From food fests and farmers markets to outdoor concerts, family movie nights and full weekend celebrations, July is packed with local fun across our northwest suburbs. Here are a few events worth adding to your calendar this month.
1. Taste of Park Ridge
July 9–11 | Uptown Park Ridge
A classic summer pick with local food, live music, family entertainment and a big community feel. The event runs Thursday, July 9 from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
2. McHenry Fiesta Days
July 9–19 | McHenry
One of the bigger July festivals in the northwest area, with live music, carnival rides, food, fireworks, a car show, art fair and parade spread across multiple days. The main music/carnival weekend runs July 10–12, with the parade on July 19.
3. BotCon in Schaumburg
July 10–12 | Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel
A fun one for Transformers fans, collectors, families and pop culture lovers. BotCon is scheduled for July 10–12 at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel.
4. Schaumburg Summer Breeze Concert Series
Select Saturdays in July and August | Robert O. Atcher Municipal Campus
Bring lawn chairs, blankets and a picnic for Schaumburg’s free lakeside outdoor concert series. The July 11 show features Hillbilly Rockstarz at 7 p.m.
5. Arlington Heights Sounds of Summer
Thursdays in July | Harmony Park
Downtown Arlington Heights keeps the summer concert energy going with free Thursday night shows. July’s lineup includes Dancing Queen, Billy Elton, Petty Union and The Boy Band Night.
6. Buffalo Grove Summer Concert Series
Thursdays in July | Mike Rylko Community Park
A great family-friendly evening option with free outdoor music at the Adriane Johnson Amphitheater. July acts include Remix Riot on July 9 and Voyage on July 16.
7. Elgin Concerts in the Park
Thursdays through August 13 | Wing Park Bandshell and Lords Park Pavilion
Elgin’s free summer concert series runs Thursday evenings from 7 to 8:30 p.m., with locations alternating between Wing Park and Lords Park. Upcoming July shows include Miss Jamie & the Farm Hands on July 16 and Junkyard Groove on July 23.
8. Wednesdays on the Green in Skokie
July 8 | 7–8:30 p.m. | Skokie
A nice midweek outdoor option for families, teens and adults. Skokie Public Library lists the July 8 Wednesdays on the Green event from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
9. Drive-In Movie: Zootopia 2 in Skokie
July 23 | 7:30 p.m. | Skokie Sports Park East
A fun summer night for families who want something a little different than another concert or festival. Skokie Park District lists the drive-in movie for Thursday, July 23 at 7:30 p.m.
10. Streamwood Summer Celebration
July 24–26 | Hoosier Grove Park
A full weekend of food, live music, games, rides, children’s activities, a parade and community fun. The celebration runs July 24–26 at Hoosier Grove Park.
11. Algonquin Fest
July 24–26 | Towne Park area / 2610 Harnish Dr.
A big late-July festival option with food, music and family-friendly fun. The 2026 event is listed for July 24 from 4–10 p.m., July 25 from noon–10 p.m. and July 26 from noon–7 p.m.
12. Fox Lake Friday Night Live
Fridays in July | Fox Lake
For readers farther north, Fox Lake’s Friday Night Live series mixes farmers market vibes with live music. July themes include Totally 80’s Neon Night on July 10, Punk for a Purpose on July 17, Holiday Heatwave on July 24 and Masquerade on the Chain on July 31.
13. Downtown Elgin Market
Fridays in July | Downtown Elgin
A good Friday afternoon/evening stop for produce, handmade goods, specialty foods, live entertainment and downtown atmosphere. The market runs Fridays from June through September on S. Riverside Drive.
14. Skokie Farmers’ Market 70s Day
July 26 | Skokie
The Skokie Farmers’ Market is already a great Sunday stop, and July 26 adds a fun themed twist with “70s Day.” The market also features live music, children’s activities and Pilates on the Green during the season.
15. Buffalo Grove Farmers Market
Sundays in July | 8 a.m.–12:30 p.m. | Mike Rylko Community Park
A reliable Sunday morning outing with locally grown and locally made goods. The 2026 market runs Sundays from June 14 through October 11 at Mike Rylko Park.
