📅 This Week in the South Loop: July 22-28

Hey, neighbor 👋

We’re deep into July, and while the big summer events are winding down, the neighborhood is still full of things to do. This week’s picks include a little something sweet, a meaningful community walk, and a chance to give back by the lake.

If you’ve been meaning to get out and enjoy the city, now’s the time. The days are still long (but slowly getting shorter), and the back half of summer always seems to fly by.

Here’s what’s on my radar this Saturday 👇

Danielle

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Danielle’s Saturday Shortlist

1. Ice Cream Social July 2025 🍦 Saturday 7/19

   Free ice cream? Hard to beat that. This is one of those easy, feel-good summer events where you can grab a cone, enjoy the sunshine, and maybe even meet a few new neighbors. Perfect if you’re looking for something low-key and sweet to do outside.

2. Daddy Victory Walk 🚶‍♂️ Saturday 7/19

   A community of Black fathers coming together to connect, reflect, and recharge. This one is rooted in love, encouragement, and building strong relationships. It’s open to all and family-friendly, so it’s a great chance to support something powerful and uplifting.

3. 63rd Street Beach Cleanup 🏖️ Saturday 7/19
   If the teen in your life is in the mood to give back, this is a great way to start the day. Volunteers help clean up the lakefront while spending time outside and soaking in the views. Bonus: it get’s you out of the neighborhood to see another part of the city, together.

Scroll on for everything else happening this week ⬇️

🎸 Music

• Wednesday 7/23 Courtyard Concert: The Wayne Messmer Trio @ Glessner House $

• Thursday 7/24-Sunday 7/27 Mike Freeman @ Jazz Showcase $$

• Saturday 7/27 Killing Addiction @ Reggie’s $

• 🔄 Thursdays Record Row Concert Series​ @ Blues Heaven Foundation 🆓 

• 🔄 Every day Live Music @ Boat Drinks Chicago

🎭 Theater, Art, and Crafts

• Saturday 7/26 Comedy Dance Chicago @ Revival $

• 🔄 Wednesdays Sloop Stitch and Bitch @ Weather Mark Tavern

• 🔄 Thursdays Tight Ship Comedy @ Half Sour 🆓

🧸 Kids & Teens

• Thursday 7/17 Imagination Station @ Northerly Island 🆓

• Saturday 7/19 TIP Fest Pop Up Stage @ Northerly Island 🆓

• Saturday 7/19 Daddy Victory Walk @ The Spoke and Bird 🆓

• Saturday 7/19 63rd Street Beach Cleanup @ Shedd Aquarium 🆓

🏋️ Fitness, Sports, and Wellness

• Wednesday 7/16 Chicago Sky vs. Atlanta Dream @ Wintrust Arena $$

• Thursday 7/17, Saturday 7/19 tadasana on the terrace @ the Guild Chicago $

• Saturday 7/19 Elevated Soundbath in the Park @ Chicago Women’s Park & Garden $

• 🔄 Sundays Sunday Social Run with South Loop Runners @ Agora Statues 🆓 

• 🔄 Every day Pickleball Court Rental @ Big City Pickle South Loop 78th $$

• 🔄 Every day Kayak Rentals @ Ping Tom Park $

🍹 Food & Drink

• Monday 7/14 Tarot Readings @ Necessary & Sufficient Coffee $

• 🔄 Mondays Bingo with Tyler @ Reggies 

• 🔄 Wednesdays Jeopardy Bar League Trivia @ Weather Mark Tavern 

• 🔄 Thursdays South Loop Farmers Market at Night @ Roosevelt Collection 

• 🔄 Saturdays South Loop Farmers Market @ 632 S Dearborn  

🏡 Neighborhood Happenings

• Thursday 7/17 Ice Cream Social July 2025 @ Dearborn Park 🆓

• Saturday 7/19 Grills Night Out with Games @ Dearborn Park 🆓

• 🔄 Wednesdays Illinois Free Wednesdays @ the Field Museum

• 🔄 Wednesdays Illinois Free Night @ Adler Planetarium 

🤝 Volunteer Opportunities

• 🔄 Saturdays Hope’s Table @ Grace Episcopal Church

• 🔄 Mon-Thurs St James Food Pantry @ St James Catholic Church  

✏️ The South Loop Scoop Mini Crossword

Last week’s crossword answers

Thanks so much for reading. See you around the South Loop!