Sat and Sun Noon-10pm. $5 donation.
July events compiled by Andrew Rhoades
