🎇 Your guide to July in Chicago

Every month, the City Cast Chicago team tells you what we’re eating, where we’re shopping, and what else we’re planning for.

Emmi: Ice Cream and Beef

In honor of National Ice Cream Month, I’m shouting out my childhood spot, Dairy Star, just over the Devon border in Lincolnwood. I grew up getting cherry-dipped cones; now I opt for a turtle sundae. Also on the food front, Jeff Fest in Jefferson Park has rebranded — beefed up? — as Chicago Italian Beef Fest and returns July 31. I’ll bite.

• Stay tuned: Keep It Local, our newest newsletter, will hit your inbox with more ice cream recs July 9.

Jacoby: WNBA All-Star Weekend

The biggest stars in the league will be in Chicago for WNBA All-Star Weekend, July 24-25. There are still tickets available for the Friday night three-point shooting contest at Wintrust, Saturday night game at the United Center, and weekend-long WNBA Live at McCormick Place! I am also excited to finally see if Feld lives up to all the hype this month.

Michelle: Movies and Music

I like to stay in as little as possible in July, so I’m consuming all forms of media outside. I’m going to try to snag some seats for “When Harry Met Sally” at Millennium Park July 14. I’ll be catching live music on the Pritzker Pavilion lawn for their music series as well, but I'm most excited to see artists like Mexican Slum Rats at Wicker Park Fest.

Simone: Look Up

July is my favorite time of year for stargazing: The storm clouds have mostly cleared, it’s warm enough to be outside, and I’m staying up later anyway. To see as many stars as possible, head to dark sky parks around the July 14 new moon. The full Buck moon July 29 is a micromoon — it’ll seem smaller and dimmer because it’s farthest away in its orbit.

Chima: Alone, but Together

After unintentionally restoring millions of strangers’ faith in humanity with my bring-your-own-everything birthday picnic, I’ve been convinced to run it back. I’ll be at Mandrake Park on July 26 with a blanket and some snacks, celebrating the summer babies, and enjoying the company of whoever wants to spend the day alone together.

• July 8-12: Windy City Smokeout | United Center | Near West Side
• July 10-12: Dicefest | Ramova Loft | Bridgeport
• July 11: Grand Opening Night + Lizzo | Ravinia Festival | Highland Park
• July 11: Chosen Few Picnic | Jackson Park
• July 12: The Chicago Mexican Folk Fest | Thalia Hall | Pilsen
• July 13: Nick Offerman | Ramove Theatre | Bridgeport
• July 16: Hunx and His Punx | Empty Bottle | Ukrainian Village
• July 16: The Black Keys | Salt Shed | Goose Island
• July 17: Sistas Who Kill | Thalia Hall | Pilsen
• July 17: The Pretty Reckless | Riviera Theatre | Uptown
• July 17: Rick Ross | Chicago Theatre | Loop
• July 18: Silver Room Sound System Block Party | The Salt Shed | Goose Island
• July 19: Lucy Dacus with the Chicago Philharmonic | Millennium Park | Loop
• July 20: Passion Pit | Riviera Theatre | Uptown
• July 22: Pavement | Salt Shed | Goose Island
• July 23: Jack White | Radius | Pilsen
• July 23-25: Midwest Film Festival | Ramova Theatre | Bridgeport
• July 25-26: Pullman Railroad Days | Pullman Exhibit Hall 
• July 25: Buddy Guy | Chicago Theatre | Loop
• July 26: Bobby Rush | Garcia’s | West Loop
• July 30-Aug. 2 | Lollapalooza | Grant Park | Loop
• July 31: Stewart Copeland | George Van Dusen Theatre | Skokie