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Jun 2011  |  By kelly Konrad  |  Comments (1)

99 Days of Summer: July

TAGS: Chicago events, things to do, suburban Chicago activities, Chicago area fairs and festivals

Memorial Day through Labor Day—summer is here, and with just 99 days to enjoy warm weather on the North Shore, it’s time to get busy.

Need some ideas? We’re going to offer up 33 a month, so you’ll never lack for a fresh option. Here’s what’s happening in July:

1.    Wear your cowboy hat and boots to Frontier Days.
2.    Catch fireworks in a different ‘burb this year.
3.    Explore the Great Lakes Naval Base Fourth of July Celebration.
4.    Stroll the Chicago Botanic Garden Art Festival.
5.    Get your 80s groove on with Rick Springfield in Lake Forest.

6.    Enjoy a movie under the stars.
7.    Buy something completely wacky at a sidewalk sale.
8.    Catch “Carousel” at Wilmette’s Wallace Bowl. Weekends July 7-23
9.    Road trip it to Milwaukee for Summerfest. June 29-July 10
10.  Vive la France! Celebrate Bastille Day. July 11

11.    Attend a really big block party—the Old Pat’s World’s Largest Block Party.
12.    Throw a summer cocktail party.
13.    Take a self-guided history tour through downtown Barrington.
14.    Take a free dance lesson in Evanston on Thursday evenings.
15.    No cutlery necessary at the Pitchfork Music Festival.

16.    Race to Mackinac.
17.    Make your little girl’s dream come true at the American Girl Benefit Sale.
18.    Take a walk in someone else’s garden at the Sheffield Garden Walk.
18.    Take a trip to Chinatown for the Summer Fair.
19.    Run from the cops (at the 5K to benefit Sentinels of Freedom).
20.    Kick back at the Bloody Mary Blues Fest in Highwood.

21.    Pack a picnic for Ravinia. Five for Fighting, July 22
22.    Learn to sail.
23.    Enjoy the Lake County Fair.
24.    Make your own Field of Dreams in Lake County rooting for the Fielders.
25.    Get medieval at the Bristol Renaissance Faire.

26.    Make time to rummage through some good deals at Kenilworth Union’s sale.
27.    Watch an epic Civil War battle unfold right in front of you at Civil War Days.
28.    Tired of the sun? Take the kids to “The Adventures of Pinocchio” at Chicago Shakespeare Theater.
29.    “Gogh Green” at The Art Center’s Recycled Art Sale in Highland Park. Begins July 29
30.    Eat a hot dog with extra mustard and relish.

31.    Talk a walk around Geneva Lake.
32.    Score cool points with the kids—visit a skate park.
33.    Get bluesy with JC Brooks and the Uptown Sound at SPACE.