7 July Events to Spark Up Your Summer

June is over and we definitely aren’t Julyin’ when it comes to how fun these 7 events are this month. With food, musical acts, whiskey, river floats, and more food, there’s something for every foodie to do.

Smorgasburg – Every Sunday

Los Angeles, CA

July Events Smorgasburg LA

Brooklyn’s favorite flea market, Smorgasburg, made its way to Los Angeles and it is the place to be this summer on Sundays. Watch Downtown LA transform as dozens of food trucks, craft stands, clothing and antique vendors take over gigantic Alameda Produce Market for the ultimate Sunday Funday. Feast on some of LA’s best culinary food truck delights, like Greenspan’s Grilled Cheese, Guerrilla Tacos, Amazebowls, and Red Hook Lobster Pound to name a few. Besides the obvious amazing offerings at Smorgasburg, Angelenos will rejoice in the fact that there’s a brand new 5,000 car parking garage with free parking for market goers.

Taste of Chicago – July 6-10

Chicago, IL

July Events Taste of Chicago

The Taste of Chicago event has been a longtime food favorite for the Windy City as the five-day festival offers live music, delicious food, and celebrity chef demonstrations. The festivities kick off on July 6th in Grant Park and will have 69 different food vendors that include The Fat Shallot, Da Lobster, Harold’s Chicken, La Patrona, Chicago Lunchbox, and Auntie Vee’s. There will also be amazing music performers including Billy Idol and The Roots singing their classics to help you dance off all those truffle fries you just inhaled.

Whiskey Fried Classic – July 9, Brooklyn, NY

July Events Whiskey Fried

Whiskey drinkers can’t miss the Whiskey Fried Classic in Brooklyn on July 9th, a day dedicated to boozy beverages and good eats. Grab a famous Spicy Chicken Grinder sandwich from Big D’s Grub Truck or a Heavenly Chili Pork Salad from Sweet Chili and check out the Photo Booth, or play a game of horseshoes in the game area. With 20+ fried and Southern dishes to choose from as well as 100+ whiskies, beers, and craft cocktails for your enjoyment, the Whiskey Fried Classic is a must if you fancy yourself a fan of the “water of life”.

Flower Piano at the Botanical Gardens – July 7-18

San Francisco, CA

july events garden piano

Escape the craziness of the city for a little and head to the Botanical Gardens in Golden Gate Park for one of the more beautiful events in July, the Flower Piano Series, running from July 7th to July 18th. For twelve days, visitors to the gardens are encouraged to seek out and use the twelve pianos that are hidden among the flowers, while musically challenged guests can watch the professionals play during scheduled performances. Hungry San Franciscans can stroll over to one of the food trucks nearby after a day spent in the gardens and enjoy fare from the Chomp Station, Frozen Kuhsterd, Burnt Ends BBQ Truck, and more.

LA Food Fest – July 8-10

Los Angeles, CA

july events la food fest

For two glorious food filled days the massive south lawn of the Natural History Museum in Downtown Los Angeles will be packed with well known chefs, restaurants, food trucks, and whatever other delectable dishes you can imagine. Come hungry, as the LA Food Fest takes all of the best parts of the city’s burgeoning food scene and puts them in one spot for easy tasting. Guests can opt for a VIP experience, visit a pop-up restaurant with meals prepared by chefs like Margarita Manzke (Republique) or enjoy live music from DJs. Whatever you do at LA Food Fest, a stop at some of the best gourmet food trucks (Me So Hungry, Boba ni Taco, Waffles de Liege, India Jones, Free Range LA) is necessary.

Float Fest – July 16-17

San Marcos, TX

July Events Float Fest

Grab a float and hit the San Marcos River in Texas for Float Fest, a day of outdoor fun with performances by Rick Ross, Chromeo, Bone Thugs N Harmony, Santigold, Bleachers, and more. Attendees will start the day on a long float (2.5-4 hours) down the river and end at the concert grounds where an amazing line-up is set to play well into the night. After you’ve ditched your float and made it back on land be sure to make your way over to the appetizing food options at Float Fest, including the best tacos in Austin, Torchy’s. Burro Cheese Kitchen will be slinging their gooiest grilled cheese sandwiches, Kababeque will have their tasty swarms, falafels, and gyros, and F’real Shakes has the perfect sweet treats to cool down with.

Lollapalooza – July 28-31

Chicago, IL

July Events Lollapalooza

Join J.Cole, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Disclosure for Chicago’s most fun musical festival of the summer. What makes Lollapalooza so great (besides the incredible line-up for this year) is Chow Town, a foodie heaven where attendees can taste the finest food in Chicago, from food trucks to restaurants to ice cream stands. Chow Town is curated by celebrity chef Graham Elliot and has something for everyone, including lobster corn dogs and even “The Best Grilled Cheese in America” from Cheesie’s Pub & Grill. The city’s best gourmet food trucks will be in attendance, like Harold’s Chicken and Chubby Wieners Wiener Wagon, so you know you won’t leave Lollapalooza hungry.