Chicago Star's TOP event picks

Check out Chicago Star’s top event picks. (If you have an event you would like us to include, please send info to: [email protected].)

July 1

Ravinia music festival in Highland Park

Ravinia, North America's oldest music festival, will feature more than 100 concerts, including Pitbull, the Culture Club, Stevie Nicks, Rodrigo y Gabriela and Jackson Browne. The summer-long series represents one of the world’s most diverse musical line-ups from Yo-Yo Ma to John Legend to the annual summer residency of the nation's finest orchestra, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Guests can bring their own picnics or eat at one of the park restaurants. Ticket prices vary. Through Sept. 18, Highland Park, 201 Ravinia Park Road, (847) 266-5100, ravinia.org

Twilight Tunes at Brookfield Zoo

The Twilight Tunes concert series is even more than 10 evenings of live music, wildlife and nature. You also get after hours access to the park’s most sought-after exhibits, tasty food and drink options and a laser light show to top your evening off. It’s almost too much to bear. Bring your appetites, blankets, lawn chairs, family, and friends. Tickets start at $10. Fridays and Saturdays in July, Brookfield Zoo East Mall, 8400 W. 31st St., Brookfield, (708) 688-8000, www.czs.org

July 2

Navy Pier Independence Day Fireworks

The city’s most beloved Independence Day tradition is back with a bang. The classic summer family tradition returns with a night of some of the nation’s most spectacular pyrotechnics, wholesome fun and plenty of “oohs and aahs.” The free show can be seen from all over the city but show up early at Navy Pier, North Avenue and Oak Street Beaches, Chicago Riverwalk and Millennium Park for the best seats in the house. Free, July 2 and 4, Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave, (312) 595-7437, navypier.org

Grant Park Music Fest

For more than 80 years, the Grant Park Music Festival has been a Chicago summer sensation. Free your mind with a thrilling lineup of music including a mix of contemporary compositions and classical favorites such as Beethoven's Eroica Symphony, Tchaikovsky's Sleeping Beauty and Rachmaninov's Piano Concerto No. 2. Classical music has never been so electrifying. Ticket prices vary. Through Aug. 20, various venues across Chicago, (312) 742-7647, grantparkmusicfestival.com

July 8

Taste of Chicago

After two years, Taste of Chicago returns with three days of incredible food, music and activities. In addition to the more than 30 food vendors, the uniquely-Chicago summertime tradition will feature a designated beer hall, wine tent, cocktail lounge and more. Free admission. July 8-10, Grant Park, 337 E. Randolph St., (312) 744-5000, chicago.gov

West Fest Chicago

Reflecting the eclectic Chicago West Town community, West Fest is known for hosting cutting edge live music, local offerings and talent, and family-friendly activities including “Pet Fest” for charity, and “Kid Fest.” The annual street festival has grown into one of Chicago’s most popular and well-attended street festivals since 2004. $10 suggested donation. July 8-10, Chicago’s West Town Neighborhood, 1800-2000 W. Chicago Ave., (312) 850-9390, westtownchamber.org

July 10

Big Ten 10K at Soldier Field

The BTN Big 10K is back! Test your fitness, enjoy a one-of-a-kind race experience and represent your favorite Big Ten school all while giving back to some great charities: ALIVE Rescue, Positive Coaching Alliance and Special Olympics Chicago. If you can’t make it for the live event, you can still sign up for the virtual race. Registration starts at $45. Race starts at 7 a.m., Soldier Field, 1410 Special Olympics Drive, (312) 235-7000, btnbig10k.com

July 11

Water Flicks at Navy Pier

Navy Pier’s popular outdoor film series, Water Flicks, returns with a focus on families. No family is perfect, but these movies are the perfect way to celebrate them! July’s features include “Big Fat Greek Wedding,” “Encanto,” and “Minari.” Free. Mondays through Aug. 29, 6:30 p.m., Polk Bros Park Lake Stage, 600 E. Grand Ave., (800) 595-7437, navypier.org

July 15

Pitchfork Music Festival at Union Park

Join 60,000 music lovers of all ages from all 50 states and countries across the globe at the Pitchfork Music Festival. This year features the best up-and-coming music from around the world, not to mention special performances from well-known touring legends. A range of diverse vendors and specialty record, poster, and craft fairs help prove Pitchfork’s reputation as a faithful supporter of Chicago’s arts and food communities. Tickets start at $99, free for children 10 and under. July 15-17, Union Park, 1501 W. Randolph St., (855) 235-2867, pitchforkmusicfestival.com

Millennium Art Festival

This top-ranked three-day show electrifies the heart of Chicago’s vibrant downtown and attracts locals and tourists with an array of original artwork including paintings, ceramics, photography, furniture and more. Bring your gently used wall art, where it will be donated to the Chicago Furniture Bank, a local nonprofit. Festival food, live music by French singer, Michelet, and artist demonstrations add to the festive vibe of the show. Free. July 15-17, downtown Chicago, Michigan Avenue and E. Lake Street, (847) 926-4300, amdurproductions.com

Shawn Mendes Concert in Rosemont

Calling all Shawn Mendes fans! The Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum singer/songwriter takes the stage at Allstate Arena on July 15th for his Wonder Tour and tickets are selling fast! Mendes’ fourth studio album, “Wonder,” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 Chart and in multiple worldwide markets, marking Shawn’s fourth straight No. 1 album. Tickets start at $40. 7:30 p.m., Allstate Arena, 6920 Mannheim Road, Rosemont, (847) 635.6601, rosemont.com

July 23

Second City’s Improv Brunch

Second City is serving up all-you-can-stomach laughter! Enjoy delicious food and amazing drinks while experiencing some of Chicago’s funniest comedians during this totally improvised performance. As they show their skills in comedic improv, you get to sit back, relax, and laugh out loud. Food and mimosas are available a la carte. Busy on the 23rd? Come see the show another Sunday. Tickets are $35. Noon, UP Comedy Club, 230 W. North Ave., (312) 337-3992, secondcity.com

July 24

The Weeknd Concert at Soldier Field

A Canadian Grammy-winning star is coming to Chicago! Head to Soldier Field to see The Weeknd’s After Hours Til Dawn Tour with special guest Doja Cat. Known for his versatility and dark lyricism, The Weeknd’s music explores escapism, romance, and melancholia. His latest album, less brooding and decadent than his previous work, has been called refreshingly light and accessible. Tickets start at $88. 6:30 p.m., Soldier Field, 1410 Special Olympics Drive., (312) 235-7000, soldierfield.net

Sundays on State

The award-winning Sundays on State event series is back for another free, interactive block party brimming with art, culture, food, drinks, shopping, and local attractions right in the heart of everyone’s neighborhood—the Loop. Come out to meet friends old and new. Free. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. July 24, Aug. 7, Aug. 21 and Sept. 4, State Street, from Madison to Lake Street, (312) 782-9160, loopchicago.com

July 28

Lollapalooza

Large and legendary, one of the music world’s most iconic festivals returns to Grant Park with the biggest names in music giving their best. Headliners at the 3-day festival this year include Lil Baby, Big Sean, Metallica, Dua Lipa, Machine Gun Kelly, J. Cole, Green Day, Doja Cat and many, many more. Tickets start at $125. July 28-31, Grant Park, 337 E. Randolph St., (888) 512-7469, lollapalooza.com

July 29

Classic rock Jeff Fest in Jefferson Park

Love classic rock? Skip Lollapalooza and head to Jefferson Park for a community festival that rocks with the area’s best local cover bands. Indulge in the best neighborhood vendor fare and get silly at the dedicated kids’ zone where families can hang out and boogie with the little ones. Great for kids toddler age through tweens. Held in idyllic Jefferson Memorial Park, Jeff Fest is a proud tradition in one of Chicago’s most friendly communities. Admission is $7. July 29-31, Jefferson Park, 4822 N. Long Ave., (773) 685-3316, chicagoparkdistrict.com

Backstreet Boys’ DNA World Tour in Tinley Park

Backstreet’s back—and Chicago gets to be there for their “DNA World Tour.” Come to the town of Tinley Park to watch some amazing singing and dancing by your favorite boy-band as they rock their Grammy-nominated 10th studio album, “DNA.” It’s their 11th career concert series. After a two-year pandemic break, the Boys are back to complete one of the biggest tours in their three-decade strong career. Tickets start at $39. 7:30 p.m., Hollywood Casino Amphitheater, 19100 Ridgeland Ave, Tinley Park, (708) 614-1616, tinleyparkamphitheater.com

July 30

Chinatown Summer Fair

Celebrate Far East culture and beauty through amazing food, entertaining dances and performances, arts and crafts, and classic street vendors. This free unique neighborhood street festival opens with a lion dance procession attracting more than 40,000 people from Chicago and beyond. But don’t miss the K-Pop Dance Competition, breakdancing battle, and dumpling eating contest. It’s fun for the whole family! July 30-31, Wentworth Avenue from Cermak Avenue to 24th Place, (312) 326-5320, ccc-foundation.org