Letter From The Editor

There’s something in the air. Maybe it’s the World Cup, and the feed-cleansing TikToks of Japanese fans discovering Texas barbecue or Scots in kilts taking over Boston playgrounds. Or maybe it’s the return of Love Island, which brings people together like hardly any other reality show could. Whatever it is, Summer 2026 is shaping up to be one hell of a time... dare I say, potentially living up to Summer 2016?!

July’s edition of “Your Month IRL,” Bustle’s monthly calendar of in-person events, is here to keep the good times rolling. Sports fans have had more than enough reasons to celebrate recently, but there’s something going on for just about anyone. For the foodies, grab a free ice cream cone or head to a historic food fest. Music lovers are also in for a treat, whether you’re looking to hit a major festival or a local performance. More of a cinephile? You can look forward to summer blockbusters and maybe even catch an outdoor screening. Hit the town, and keep the spirit of Summer ‘16 alive this month. #YOLO

— Megan LaCreta, Editorial Associate

The Calendar

Some dates and details to keep in mind, regardless of which city you call home.

July 4 - July 11

Traverse City, Mich., aka, the Cherry Capital of the World, is celebrating 100 years of its iconic Cherry Festival this year — so basically, there’s no better time to visit. Not only can you enjoy a plethora of sweet summer treats, and even PYO cherries, but you can also enjoy a handful of activities, from yoga and Zumba classes to performances from Bow Wow, Soulja Boy, The Fray, and more.

July 12

Season 8 of Love Island USA is shaping up to be one of the most dramatic yet — and the finale is the must-watch event of the summer. Whether you’re rooting for #Brinity, or hoping to see a few more couple shake-ups before the end (Mel and Caleb, anyone?), you’re going to want to have your butt in a seat when this episode drops.

July 19

I’m not even a sports girlie, but the World Cup has officially taken over my life. Everybody will be talking about the final match, taking place at Met Life Stadium in New Jersey on the 19th. Whether you’re having a watch party at home, locking into the game at your local sports bar, or just want a chance to wear your very cute soccer jersey, this is the day to do it.

July 19

Now this is my kind of holiday. Every year, by presidential decree, Ice Cream Day falls on the third Sunday in July (which is also Ice Cream Month, ICYWW). Not only is it a great excuse to get a frosty treat, but there’s also a solid chance you can find a deal — plenty of restaurants and ice creameries offer free or discounted cones.

July 24 - 26

Festival season continues strong with Newport Folk Fest. Situated on the picturesque Rhode Island coast, the views of Newport Harbor are a draw on their own — but this year’s lineup is also pretty sweet, with Brandi Carlile, CMAT, The Lumineers, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Lizzy McAlpine, and more are slated to perform.

July 31

Tom Holland and Zendaya officially put a ring on it, and still managed to find time to star in two summer blockbusters together. It’s giving old Hollywood power couple. The Odyssey, featuring Holland as Telemachus and Zendaya as Athena, hits theaters on July 17, but if you hold out until the 31st, you can follow it up with Spider-Man: Brand New Day for a true Tomdaya double feature.

From Our Local Guides

Brooklyn, NY

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The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is bringing the soundtrack to your summer with outdoor jazz performances on July 2, 9, 16, and 23. Experience unforgettable evenings with live sets from artists like Fernando García & the Lux Quinte, while surrounded by a backdrop of blooming gardens. — Laili Shahrestani, Editorial Intern

St. Louis, MO

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Hilary Duff is bringing her Lucky Me Tour to the Hollywood Casino Amphitheater in Maryland Heights this month, guaranteeing that all of St. Louis county will be filled with thousands of '90s kids screaming "Come Clean" for one magical night. This really is what dreams are made of. — Dylan Kickham, Staff Writer

Los Angeles, CA

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You haven’t done an L.A. summer without a movie night at Cinespia, the outdoor theater in Hollywood Forever Cemetery. On July 3, catch Shrek with a fireworks show afterwards, and make sure you dress up as well for Cinespia’s iconic themed photo booth. — Rachel Chapman, Staff Writer

Miami, FL

TOSHIFUMI KITAMURA/AFP/Getty Images

Even if you don’t have tickets to any World Cup matches at Hard Rock Stadium, you can get a kick (ha) out of the fandemonium at watch parties across the region — including the gorgeous open-air venue at the Miami Beach Bandshell. Find more info at RSVP at miamibeachbandshell.com. — Grace Wehniainen, Staff Writer

Have an event for our monthly roundup? Send it to bustlecalendar@bustle.com.