As the temperature rises and summer embraces the city, the South Side of Chicago comes alive with electrifying music, mouthwatering delicacies, and a strong sense of community. This guide is your passport to navigating the diverse tapestry of neighborhoods that make up the South Side, ensuring you don’t miss a single beat of the summer festivities. We’ve also sprinkled in other events taking place in the city, so that you can plan accordingly.
Chicago Southsider would like to thank our contributor, Sunny Rock, for compiling the events for July 2023. If you like our work or want to support the mission of Chicago Southsider, you can subscribe to our weekly newsletter and share this article with your network.
2023 Chicago Southsider Festival Guide
The 29th African/Caribbean International Art Festival of Life
Saturday, July 1 – Tuesday, July 4, 2023
Location: Washington Park Field House
55th Street & Cottage Grove
Learn more here.
NASCAR Chicago Street Race
Saturday, July 1 – Sunday, July 2, 2023
Location: Grant Park
Learn more here.
Chosen Few DJs
Saturday, July 8, 2023
Location: Jackson Park 63rd Street & Hayes Drive Chicago, IL 60637
Cost: Varies – Buy Tickets here.
Learn more here.
Roscoe Village Burger Fest
Friday, July 7-9, 2023
Location: Belmont & Damon – 2000 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
Learn more here.
Square Roots Festival
Friday, July 7- Sunday, July 9, 2023
Location: Lincoln Square – on Lincoln Ave, between Montrose & Wilson
Cost: FREE (suggested donations are $10 per adult, $5 per child or $20 per family)
Learn more here.
First Monday Jazz
Monday, July 10, 2023
Location: Green Line Performing Arts Center – 329 East Garfield Blvd
Featuring: Chuck Webb & Guru Tonic
Cost: FREE – Get tickets here.
Learn more here.
Windy City Smokeout
Thursday, July 13- Sunday, July 16, 2023
Location: United Center Parking Lot C
Cost: Varies – Get tickets here.
Learn more here.
Bronzeville Summer Nights 2023
Friday, July 14th, 2023
Location:Various Locations
15th Annual Millenium Art Festival
Friday, July 14th – Sunday, July 16th, 2023
Location:Michigan Ave & E. Lake Street
Cost: FREE
Learn more here.
Taste of Chicago
Saturday, July 15, 2023
Location: Pullman Park
Cost: FREE
Learn more here.
Deeply Rooted Dance Theatre – Deeply at Dusk at Palmer Park
Wednesday, July 19, 2023
Location: Palmer Park – 201 East 111th St Chicago, IL 60628
Cost: FREE
Learn more here.
17th Annual Bronzeville Art District Trolley Tour 2023
Friday, July 21, 2023
Location: Gallery Gouchard – Bronzeville Chicago, IL
Spaces: Blanc Gallery, Bronzville Artists Lofts, Faie Afrikan Art,Gallery Gouchard, Southside Community Arts Center
Cost: FREE – Reserve tickets here.
Learn more here.
Pitchfork Music Festival
Friday, July 21 – Saturday, July 23, 2023
Location: Union Park
Cost: Varies – Buy tickets here.
Learn more here.
Chicago Race Riot of 1919 Commemoration Project
Saturday, July 22, 2023
Location: Parking lot – West 35th Street & South State State Chicago, IL 60616
Tacos y Tamales Festival
Friday, July 21st – Sunday, July 23, 2023
Location: S Peoria St & West 16th St
Cost: FREE (suggested donation of $10)
All ages – Learn more here.
Jazzin on the Steps – 4th Sundays – Featuring The Chicago Horns
Sunday, July 23, 2023
Location: St.Moses The Black Parish – 331 East 71st St
Cost: FREE
Learn more here.
2nd Annual Words of Wonder Literary Festival
Saturday, July 29, 2023
Location: Dr. Conrad Worrill Track & Field Center – 10201 S Cottage Grove Ave Chicago, IL 60628
Cost: FREE
Reserve spot here.
35th Annual GhanaFest
Saturday, July 29, 2023
Location: Washington Park
Cost: $20 gate donation
Learn more here.
Chicago Truck Food Festival
Saturday, July 29 – Sunday, July 30, 2023
Location: South Loop – 1700 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
(Moved from June-July, due to NASCAR)
Learn more here.
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What festivals are you attending this summer? Did we miss a festival? Comment below and let us know!
