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Music on the Esplanade
Various Dates in July
Chicago Botanic Garden | 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe
Bring some chairs, pack a picnic, watch the sunset and unwind with live music on the Esplanade! July performances include Totally Taylor – A Tribute to Taylor Swift (7/8), The Messengers – Pop, Rock and Modern Country (7/13), Third Coast Bluegrass (7/15), Generation – Classic Rock ‘n Roll (7/20) and Dancing Queen – A Tribute to ABBA (7/22).
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Chicago PLL & WLL Weekend
Friday, July 10 - Saturday, July 11
Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium | 2235 N. Campus Dr., Evanston
The Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) returns to Chicago July 10-11 for the Chicago PLL & WLL Weekend. Watch the world's best lacrosse players compete in fast-paced action, then stick around for food trucks, live music, player autograph sessions, and an interactive fan festival. With affordable tickets and fun for all ages, it's the perfect summer weekend outing.
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Japan Festival
Saturday, July 11 - Sunday, July 12
Skokie Sports Park East, Skokie Park District | 3333 Oakton St., Skokie
Join us at a premier Midwest festival celebrating Japanese culture and community! From taiko drums to J-pop, kimono fashion to anime art, and tea ceremonies to street food favorites, Japan Fest Chicago brings together the best of old and new Japan. Come on out for two spectacular days!
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Evanston Plein Air Festival
Saturday, July 11 - Sunday, July 19
Various Locations | Throughout Evanston
This citywide summer arts festival invites the community to plein air art events and competitions hosted in every neighborhood, accessible and free for all! Artists are invited to paint in the plein air style all over Evanston capturing the beauty of Evanston’s natural environment, favorite landmarks and built environment.
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Summer Fun at Westfield Old Orchard
Throughout July
Westfield Old Orchard | Old Orchard Rd. and Skokie Blvd., Skokie
This month, Westfield Old Orchard features a variety of activities for kids (the Hello Kitty pop-up Café – 7/11), adults (the Tone and Toast Fitness Series – 7/12 and 7/26) and the entire family (Windy City Market – 7/11 and 7/12)! And for music lovers, the Summer of Sound (featuring Rod Tuffcurls and the Bench Press – 7/31).
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Glencoe Festival of Art
Saturday, July 18 - Sunday, July 19
Downtown Glencoe | 700 Vernon Ave., Glencoe
Set in the heart of Glencoe’s charming downtown, the fest features more than 125 juried artists showcasing art in a variety of mediums and at all price points including paintings, sculpture, ceramics, glass, jewelry, wearables, furniture and more! Family-friendly (dog-friendly, too!), the fest has activities for kids, art demos, live music and more!
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Starlight Movie Series
Saturday, July 18 and 25
Various City Parks | Throughout Evanston
The 2026 Evanston Starlight Movie Series features free outdoor movies across various city parks. Grab dinner from a variety of local food trucks before settling in under the stars for a double feature - Shrek and School of Rock (7/18) and Superman (7/25). Bring your blankets and lawn chairs!
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Northbrook Grand Prix
Thursday, July 23
Throughout Downtown Northbrook
Get ready for the return of a thrilling day of criterium bike races on the streets of downtown Northbrook. Join the Northbrook Park District for activities in the park between races, and watch the professionals compete in the final Northbrook Grand Prix races at the end of the day. Fun for the whole family!
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Lincolnwood Fest
Thursday, July 23 - Sunday, July 26
Proesel Park | 6915 Kostner Ave., Lincolnwood
A beloved summer tradition, this four-day community celebration draws approximately 40,000 visitors from Lincolnwood, Chicago, and surrounding suburbs. Guests enjoy live music, family-friendly activities, great food, a beer and wine garden, and plenty of festive fun. Whether you're seeking entertainment, delicious eats, or community spirit, there's something for everyone.
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Art at the Glen
Saturday, July 25 - Sunday, July 26
The Glen Town Center | 2030 Tower Dr., Glenview
Glenview’s spectacular Glen Town Center is home to the 23rd annual Art at the Glen where more than 150 juried artists from near and far will showcase and sell their unique pieces. Live music, activities for kids, on-site painting classes, art demos and festival food add to the fun family-friendly vibe of this beloved event.
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Job
THROUGH JULY 3, 2026
Writers Theatre, Glencoe
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Damn Yankees
THROUGH JULY 6, 2026
Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre, Evanston
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The Last 5 Years
JTHROUGH JULY 19, 2026
Oil Lamp Theater, Glenview
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Gallery Night
JULY 11, 2026
Creative Coworking, Evanston
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Legionfest 2026
JULY 11, 2026
American Legion Post 42 at Canal Shores Golf Course, Evanston
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Billy Idol
JULY 12, 2026
Ravinia Festival, Highland Park
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Tone & Toast
JULY 12, 2026
Westfield Old Orchard, Skokie
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Leopoldstadt
THROUGH AUGUST 16, 2026
Writers Theatre, Glencoe
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Garden Chef Series
THROUGH AUGUST 23, 2026
Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe
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WhirlWind
THROUGH AUGUST 30, 2026
Kohl Children's Museum, Glenview
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