Summer is buzzing in Chicago, inviting residents and visitors to indulge in the city’s lively food and drink offerings. From spicy margarita contests to elegant wine dinners, there is something for everyone in July.

Paulie Gee’s Logan Square 10-Year Anniversary

Celebrate a decade of delicious pizza at Paulie Gee’s Logan Square. Enjoy two hours of all-you-can-eat pizza, draft beer, and more. Ticket holders receive an extra drink after the main event. The evening features $10 pizzas and cocktails, complemented by free Costco birthday cake. Event timing is from 5-7 p.m. at 2451 N. Milwaukee Ave. Tickets are $60 and available at pauliegee.com.

“New School Barbecue” Book Signing

Chef Evan Leroy from LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue presents his new cookbook and the delicious L&L Burger at Bub City. Join him for a book signing and taste the smoked and seared flavors. This event starts at 10:30 a.m. at 435 N. Clark St. Tickets are $30, available at bub-city.com/chicago/happenings.

World’s Best Spicy Marg Cocktail Competition

Six of Chicago’s top bartenders showcase their spicy margarita creations in a friendly competition. Guests can sample each drink and vote for their favorite. A welcome cocktail is included. Additional food and drinks are available for purchase. Join from 6-9 p.m. at TRUCE, 1935 N. Damen Ave. Tickets are $61, available at eventbrite.com.

Fire and Flavor

The South Asia Institute launches a new culinary series moderated by Colleen Taylor Sen, featuring live-fire cooking discussions with Chef Jeet Singh. Enjoy a tasting menu of regional barbecue dishes including paneer tikka, chicken sliders, and mushroom kabab. Event time is 6-8:30 p.m. at Basant Modern Indian, 1939 W. Byron St. Tickets are $120, available at saichicago.org/calendar/gather.

French Bistro Classic Wine Dinner

Celebrate Bastille Day with a dinner inspired by France’s northern coast. The menu includes baked scallops, cider-brined chicken with wild mushroom cream sauce, and apple tarte tatin paired with wines. The event starts at 6 p.m. at Le Sud, 2301 W. Roscoe St. Tickets are $99, available at lesudchicago.com.

Rogers Park Taco Crawl

Explore the culinary diversity of Rogers Park during its annual taco crawl. Featuring tacos, tamales, churros, and ice cream, participants can follow one of two routes. Margaritas and palomas are available along the way. The event is from 3-7 p.m. at 6950 N. Clark St. Tickets are $25, available at rpba.org/2026/06/taco-crawl-2026.

Cat Bite Club Pop-Up

Experience the bold flavors of Singapore at Kitty’s Cosmopolitan Club with a special pop-up event. Jesse Vida showcases four cocktails using agave and rice spirits. Attend from 6-8 p.m. at Kitty’s Cosmopolitan Club, 51 W. Hubbard St. Tickets are $75, available at kittyscosmopolitanclub.com.

Rosé Soirée

Enjoy panoramic views of the Chicago River, Navy Pier, and Lake Michigan while sampling over 20 types of rosé. Complement the wines with Japanese-inspired small bites, sushi, and sweets. This event is from 1-3:30 p.m. on the St. Regis Terrace, 401 E. Wacker Drive. Tickets are $89, available at mirurestaurant.com/events/rose-soiree.

Taste of Bronzeville

Celebrate community spirit at the third annual Taste of Bronzeville. Sample foods from Caseras, Versie’s Cookie & Bake Shop, and more while enjoying yoga, dance lessons, and music. This free event runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 37th Street and King Drive. Reserve tickets at tasteofbronzeville.com.

Basque Pig Roast

Chefs Eric Jorgensen and David Koehn join forces for a Basque-style pig roast featuring a whole pig from Slagel Family Farms. Enjoy dishes like tapas, pintxos, and salads with beverage pairings. This bash occurs from 1-3 p.m. at Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba, 2024 N. Halsted St. Tickets are $95, available at cafebabareeba.com/events/basque-pig-roast.

These events highlight the diverse culinary landscape of Chicago, offering something unique for food enthusiasts. Samantha Nelson is a freelance writer.