Chicago, the Second City is an amazing place to be during July. Jam-packed with events of all sorts, comedy festivals to open market events and of course, the unmissable  4th of July celebrations, Chicago in July consists of everything you could possibly want from a city. We have curated a list of attractions and events that will see you out and about in the city during the month.  

Independence Day Fireworks Cruise

(July 4)

The Fireworks Cruise, Source Eventbrite

Fireworks on Independence Day are now a ritual more than just an activity. Enjoying them on a cruise only elevates the experience. 2020 was a long year for everyone, 2021 is definitely going to be better. Wami Live Inc brings to you the Independence Day Fireworks Cruise for the fourth year. 

Cruise along the Chicago River and enjoy the fireworks going off at the Navy Pier. Before the fireworks take over, soak in the Chicago skyline en route to the lake. The cruise is a 21+ event with a few details to keep in mind when you book your tickets. 

The details:

• 2 levels of music and drinking. The cruise is climate controlled, so rest easy. 
• Boarding begins at 6:30 pm on the Summer of George with the boat leaving at 7:30 pm. 
• The bars will accept full cash or credit card payments.
• Rain or shine, the party will go on!

Price- $80
Where- Summer of George, 900 South Wells Street, Chicago, IL 60607
Timings- 7 pm to 10:30 pm

Gimme the Light July Comedy Show!

(July 7)

Karmen and Sonal’s Gimme the Light, Source Eventbrite

Get a chance to watch new comedians show their sets and tickle your funny bone with their wit. During the pandemic, Karmen and Sonal started this show on Zoom. Following its virtual success, the duo decided to bring a live show to the city of Chicago. Comics from across the country will gather at The Aux and showcase their sets to the public. The line up includes:

• Tina Arfaee
• Rachel Hall
• Max Thomas
• Sonal Aggarwal
• Melonious Funk

The sales end on July 7 but it's better to grab your spot in the crowd well in advance. 

Price- $20
Where- Auxiliary Art Center, 3012 West Belmont Avenue, Chicago, IL 60618

Kooking & Karaoke

(July 10)

Mini Dumplings Class, Source Eventbrite

Get in the Kitchen! No, not for your chores but the place on North Broadway for a sumptuous wine and food tasting event followed by an evening of karaoke. Get to the venue and sample some of their new wines (the selection menu is still TBA but will include at least 3 complimentary samples). Following the wine tasting, try your hands at a mini dumpling & eggroll class making Shrimp Scampi Dumplings & Reuben Eggrolls. The food and the drinks are followed by the music. Sing karaoke until 10 pm with all your heart. Seating is extremely limited, better get your hands on the tickets now. 

Price- $39 ($10 gift card for purchasing wines)
Where- Get in the Kitchen!, 3617 North Broadway, Chicago, IL 60613

Downtown South Bend July Wine Walk

(July 14)

Café Navarre, South Bend, Source Facebook

A wine walk that will feature restaurants and establishments from Downtown South Bend. Some old spots and longtime favorites and a few new spots will showcase their wine and dine abilities during the wine walk. Each one of the spots will feature three beverage samples and complimentary nibbles with the food and wine offerings varying by location. 

The participating restaurant list so far includes:

• Café Navarre
• Chicory Café
• Cinco 5
• Ironhand
• LaSalle Grill
• LaSalle Kitchen and Tavern*
• Howard Park Public House
• Render
• Spirited
• Studebaker Brew Co.*
• Tippecanoe Place

*locations will be serving beer samples. Register for the wine walk and pick up your wristbands for the event. It is compulsory to wear the wristbands or entry will not be provided. 
 
Price- $25 (Food Only) and $40 
Where- Downtown South Bend, DTSB Offices, 217 South Michigan Street, South Bend, IN 46601
Timings- 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm

Beer Run- The Perch

(July 17)

Run for Beer, Source Eventbrite

The Illinois Brewery Running Series combines fitness and leisure in this unique activity. On July 17 make a run for beer starting at The Perch. The 5kish course will start and stop at the Wicker Park Taproom. Your pace doesn’t matter but be assured that there will be a cold sud waiting for you at the end of your run. 

The event encompasses:

• Free craft brew at The Perch
• Your choice of a collector’s pint glass or seasonal swag item from the Brewery Running Series
• Your chance to win sweet door prizes, like Brewery Running Series merchandise or a growler to take home
• Access to event festivities, games, goodies and giveaways

The run is untimed and one for fun but on an open course so ensure you adhere to all the traffic rules. To enjoy the beer you have to be 21+ but the event isn’t only for those falling in that category. If you are below 21 years of age, you will be given a non-alcoholic beverage. All you have to do to participate is register. The Beer Run takes place every month featuring local taprooms and pubs, this time around The Perch Kitchen and Tap is on show. 

Price- $30 and $45
Where- The Perch Kitchen and Tap, 1932 West Division Street, Chicago, IL 60622
Timings- 11 am to 2 pm

The Mustache Crawl

(July 31)

The Mustache Crawl in full swing, Source Facebook

Chicago’s favorite bar crawl, The Mustache Crawl will go on for a mighty ten hours. If you ever felt a great pub crawl was a myth, or you ever wanted to attend a legendary pub crawl it all comes down to The Mustache Crawl in Wrigleyville. Over the years these crawls have helped raise almost $150,000 for local charities, making the crawl a charitable event as well. 

The ticket to the crawl includes a t-shirt, breakfast, gift cards, mustaches and other giveaways. The tees will be selected at pick-up. Having a mustache isn’t really important but having fun is a must. A terrific way to end the month of July if there was one. The bars will be announced at the event but the tickets won’t last that long. Hurry and grab yours right away. 

Price- $40 to $60
Where- 3658 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60613
Timings- 10 am to 8 pm

Header Image- Kooking & Karaoke, Source Eventbrite