Chicago is buzzing with a vibrant array of summer events that celebrate the arts, music, and cultural diversity. From theater productions to music festivals and family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy throughout the month.
One of the highlights includes the North American production of Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast”. This beloved musical is presented for the first time in over 25 years, featuring the timeless love story of Beauty and the Beast, alongside iconic characters like Lumiere and Mrs. Potts. The show runs from July 9 to August 2 at Cadillac Palace Theatre. Tickets start at $40, and attendees can visit broadwayinchicago.com for more information.
In Oak Park, the Festival Theatre showcases an outdoor production of Shakespeare’s comedic masterpiece, “Twelfth Night, or What You Will”. Directed by Peter G. Andersen, this enchanting performance runs from July 5 to August 16 at Austin Gardens. Tickets are priced at $40, while children under 12 are free. Check oakparkfestival.com for details.
Hell in a Handbag Productions is set to stage “Queen for a Day”, a comedy-drama by Tyler Anthony Smith that intertwines the lives of three iconic divas: fashion designer Halston, Queen Elizabeth I, and Liza Minnelli. Directed by Stephanie Shaw, the performance takes place from July 9 to August 3 at Bramble Arts Loft. Tickets are available for $35, with further details at handbagproductions.org.
For those interested in storytelling, “80 Minutes Around the World: Immigration Stories” features a diverse lineup of performers sharing their personal experiences. Hosted by Nestor Gomez, this engaging show occurs at Steppenwolf’s 1700 Theater on July 5 and 6. Tickets are $28, and more details can be found at steppenwolf.org.
Musically inclined attendees will have the chance to catch Greensky Bluegrass, a progressive bluegrass band that has been captivating audiences for over two decades. They perform at The Salt Shed on July 5 at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $57, available at ticketmaster.com.
The World’s Largest Karaoke Party makes a triumphant return, allowing participants to live their rock star fantasies with random selections of singers throughout the event, which runs from 4-10 p.m. on July 3 at The Salt Shed. Admission is free, and details can be found at saltshedchicago.com.
Rising star Teddy Swims, known for blending soul, country, and pop, will showcase his music at Huntington Bank Pavilion on July 8, starting at 8 p.m. His hit song “Lose Control” has been recognized as Billboard’s top single of 2024, with tickets starting at $180. More information is available at livenation.com.
FitzGerald’s American Music Fest is a must-see, featuring a lineup of over 40 bands across four days. The festival will showcase acts like Shinyribs and The Wallflowers from July 3-6. Daily tickets are priced at $65 for July 3-4, while July 5-6 are already sold out. For further details, visit fitzgeraldsnightclub.com.
Hip-hop artist Brittney Carter brings her unique blend of R&B, jazz, and soul to Space in Evanston on July 6 at 7 p.m. Known for crafting raw and resonant music, tickets are available for $27.27 at evanstonspace.com.
Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Grammy-winning Afro-Cuban jazz band Irakere, Paquito D’Rivera, Arturo Sandoval, and Chucho Valdés will perform at the Martin Theatre in Ravinia on July 9 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from $29 to $65, with more information available at ravinia.org.
Art enthusiasts can visit the Museum of Contemporary Art to see “City in a Garden: Queer Art and Activism in Chicago”. This exhibition showcases Chicago’s significant yet often overlooked queer artistic history from the 1980s to the present, featuring over 30 artists and collectives. The exhibit runs from July 5 to May 31, with admission fees ranging from $10-$22, while visitors under 18 can enter for free. More details can be found at mcachicago.org.
Families can look forward to The Second City’s summer show, “No Grown-Ups Allowed”, an interactive experience designed for young audience members to participate in sketch and improv comedy. This show runs from July 5 to September 6 at UP Comedy Club, with tickets starting at $29, accessible at secondcity.com.
Kohl Children’s Museum will be holding its Summer Family Festival, which features concerts, a petting zoo, and a walk through the Butterfly Encounter on July 6 and 13 from 2:30-5 p.m. Admission is $30, with free access for infants under 12 months. More information can be found at kohlchildrensmuseum.org.
World Fair US is a unique cultural celebration that highlights traditions from over 80 countries. This festival features live music, food, and crafts and runs from July 7 to 28 at SeatGeek Stadium. Admission is priced at $20, with discounts for families and children. For additional details, visit worldfairus.com.
On the Fourth of July, the 4th On 53rd Parade & Festival will take place in Hyde Park, starting at 11 a.m. The day features a parade followed by various festivities from noon to 3:30 p.m. at Nichols Park, including performances and games. More information can be found at 4thon53rdparade.com.
Lastly, the Argyle Night Market returns, offering a variety of Asian cuisine and cultural performances every Thursday from July 3 to August 28, from 5-9 p.m. on Argyle Street. Admission is free, and more details are available at exploreuptown.org.
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