As July unfolds on Chicago’s South Side, the city pulses with electrifying music, mouthwatering bites, and vibrant neighborhood pride. From neighborhood food festivals and live jazz nights, this guide helps you navigate the best events and hidden gems happening all month long.
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2025 Chicago Southsider Festival Guide
4th on 53rd Parade – (Hyde Park Parade)
Date: Friday, July 4th
Location: Hyde Park – 1355 E 53rd St, Chicago, IL 60615
Cost: FREE
Learn more about the 4th on 53rd Parade here.
NASCAR Chicago Street Race
Date: Saturday, July 5th & Sunday, July 6th
Location: Grant Park, Chicago, IL 60601
Cost: Varies
Learn more about the NASCAR Chicago Street Race here.
Artini – Where Art, Music and Cocktails meet at Gallery Guichard
Date: Thursday, July 10th
Location: Gallery Guichard, 436 E. 47th St. Chicago, IL 60653
Cost: FREE
Learn more about the Artini @ Gallery Guichard here.
Windy City Smoke Out
Date: Thursday, July 10th through Sunday, July 13th
Location: United Center Parking Lot C, 1901 W Madison St., Chicago, IL 60612
Cost: Varies
Learn more about the Windy City Smokeout here.
32nd Anniversary African/Caribbean International Festival of Life
Date: Friday, July 11th through Sunday, July 13th
Location: 51st Street & Cottage Grove Chicago, IL 60615
Cost: Varies
Learn more about the 32nd Anniversary African/Caribbean International Festival of Life here.
Chosen Few DJs Picnic & Festival
Date: Saturday, July 12th
Location: Jackson Park, 63rd Street at Hayes Drive, Chicago, IL, 60637
Cost: Varies
Learn more about the Chosen Few DJs Picnic & Festival here.
Tacos Y Tamales Festival
Date: Friday, July 18th through Sunday, July 20th
Location: Blue Island Ave. by Ashland & Cermak, Chicago, IL 60608
Cost: FREE (suggested donation)
Learn more about the Tacos y Tamales Festival here.
Roscoe Village Burger Fest
Date: Friday, July 18th through Sunday, July 20th
Location: 2000 W. Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
Cost: $10 suggested donation
Learn more about the Roscoe Village Burger Fest here.
Love & Basketball 25th Anniversary – Millennium Park Summer Film Series
Date: Tuesday, July 22nd
Location: Millennium Park, Jay Pritzker Pavilion – 201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601
Cost: FREE
Learn more about the Millennium Park Summer Film Series here.
Shedd Aquarium Free Days
Date: Tuesday, July 29th
Location: 1200 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive Chicago, IL 60605
Cost: Varies
Learn more about the Shedd Aquarium Free Days here.
Chicago SummerDance in the Parks (Samba)
Date: Wednesday, July 30th
Location: Riis Park, 6100 W. Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60639
Cost: FREE
Learn more about the Chicago SummerDance in the Parks here.
What festivals are you attending this summer? Did we miss a festival? Comment below and let us know!
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