Searching for what to do in Chicago in July? Here are the best things to do in Chicago in July 2023 (from a local).
Chicago in July 2023
July is a popular month to visit Chicago. The weather is usually hot and sunny and locals and visitors are happy to spend time outdoors enjoying the many summer attractions, activities, events and festivals.
I suggest bookmarking this blog post as I will be updating it regularly with new events and activities.
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What to Pack for Chicago in July
For out of town visitors, please note that the weather in Chicago in July can somedays get very hot and humid. Here are some things to pack if you are visiting Chicago in July for the first time:
• Comfortable walking shoes – Chicago is a very walkable city so you will do a lot of walking
• Reusable water bottle – It can get very hot so it is important to stay hydrated
• Sunglasses
• A hat
• A travel umbrella– It does occasionally rain in July
• Light sweater (and scarf) – For cooler nights and cold air conditioned places
• Waterproof case – For your phone if you plan to go kayaking
• Bathing suit and other beach essentials (if you are planning to spend time at the beach)
• External battery for your phone – it will be hard to find an outlet to recharge your phone’s battery when you are outdoors
If you forget to bring something essential, don’t worry. There are many drugstores located close to the popular tourist attractions if you need to pick something up.
Things to Do in Chicago in July 2023
Below are the top things to do in Chicago in July 2023.
Take an Architecture River Cruise
Chicago has amazing architecture and the best way enjoy it is by going on an architecture river cruise.
Take a Lake Cruise
If you enjoy being on the water, a lake cruise is also a fun activity. While you don’t get to see the buildings up close like on a architecture river cruise, you do get to enjoy skyline views. July is one of the best months for a lake cruise as the cool breeze on the water is refreshing on a hot day.
If your time is short, you can do a combination river and lake cruise. Lake cruises depart from Navy Pier or the Michigan Avenue bridge.
Listen to Concerts Under The Stars
Enjoy classical music concerts on a rooftop. Concerts Under The Stars scheduled for July include:
ABBA Under the Stars at AIRE
Amy Winehouse: Jazz Under the Stars
Lizzo, Beyoncé & More Under the Stars at AIRE
You can find the full list of Concerts Under The Stars here.
Watch Fireworks
You can watch free fireworks all month, not just on the 4th of July weekend. Navy Pier puts on free fireworks shows every Wednesday (9:00-9:10 pm) and Saturday night (10:00-10:10 pm). You don’t have to visit Navy Pier to enjoy the fireworks, you can see them from the lakefront.
One of the best and most relaxing ways to see the fireworks is on a fireworks lake or river cruise which will stop on the water for passengers to enjoy the show.
Active travelers might enjoy a fireworks kayak tour to enjoy the show on water.
Have Fun at Navy Pier
Navy Pier is a must do if you are visiting Chicago with toddlers or kids. There are fun attractions at Navy Pier including a large Ferris wheel (click here to purchase a fast pass ticket and skip the long line), restaurants, shops and the Chicago Children’s Museum.
Navy Pier is also the starting point for various sightseeing tours and cruises.
During the entire month of July, Navy Pier will be home to Pixar Putt, a pop-up, open-air 18-hole mini-golf course featuring characters from some of Pixar’s most beloved films including Toy Story, The Incredibles, Monsters, Inc., Finding Nemo, Coco, A Bug’s Life, Wall-E, and Inside Out.
Navy Pier regularly hosts various free public events and festivals including free fireworks every Wednesday and Saturday night in the summer.
Hang Out on the Riverwalk
The Chicago Riverwalk is one of the best spots in Chicago for boat and people watching. There are also restaurants, bars, shops and spots to sit and relax along the way. You can also hop on a water taxi here.
Where: Along the south bank of the Chicago River in downtown Chicago from Lake Michigan to west of Franklin Street. You can see a map of attractions on the Riverwalk here.
Hours: Open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Watch Digital Art at Art on the Mart
If you are on or near the Chicago Riverwalk in the evening, you might want to check out Art on theMART, the largest permanent digital art projection in the world, projecting contemporary artwork across the 2.5-acre river-façade of theMART. The programming changes every few months and you can see current projections here.
When: 30-minute program of projections are displayed twice nightly
Where: The Merchandise Mart, 222 W Merchandise Mart Plaza, Chicago, IL 60654. Spectators can watch the show from the jetty section of the Chicago Riverwalk on Wacker Drive between Wells Street and Franklin Street.
Cost: Free.
Take a Kayak Tour in the River
A fun way to explore the city is to go kayaking in the Chicago River. There are several companies that offer kayaking tours in Chicago including Urban Kayaks, Kayak Chicago and Wateriders. They even offer evening tours including fireworks tours for those that want to avoid the summer heat and sun.
Please note that you will get a little wet so bring a waterproof case for your phone and water-resistant or quick-drying clothing.
Harry Potter™: Magic at Play
The Harry Potter™: Magic at Play is only in Chicago for a few months. Discover the Wizarding World and celebrate Harry’s adventures in this new hands-on experience, filled with magical moments and active play for witches and wizards of all ages with fun for the whole family. Harry Potter™: Magic at Play is a unique, hands-on experience that will engage imaginations of all ages to bring out the young witch or wizard in all of us. Explore, climb, and play your way through three floors of fun packed with playful celebrations of your favorite places and moments.
Where: Water Tower Place, 835 N Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611 (corner of N Michigan Ave. and E Pearson St.)
Cost: Price varies. Click here for full prices and to purchase tickets in advance.
See The Bean at Millennium Park
If you have seen photos of Chicago on social media, chances are you have seen photos of Cloud Gate (also called The Bean), the famous mirrored sculpture in Millennium Park. Millennium Park is a free attraction and is a portion of the Grant Park. In addition to Cloud Gate, Millennium Park also includes the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, the Crown Fountain sculpture (more below) and Lurie Garden.
Although the Bean is very very touristy, don’t skip it. It is one of the most instagrammable places in Chicago and it is a great photo spot.
Tip: The Bean is usually crowded especially in the summer and on weekends so if you want avoid people in your photos visit early in the morning or later in the evening.
Splash in Crown Fountain
July tends to be really hot and humid making it a perfect time to splash in the water from the Crown Fountain (which is also located in Millennium Park).
Watch the Water Displays at Buckingham Fountain
Buckingham Fountain, a well known Chicago landmark in the center of Grant Park, is one of the largest fountains in the world.
When the water is turned on, it produces a major water display for 20 minutes every hour with a center jet shoots water to a height of 150 feet into the air. Beginning at dusk, a spectacular light and music display accompanies the major water display. Major displays begin daily at 9:00 a.m. and continue thereafter, every hour on the hour, except for the final major display in the evening which begins at 10:35 p.m.
Explore the Lakefront Trail
Chicago’s Lakefront Trail is a paved path on a 18-mile-long stretch along Lake Michigan. In the summer and especially on weekends, the lakefront is packed with locals and visitors walking, running and riding bikes. Walking or biking all or part of the trail is a great way to see Chicago skyline, people watch and get some exercise. Here is a map of the trail as well as its access points.
Hang out at the Beach
Most people don’t think of Chicago as a beach destination but Chicago has many beaches on Lake Michigan. Oak Street Beach and Ohio Street Beach are conveniently located close to the major tourist attractions. The popular North Avenue Beach, located close to Lincoln Park, has great skyline views and has more of a party vibe.
If you are thinking of swimming or dipping in the water to cool down, you can check swimming conditions here.
Enjoy the Views from 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck
360 CHICAGO, the observatory on the 94th floor of 875 North Michigan Avenue (the former John Hancock Building), has one of the best views of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan. (Click here to buy a skip the line ticket).
Look for Street Art
Chicago is full of street art and there are always new murals popping up. One of the most famous Chicago murals is “Moose Bubblegum Bubble” (pictured above) by Jacob Watts which located at 33 E. Ida B. Wells Drive (formerly 33 E. Congress Parkway). It is part of the Wabash Arts Corridor which is walking distance to Millennium Park, The Art Institute of Chicago and other well known tourist attractions. You can find more detailed mural walks in the Loop here.
Another famous mural is The Greetings From Chicago Mural at 2226 N Milwaukee Ave, in Chicago’s Logan Square neighborhood. You can see this mural and other street art on this street art tour.
Watch a Baseball Game
Chicago is known for their love of their sports teams, so if you are visiting in July you might want to attend a baseball game. Chicago has two MLB baseball teams (Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox).
If you want to see both Chicago teams in action check out the 1st installment of the Crosstown Classic on July 25-26, 2023.
You can find the Chicago Cubs schedule here and the Chicago White Sox schedule here.
Museum of Contemporary Art Tuesdays on the Terrace
The Museum of Contemporary Art hosts the popular Tuesdays on the Terrace this summer starting in June. Enjoy free music highlighting artists from Chicago’s internationally renowned jazz community at at MCA’s Anne and John Kern Terrace Garden. Light refreshments and a full bar with cold beverages, wine, and cocktails are available for purchase on the upper terrace.
Where: Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
Cost: Free tickets must be reserved in advance.
Jazzin’ at the Shedd
Listen to live jazz music at the Shedd Aquarium this summer. The popular midweek Jazzin’ at the Shedd series combines great Jazz music, the city skyline, fireworks and animals. Relax with a drink on the breezy terrace and take in their unbeatable city view or stroll the aquarium.
Where: Shedd Aquarium, 1200 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605
Cost: Adult $39.95 ($19.95 for Chicago residents), Children (3-11) $29.95 ($14.95 for Chicago residents), Members $14.95
Walk The 606
The 606 is Chicago’s version of The Highline in NYC, an elevated trail goes through 2.7 miles of the city’s northwest side neighborhoods: Wicker Park, Bucktown, Humboldt Park, and Logan Square. It is a bit off the beaten tourist path but it great place to walk, run or bike. There are several access points so you can get off the trail to explore the various neighborhoods.
Eat or Drink on a Rooftop
Chicago has several rooftop bars and restaurants with amazing views of Chicago. Here are some of the best rooftops in Chicago:
Cindy’s (12 S Michigan Ave) – Restaurant and bar on the rooftop of the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel located across Millennium Park which offers panoramic instagram worthy views of Millennium Park and Lake Michigan. This is a popular spot and the wait for the elevator can be long but if you visit around the time it opens you can enjoy the great views without the crowds.
LH ON 22 (85 East Wacker Drive) – Enjoy classic cocktails and small bites from the outdoor LH terrace of LondonHouse Chicago which offers great views of the Chicago River, Lake Michigan and the Magnificent Mile.
The J. Parker (1816 N Clark St) on the rooftop of the Hotel Lincoln with great views of Lincoln Park.
Kennedy Rooftop (1551 W North Ave) on top of the Hyatt Place Wicker Park, has amazing skyline views.
Take the Water Taxi to Chinatown
There are several water taxi routes but one of the best places to visit on a water taxi is Chinatown. The water taxi drops you close to Ping Tom Memorial Park, which has great skyline views. You can also find many authentic Chinese restaurants here.
See Famous Works of Art at the Art Institute of Chicago
Want to escape the heat and head indoors to cool off? The Art Institute of Chicago (111 S Michigan Ave) is one of best indoor attractions in Chicago. It is one of the largest art museums in the United States and is frequently found on lists of the top museums in the world. You must purchase your ticket online in advance.
Click here to buy a fast pass ticket if you want to avoid long lines.
Attend a Candlelight Concert
Chicago’s Candlelight Concerts is a series of special classical music concerts that take place in beautiful venues bathed in candlelight. Some of the concerts taking place this July include:
Candlelight: A Tribute to Taylor Swift
Candlelight: A Tribute to Adele
Candlelight: A Tribute to ABBA
Candlelight: A Tribute to Coldplay
Candlelight: A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac
Candlelight: From Bach to The Beatles
Candlelight: Romantic Jazz featuring Billie Holiday, Frank Sinatra, & Ella Fitzgerald
You can find the full list of candlelight concerts in Chicago here.
Attend an Outdoor Festival
Do you enjoy live music, food, drinking and people watching? July is the busiest month for outdoor festivals and events in Chicago from family friendly neighborhood events to popular alcohol fueled music festivals. Outdoor festivals taking place in Chicago in July 2023 include:
West Fest (July 7-9, 2023), Square Roots Festival (July 7-9, 2023), The Chosen Few Old School Reunion Picnic (July 8, 2022), Southport Art Fest (July 8-9, 2023), Windy City Smokeout (July 13-16, 2023), Millennium Art Festival (July 14-16, 2023), Chicago Craft Beer Fest (July 14-16, 2023), Taste of Chicago (Pullman Park) (July 15, 2023), Sundays on State (July 16, 2023), Roscoe Village Burger Fest (July 14-16, 2023), Taste of Lincoln Avenue (July 21-23, 2023), Tacos y Tamales Fest (July 21-23, 2023), Pitchfork Music Festival Chicago (July 21-23, 2023), Fiesta del Sol (July 27-30, 2023), Taste of River North (July 28 – 29, 2023), and Chinatown Summer Fair (July 29-30, 2023).
Chicago July 2023 Events
In addition to the activities mentioned above, other July 2023 events include: NASCAR’s Chicago Street Race (new!) (July 1-2, 2023), Zoo Ball (July 14, 2023), SAUCED Summer Night Market (July 14-15, 2023), Renegade Craft Fair (July 14-16, 2023), Chicago Artisan Market (July 16, 2023), Chicago Oddities & Curiosities Expo (July 22-23, 2023), Summer Wine Fest at Lincoln Park Zoo (July 28, 2023) and Randolph Street Market (July 29-30, 2023).
As you can see there are many things to do in Chicago in July. If you are looking for more things to do in Chicago in July or the rest of the summer, see my list of the Best Things to do in Chicago in the Summer.
Planning a trip to Chicago? Check out my Chicago guides and itineraries:
