It’s July, meaning summer is in full swing! Plan your July with our list of best things to do, including Fourth of July festivities, food events, art exhibits and much more near AMLI apartments all around the country. Grab a picnic, a blanket to sit on and get ready for everything going on in your area.
Atlanta
July 4: Fourth of July at International Plaza
The usual Fourth of July celebration at Centennial Olympic Park has been moved due to construction. This year, watch fireworks from Georgia’s International Plaza (west of Philips Arena). Gates open at 6pm, entertainment begins at 7pm and fireworks start at 9:45pm. Admission is free.
July 4: Aquarium Beer Festival
Celebrate Independence Day at the Georgia Aquarium with unlimited beer and cider samples, a classic BBQ dinner, live music and the opportunity to see over 500 aquatic species. This event will be held in the Oceans Ballroom with views of beluga whales, manta rays and white sharks! End the evening with a fireworks show. Ages 21+ only. Admission is 5.
June 14: Field Day in the Park
Sign up your eight-person co-ed team to compete in zany outdoor contests and win prizes at the Atlanta Field Day in Historic Fourth Ward Park. They’ll have all the classics that you remember from school including relay races, obstacle courses, tug of war and other crazy new games. Register your team for 0.
July 28: Ice Cream Festival
Atlanta Ice Cream Festival features ice cream for sale, entertainment, vendors, fitness events and wellness activities at Piedmont Park. Enjoy the summer weather with a cold ice cream cone in hand from 11am-6pm. Admission is free.
Austin
July 4: H-E-B Austin Symphony July Fourth Concert and Fireworks
The Austin Symphony hosts this annual concert of patriotic music culminating in a spectacular fireworks display over Lady Bird Lake. Get decked out in your best red, white and blue for this family-friendly event. The concert begins at 8:30pm and fireworks at 9:30pm.
July 4: Hill Country Galleria Independence Day Celebration
Enjoy shopping, dining, live music and fireworks with the whole family at the Hill Country Galleria. There will be all-day sidewalk sales and over 20 restaurants open to dine in or carry out. Bring chairs or a blanket and watch the fireworks at 9:15pm.
July 8: Tigres Summer Tour 2018
The baseball stadium turns into a soccer field for an international match! The LIGA MX soccer team returns to Dell Diamond for the fourth year in a row where the Tigres take on Pachuca. The game kicks off at 5pm and tickets start at 5.
July 21 & 22: Body Mind Spirit Expo
This holistic expo focuses on advancements in spiritual and planetary awakening with like-minded souls. With exhibits and presentations, this expo will truly have you smiling throughout the weekend. The event runs from 10am-6pm Saturday and 10am-5pm Sunday. Admission is 2.
Chicago
July 6-8: Millennium Art Festival
This art festival features juried artwork, food from local restaurants and live music on Lake Street at Michigan Avenue. This festival brings the art of happiness to the heart of downtown Chicago. See an array of artwork including paintings, ceramics, photography and furniture. Admission is free.
July 21 & 22: Sheffield Avenue Festival
The Sheffield Music Festival and Garden Walk features two stages of live music, self-guided tours of 80 gardens, guided architectural tours, food and drinks and kids activities. The event runs on Saturday and Sunday from noon-10pm.
July 28 & 29: Margarita Tastings
Chicago’s Margarita Festival promises dancing, games, food and margarita tastings at Navy Pier. There will be live music throughout the event with bands creating beach and island sounds as well as Spanish salsas, English reggae, Country and much more. General admission is 0.
Dallas
July 4: Rooftop Fireworks Show
Love the Fourth of July fireworks but not the festival crowds? Check out the 360-degree viewing experience at the iconic Reunion tower’s observation deck. It’s a great perch for sky-watching up above the city lights of Dallas. Tickets are 7.
July 6: Vans Warp Tour
See your favorite punk, rock, electronic and hip-hop bands when this traveling tour lands in Dallas. This year is the last full cross-country tour, so be sure to get your tickets. The event will be held at the Dos Equis Pavilion at noon. General admission tickets are 5.
July 14: The Urban Flea
This open-air market is located in the heart of Garland’s historic downtown square. The Urban Flea is where only the best hand-picked vendors showcase handmade, vintage and vintage-inspired items. It’s open from 9am-4:30pm and admission is free.
July 13, 20 & 27: Garden Gigs
The Dallas Arboretum presents Garden Gigs—three music performances that take place within the arboretum. Walk and listen to the performance, or bring picnic supplies to relax for a few hours. Some of Dallas’ most popular food trucks will also be onsite. Music begins at 7:30pm and admission is 0 for arboretum members and 5 for guests.
Denver
July 6-8: Cherry Creek Art Festival
This weekend event is a world-class and award-winning celebration of the visual, culinary and performing arts. Enjoy art, sample fine cuisine and live music that will entertain the whole family. The festival will be held at Denver’s Cherry Creek North Shopping District, from Second Avenue to Third Avenue, on the six streets between Clayton and Steele streets. Admission is Free.
July 12: The Big Eat
The Big Eat celebrates Denver’s most notable independent restaurants, chefs and hospitality heavyweights, and is one of the Mile High City’s must-do food-and-drink events of the year. Guests can nosh on small bites and sip liquid libations from more than 65 local restaurants and bars, all conveniently organized by their neighborhood locale. The event is located at the Galleria at Denver Performing Arts Center from 6-9pm. Tickets are 5.
July 28 & 29: Cheeseman Park Art Fest
The Sixth Annual Festival highlights 130 juried artists and craftsmen from all over the country. Their work will be on display and up for sale during this two-day event in one of Denver’s most prized historic park. Browse jewelers, painters, sculptors, glass artists, potters and more—all in a wide range of prices. Admission is free.
July 28: Fit Foodie Festival & 5K/10K Race
Food and fitness collide in this race that celebrates healthy eating and exercise! Racers will enjoy healthy bites along the race route, then celebrate at the post-race Food and Fitness Festival with food from local chefs, a beer garden, culinary and fitness demonstrations and more. A portion of proceeds will be donated to No Kid Hungry, which connects kids in need with nutritious food.
Houston
July 4: Red, Hot & Blue Festival and Fireworks Extravaganza
Celebrate freedom in The Woodlands with great food, live entertainment, children’s activities and family fun from 6-10pm This community-wide celebration offers fun for all ages. The event culminates with the 18-minute Fireworks Extravaganza over The Woodlands. Admission is free.
July 15: 3 Doors Down & Collective Soul with Soul Asylum
3 Doors Down and Collective Soul are bringing their Rock & Roll Express Tour to The Cynthia Wood Mitchell Pavilion, which means we’re on track for a phenomenal night. Performance begins at 7pm and reserved seating starts at 9.50.
July 18-22: World Series of Dog Shows
Share your love of dogs at one of the finest indoor dog shows in America, held in Houston’s NRG Center. See dogs come, sit, stay and run as they compete in different events to show off their uniqueness, beauty, strength, speed and dexterity. Admission is 5 for adults.
July 28: Fajita Festival
The third annual Houston Fajita Festival will feature over a dozen food vendors and brings in some of the best grill masters in Texas to serve up their most mouth-watering Mexican dishes. The festival also offers several ways for Tex-Mex enthusiasts to indulge in the experience with fan favorites like the taco and watermelon eating contests. Admission is free.
Seattle
July 3: Star-Spangled Spectacular
This patriotic music event features tunes performed by Seattle Wind Symphony with a chorus and soloists at Benaroya Hall. This year’s concert includes some of the best movie Western music ever written and features members of the band as soloists accompanied by the band on such favorites as Bugler’s Holiday, 76 Trombones and Tiger Rag. Admission is free, but registration is required.
Jul 7 & 8: Street Food Festival
This giant food festival has over 150 food trucks and food booths, a beer garden, live music and 70 Urban Craft Uprising vendors in South Lake Union, along Ninth Ave from Denny Way to Harrison Street. Admission is free.
July 21 & 22: Japanese Festival
Honor Japanese culture at the Bon Odori Festival with traditional dancing, Taiko drums, martial arts and Japanese food and crafts at Seattle Buddhist Temple. This festival has been going on for 86 years in Seattle. See the spectacular cultural displays and community involvement.
July 28 & 29: CoffeeCon
Taste coffee, see exhibits and attend classes at this consumer coffee festival at Fremont Studios. Sample Seattle’s best coffees side-by-side, see all kinds of brewing gear and learn about all things coffee to hone your home brewing skills. Tickets start at 0.
Southern California
July 1: Cruisin’ For the Cause: Johnny O Show
This farmers market and car show is held at the Old World Village in Huntington Beach. Enjoy food and drinks and browse the market local produce, collectibles, arts and crafts and more from nation-wide vendors. Admission is free and all event proceeds are donated to the Johnny O Foundation, which is focused on raising awareness of Alzheimer’s, dementia, TBI and other mental health issues.
July 20-22: Fiesta de Solano
Fiesta de Solano is a three-day community event filled with rides, games, food, live music, bingo and a silent auction. Fun for the entire family! All proceeds benefit the Solano Church.
July 21 & 22: Ocean Festival
Celebrate over 40 years of “The Greatest Show on Surf!” with competitions, beach runs, bodysurfing clinics, a fishing derby, woody car exhibit, ocean art show, children’s events and much more. Located at the San Clemente Pier.
July 28: Cypress Community Festival
One of the largest one-day festival in Orange County that attracts over 20,000 people annually. This event includes an early morning 5K / 10K run, a pancake breakfast, car show, chili cook-off, family games, food booths, the Chamber of Commerce business expo, children’s rides, arts and crafts booths and four stages with continuous entertainment. The admission is free.
South Florida
July 4: Freedom Fest
This celebration will feature an array of entertainment including live racing, family activities, giveaways, entertainment and a track-side fireworks show. Racing fans can enjoy world-class thoroughbred racing all afternoon including a fan grab giveaway. The festival takes place at Gulfstream Park from 1:15-9pm.
July 18-29: Cirque Du Solei, Crystal
See world-class ice skaters and acrobats take their new frozen playground by storm as they challenge the laws of gravity with a flurry of unexpected acrobatics. Performances going on at the BB&T Center. Tickets start at 4.
July 27-29: Britney Spears
Throw it back to the early 2000’s with jams by Britney Spears. She’ll be performing live in concert at the Hard Rock Event Center in Hollywood, FL.
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