HAPPY 4TH OF JULY! Celebrate this week with parades, fireworks, fun runs and more! Also this month, score the best deals of the year at local sidewalk sales and stockk up on the delicious tastes of summer at the North Shore farmers markets. Read on for more July happenings. | |
4th of July Celebrations
Various Locations
Celebrate Independence Day with parades, live music, fabulous fireworks, family fun activities and so much more! Or grab your friends and family and head to the beach for some fun in the sun! Some activities take place on July 3 and 4, while others continue through the weekend.
| |
|
Ryan Field Groundbreaking
Ryan Field | 1501 Central St., Evanston
Northwestern University celebrated the groundbreaking of the new Ryan Field on June 24. The ceremony was attended by Pat and Shirley Ryan and their family, Northwestern University President Michael Schill and Evanston Mayor Daniel Bliss as well as many other Rebuild Ryan Field Supporters. The new stadium is set to open for the 2026 Wildcats season.
| |
|
Evanston Plein Air Festival
SATURDAY THROUGH SUNDAY
JULY 13-21
Various Locations | Evanston
This free citywide summer arts festival, presented by Evanston Made, invites the community to plein air art events and competitions hosted in every Evanston neighborhood! Artists are invited to paint in the plein air style capturing the beauty of Evanston’s natural environment, favorite landmarks and built environment. Everyone is welcome!
| |
|
Summer of Sound
VARIOUS DATES THROUGH JULY
Various Locations
For many, summer is all about live music and outdoor concerts. From classic rock, blues and pop to country, classical, jazz and everything in between, the sounds of summer will keep you entertained! Some of this month’s highlights include the Evanston Downtown Summer Sounds, Sister Hazel (7/13) at Wheeling’s Heritage Park and Music on the Esplanade at the Chicago Botanic Garden.
| |
|
Glencoe Festival of Art SATURDAY AND SUNDAY
JULY 20 AND 21
Downtown Glencoe
Nestled in Glencoe’s historic downtown, the Glencoe Festival of Art features more than 100 juried artists showing and selling art in a variety of mediums and at all price points including paintings, sculpture, ceramics, glass, jewelry, wearables, furniture and more! Family-friendly (and dog-friendly, too!), the fest has activities for kids, art demos, live music and more!
| |
|
Chicago Union Frisbee
SUNDAY, JULY 21
Marin Stadium | 2235 Campus Dr., Evanston
Did you know that Chicago has a professional ultimate disc team? As a member of the Ultimate Frisbee Association (UFA), the Chicago Union competes at the sport’s highest level, and they play in Evanston! You can experience all the action during their July home game against the Detroit Mechanix on 7/21.
| |
|
Northbrook Grand Prix
THURSDAY, JULY 25
Village Green Park | 1810 Walters Ave., Northbrook
Get ready for the return of a thrilling day of criterium bike races on the streets of downtown Northbrook! For one exciting day, beginning at 11am, the streets will be closed to create this fast-paced 1.1km (.75 mile) bike racing course. Find a spot anywhere along the route in the park or on the street to see all the action!
| |
|
Lincolnwood Fest
THURSDAY THROUGH SUNDAY
JULY 25-28
Proesel Park | 6915 Kostner Ave., Lincolnwood
Fun for the entire family, this four-day festival features live entertainment each day including crowd favorites 7th Heaven and Sixteen Candles, a beer and wine garden, food vendors, a classic car show, bingo, carnival rides, games and a family activity tent. Invite your friends and come on out!
| |
|
Out of Space
FRIDAY THROUGH SUNDAY
JULY 26-28
Illinois Science + Technology Park Field | 4900 Searle Pkwy., Skokie
Save the dates and join us for a variety of live music including Courtney Barnett with Bob Mould and Squirrel Flower (7/26), The Sacred Souls and St. Paul & The Broken Bones with Jeremie Albino (7/27) and Guster and The Lone Bellow with Devon Gilfillian (7/28). Get tickets for one show or a 3-day pass!
| |
|
Art at the Glen
SATURDAY AND SUNDAY
JULY 27 AND 28
The Glen Town Center | 2030 Tower Dr., Glenview
Glenview’s spectacular Glen Town Center is home to the 21st annual Art at the Glen where 130 juried artists from near and far will showcase and sell their unique pieces. Live music on two stages, activities for kids, on-site painting classes, and festival food add to the family-friendly vibe of this beloved event.
| |
| | | |