Your Ultimate Guide To 31 Delicious Things To Do In July

July is the perfect month to lean into fresh summer flavors, relaxed hosting, and meals that feel as joyful as the season itself. With farmers markets bursting with produce and long, golden evenings made for gathering, there's no better time to cook simply, celebrate often, and savor every bite. To help you make the most of this sunny season, I've put together 31 delicious things to cook, bake, host, and celebrate in July-each one designed to bring a little more fun and flavor to your days. I've also created a free July bucket list printable to make it easy to follow along, check off your favorites, and enjoy a delicious moment every day of the month. Let's dive in and make this your tastiest summer yet!

1. Host a Fourth of July BBQ

Celebrate with a classic Fourth of July BBQ featuring juicy grilled homemade beef burgers, smoky hot dogs, corn on the cob, and creamy homemade coleslaw. It's the ultimate way to enjoy summer and American traditions.

2. Make a Refreshing Watermelon Salad

Try a juicy watermelon salad with fresh mint, salty feta, and a balsamic drizzle. This watermelon and feta salad is the perfect light, hydrating dish for hot July days.

3. Bake Blueberry Muffins with Fresh Berries

Use the season's freshest blueberries to bake moist and tender blueberry muffins, great for breakfast or an afternoon snack.

4. Create Homemade Ice Cream Without a Machine

Whip up homemade ice cream right in your kitchen. This easy homemade ice cream recipe needs no fancy equipment and will cool you off during summer's hottest days.

5. Grill Vegetable Skewers for a Healthy Summer Meal

Make grilled vegetable kebabs with bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, and red onions brushed with olive oil and herbs. These grilled vegetable skewers are smoky, colorful, and perfect for any July gathering.

6. Whip Up Classic Lemonade for a Refreshing Drink

Nothing says summer like a glass of classic lemonade. Add a twist with fresh basil or lavender for a refreshing lemonade recipe that's a crowd-pleaser.

7. Prepare Fresh Salsa with Ripe Tomatoes

Chop up ripe tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, and cilantro for fresh salsa that's perfect with chips or as a topping on grilled meats.

8. Make No-Bake Cheesecakes for a Cool Dessert

Keep things simple with no-bake cheesecakes, creamy, cool, and perfect for summer nights when you want dessert without the oven.

9. Host a Backyard Movie Night with Themed Snacks

Create a backyard movie night complete with string lights and popcorn seasoned with homemade spice blends. It's a fun and easy way to entertain friends and family.

10. Try Homemade Pizza with Your Favorite Toppings

Make homemade pizza from scratch or use store-bought dough. Let everyone top their own pizzas with fresh veggies and cheese for a fun summer meal.

11. Bake Peach Cobbler with Juicy Summer Peaches

July is peach season, so bake a warm peach cobbler that's bursting with juicy, sweet peaches, thats perfect with vanilla ice cream.

12. Make Chilled Gazpacho for a Light Summer Soup

Try chilled gazpacho, a refreshing cold soup made with tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers. It's a perfect summer starter or light meal.

13. Host a Poolside Cocktail Party with Refreshing Drinks

Plan a poolside cocktail party with spritzers, mojitos, and our best champagne cocktails to keep everyone cool and refreshed.

14. Dry Fresh Herbs You've Picked from Your Garden

Harvest fresh herbs like basil, thyme, and rosemary and dry them. Dried herbs add flavor to your cooking long after summer ends.

15. Bake a Rustic Berry Galette for a Sweet Treat

Make a berry galette, a simple, rustic tart filled with fresh summer berries and flaky pastry that's sure to impress.

16. Plan a Picnic with Easy-to-Pack Finger Foods

Put together a picnic menu of finger foods like sandwiches, fresh veggies, and dips. Don't forget a cozy blanket and good company for the perfect outdoor meal.

17. Grill Seafood for a Light, Flavorful Dinner

Fire up the grill and cook shrimp skewers, salmon, or whole fish for a light and flavorful summer dinner.

18. Make Homemade Popsicles with Fresh Fruit

Blend your favorite fresh fruits and freeze them in molds for healthy, homemade ice lollies that are perfect for hot afternoons.

19. Bake Moist Zucchini Bread with Summer Veggies

Use your garden zucchini to bake moist zucchini bread, perfect for breakfast or a snack with coffee.

20. Create a Signature Summer Cocktail with Fresh Ingredients

Invent your own summer cocktail using fresh fruits, herbs, and your favorite spirits for a refreshing, personalized drink.

21. Host a Potluck Dinner to Share Seasonal Favorites

Invite friends to bring their favorite summer dishes to a potluck dinner. It's a fun way to enjoy a variety of flavors with minimal effort.

22. Make Fresh Pasta and Toss with Summer Tomato Sauce

Try making fresh pasta and dress it with a simple pasta sauce of summer tomatoes and fresh basil for a light and elegant meal.

23. Roast Corn on the Cob for a Classic Side Dish

Char your corn on the cob over the grill or in the oven for a smoky, sweet side dish everyone will love.

24. Bake Lemon Bars for a Tangy Summer Dessert

Lemon bars offer a bright, tangy flavor that balances heavier summer meals perfectly.

25. Try Pickling Cucumbers and Summer Vegetables

Preserve the season by pickling cucumbers, carrots, or green beans for tangy, crunchy snacks all summer long.

26. Make a Fresh Fruit Tart with Summer Berries

Create a stunning fruit tart with a buttery crust topped with fresh berries and stone fruits for a perfect summer dessert.

27. Host a Garden Party with Fresh Flowers and Finger Foods

Decorate your outdoor space with fresh flowers and serve easy-to-eat finger foods for a relaxed garden party.

28. Grill Pineapple for Dessert with Brown Sugar and Lime

Grill pineapple slices brushed with brown sugar and lime juice until caramelized. Serve with vanilla ice cream for a sweet summer treat.

29. Make Homemade Granola for Healthy Snacking

Customize homemade granola with nuts, seeds, and dried fruits for a delicious breakfast or snack option.

30. Set Up an Infused Water Station with Fresh Fruits and Herbs

Keep guests refreshed with infused water featuring cucumber, lemon, mint, or berries for flavorful hydration.

31. Celebrate Summer's Bounty with a Seasonal Feast

Host a feast using the best of July's produce, tomatoes, corn, berries, and fresh herbs to enjoy summer at its fullest.

Download Our Printable Checklist

Want to make this month extra easy (and extra fun)? Download our free July bucket list printable and keep all 31 delicious ideas in one handy place. Print it out, stick it on your fridge, or save it to your phone so you can check off each recipe, gathering, and seasonal moment as you go. It's the perfect way to stay inspired and make the most of every sunny July day.

July is all about fresh ingredients, relaxed hosting, and celebrating the season's best flavors. With these 31 delicious things to cook, bake, host, and celebrate in July, your summer will be filled with flavor, fun, and unforgettable moments. Ready to make July your tastiest month yet? Let's get cooking!