Prelude Events

Events > July

This month’s roundup of cultural events across the country

United States Grand Prix

Indianapolis, July 2

Get set for the 2006 US Grand Prix at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The 73-lap race starts at 1pm on July 2, but on the preceding day visitors can enjoy the Pit Walkabout. The Walkabout attraction will see thousands of fans packing into the Formula One garage area and pit road to get up close to the exotic cars, hear live music and listen in on question and answer sessions with F1 personalities. www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com

Magnificent Mile Art Festival

Chicago, July 7-9

Enjoy works from 150 of the nation’s top artists amid the incredible architecture on Michigan Avenue along the Chicago River. More than $15 million of art will be on display at this hugely popular outdoor event, with all pieces available to buy at prices ranging from $25 to $25,000. More than 1,000 artists vie for a spot at this festival, and a wide range of art is expected, from paintings and sculpture to ceramics and photography. www.artfestival.com

Festival del Sole

Napa Valley, July 16-23

Partner event to the Tuscan Sun Festival in Italy, the Festival del Sole will feature classical music stars and art exhibitions along with food and wine events that showcase Napa Valley’s already shining culinary reputation. Multiple venues, including the newly renovated Lincoln Theater and the Napa Valley Opera House, will play host to the various festival events. Don’t miss the closing night concert, starring renowned soprano Renée Fleming. www.festivaldelsole.com

Lincoln Center Festival

New York, July 10-30

Celebrate summer with the annual Lincoln Center Festival, featuring everything from dance and theater to puppet shows and film. Highlights include the New York premiere of Irish theatrical canon DruidSynge as well as Bones in Pages, a solo dance by Saburo Teshigawara, described by The Times Literary Supplement as a “magician of movement.” www.lincolncenter.org

American Dance Festival

Durham, NC, until July 22

A whopping 25 premieres, four debuts and thirteen return engagements by artists and dance companies worldwide are expected at this annual six-week festival, established in 1934. World premieres are planned from Shen Wei Dance Arts, David Dorfman Dance and Ronald K. Brown, plus return visits from the likes of Emanuel Gat Dance from Israel, the Paul Taylor Dance Company and Pilobolus, which has featured at the festival since 1971. The festival promises to be a colorful few weeks and should bring recognition to many of modern dance’s finest talents. www.americandancefestival.org

Dale Chihuly, Lowe Gallery

Atlanta, July 14-September 15

In honor of its 17th anniversary, Atlanta’s Lowe Gallery is holding an exhibition of works by American glassmaker Dale Chihuly, who is associated with revolutionizing the studio glass movement. Chihuly’s best-known pieces include “Baskets,” “Persians” and “Seaforms,” and he has involved himself in architectural installations worldwide. His work is an articulation of the visual power that has defined the Lowe Gallery nationwide over almost two decades. www.lowegallery.com

Artscape

Baltimore, July 21-23

Now in its 25th year, the Artscape festival has something for all the family. Activities include visual arts and live performances as well as interactive children’s entertainment. From the anniversary fireworks show of the opening night to a performance at the Lyric Opera House from the famed Philadelphia Dance Company (Philadanco), the festival caters to all ages and interests. www.artscape.org

Houston International Jazz Festival

Houston, August 4-6

The 16th annual Houston International Jazz Festival promises to captivate visitors with some of the most inspirational musical entertainment from around the world. The event will also celebrate the 35th summer jazz workshop, founded by two Houston jazz greats—saxophonist Conrad Johnson and drummer Bubbha Thomas—to fill a void between youth and jazz education. Also on the lineup is a jazz night on August 5 and the Mayor’s jazz brunch on August 6. www.jazzeducation.org