Glittering lights, raining colors, and blazing sounds. When you think of the fourth of July, what do you think of? The same word comes to mind everywhere, Fireworks. But they are just the icing on the cake. There are so many ways to celebrate our nation's Independence Day, in Chicago, with a 3-day weekend full of exciting activities and events. And of course, we have all the parades and firework shows for you too!
Enjoy live music in a beautiful setting
Grant Park Music Festival: Independence Day Salute
Jay Pritzker Pavilion, 201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601
The Grant Park Music Festival is a free music festival hosted throughout the whole summer with performances from the Grant Park Orchestra, Instrumental Players, and more. On Saturday, July 2nd at 7:30pm, there is a special performance, Independence Day Salute, which includes patriotic music.
Reserve Seats begin at $26, however there are two places where you don't need to buy a ticket, and you can listen to the music for free: The Great Lawn (bring a blanket) and The Seating Bowl (first come, first serve seats)
*Note: Outside alcoholic beverages are permitted at all Grant Park Orchestra and Chorus concerts except the Independence Day Salute. Beer and wine will be available for purchase in the Park.
Navy Pier: Live on the Lake!
The free concert series is scheduled from 1pm to 9pm on Saturday, July 2nd culminating in the Navy Pier fireworks display.
Fairmont Chicago's 4th of July celebration
Celebrate all things red, white, and blue this 4th of July weekend at Fairmont Chicago's Rooftop BBQ! Gather with family and friends on Saturday, July 2 from 4:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at Lakeshore Sport & Fitness for a panoramic view of the city while soaking up the sun and rooftop pool. Enjoy refreshing summer drinks and a variety of BBQ and seafood favorites while dancing to live music all evening. Don't stress about a finding a babysitter - games and activities will be available for the whole family to enjoy! Tickets are $30/person with free entrance for children 7 and under. Guests interested in attending can purchase tickets here.
Parkway Bank Park “Rockin’ in the Park”
5501 Park Place, Rosemont, IL 60018
Monday, July 4th performance by Silver Bullet Band STL – Silver Bullet STL offers a show-stopping 10-piece tribute to the music of Bob Seger.
“Rockin’ in the Park” concerts run from 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. Admission to “Rockin’ in the Park” is free. Outside food and coolers are prohibited. Parking is available at the Parkway Bank Park parking garage and is free with validation from any of the park’s venues. Food and beverage tents will be available on the park’s great lawn. Thursday night concerts and holiday shows will culminate with a musical fireworks display after the show.
Go to an Amusement or Adventure Park
Santa's Village Amusement & Water Park
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The Forge: Lemont Quarries - The Largest Adventure Park in the USA!
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Just 22 Miles Southwest of Chicago
Six Flags Great America Coca-Cola July 4th Fest
July 2 - 4, 2022: Start your summer with the best fireworks show in Chicago. Enjoy heart-pounding thrills rides like the Maxx Force or Revolution, and make a splash on Loggers Run. Plus, celebrate the red, white, and blue with a selfie at the Coke Studio photo booth, and receive discounted tickets and more only at the Coca-Cola July 4th Fest at Six Flags Great America.
Enjoy America's Favorite Pastime
Chicago Dogs Game, Impact Field - Rosemont
The Dogs bring summer, baseball and families together for a festival of fun, with themed Saturdays and fireworks after all Thursday and Saturday games. In addition to fireworks on Elvis-themed, July 2nd, there will be fireworks after the double-header on July 4th as well.
Schaumburg Boomers, Wintrust Stadium - Schaumburg
There will be post-game fireworks on July 1st and July 3rd, as well as pre-game autographs and a pre-game catch on the field on July 3rd. Stick around after the game on July 4th for the Fireworks Supershow!
Chicago White Sox, Guaranteed Rate Field - Chicago
Post-game fireworks on Monday July 4th, and a Captain America inspired player bobble-head promotion. Specially priced Monday game tickets also come with a $20 concessions credit.
Chicago Cubs, Wrigley Field - Chicago
Cubs are in town July 1st - July 3rd. Don't forget to get your tickets to Macaroni KID night at Wrigley too - July 25th!
Kick off the fireworks with a rockin brunch
Harvest at Lakeshore Sport and Fitness July 4th Cookout Buffet
On Monday, July 4th, 11am - 2:30pm, enjoy 4th of July Classics including Fried Chicken, Macaroni Salad, Brats, BBQ Ribs, Watermelon and more! Served at an All-You-Can-Eat Buffet!! $30 Adults / $15 Kids
Harry Caray’s - Navy Pier DJ Brunch
Harry Caray’s - Navy Pier hosts a DJ brunch every Sunday, including the 3rd of July. So enjoy a jammed out brunch and then catch one of the many boat rides available from the Pier.
Mon Ami Gabi: Red, White, and Brunch
2300 N Lincoln Park W, Chicago, IL 60614
Join Mon Ami Gabi for a red, white, and blue brunch on Sunday, July 3rd from 11am-2pm. Celebrate your fourth of July Parisian style and enjoy a delicious brunch at Mon Ami Gabi. Indoor and outdoor seating available. Reservations required.
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Head Out of the City. With the 4th landing on a Monday this year, its a great opportunity for a long weekend getaway
Grand Geneva Resort and Spa: Independence Day Dining and Fireworks Display
Situated on 1,300 acres in the woodlands of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, The Grand Geneva Resort and Spa will host its annual fireworks display on July 4, 2022. Reserve your spot for dinner during the dazzling display with options ranging from romantic al fresco dining to a festive and family-friendly picnic. Continue the celebration with an overnight stay. If you can't make it up there for the 4th, don't worry. Grand Geneva has a fireworks display every Sunday this summer.
The Abbey Resort
Celebrate Independence Day with games and activities all weekend long. On July 4th, join for fun in the sun with inflatable activities and harborside games during the day and get the best seat in the house for the Village of Fontana fireworks at night on the Harbor Lawn.
While there is much else to do, it still wouldn't be the 4th of July without parades and fireworks, and there are plenty of ways to see some locally
Lakeshore
While there will be no official, organized, firework shows on the lake on July 4th, private citizens will shoot off an endless barrage and they will impress! Grab a blanket and a cooler, lie back and enjoy!
Saddle and Cycle Club
The firework display at the Saddle and Cycle Club, at Foster Ave. and Marine Dr. is a bit of a Northside secret. While it is meant for members only, you can easily grab a first class seat to the spectacle on Foster Beach or even Margate Park. This year's event is scheduled for dusk (apx 9pm) on Sunday, July 3rd.
Navy Pier
Navy Pier kicks off Independence Day weekend with the dazzling Hilton Fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. Saturday, July 2.
Guests are encouraged to arrive early to find a great viewing spot along the Pier. Guests will receive “diffraction glasses,” courtesy of Hilton to add an exciting layer of visual interest to the fireworks display (while supplies last).
See the Navy Pier fireworks from the water:
Skokie 3-D Fireworks Festival and Parade
Niles West High School - 5701 W Oakton St
Monday, July 4th, 2022
Noon: Downtown Parade - Floats, marching bands, and more! (Lincoln and Niles Center to Oakton and Skokie Blvd.)
3-D Fireworks Festival at Niles West High School - Customized 3-D fireworks glasses will be distributed to the first 10,000 visitors.
5 p.m.: Gates open. Attendees may stake out a spot on the festival grounds. Food will be available for purchase during the event.
6:30 p.m.: Family Fun and Games - Face painting, hula hoop, egg race, water balloon toss, sack race, and tug of war.
6:30–7:30 p.m.: The Empty Pockets - Indie-Americana drawing from classic rock, folk, and blues.
8–9:30 p.m.: 7th Heaven - Pop and Rock hits from the '70s through today.
Dusk: 3-D Fireworks
Wilmette Independence Day Celebration
Gillson Park
The festivities on Sunday, July 3rd begin with the Yankee Doodle Dash 5K at 8am. Enjoy the free family event beginning at 5pm. There will be food vendors, live music, performers and a fireworks show to kick off the 4th a day early.
Niles Parade and Post Parade Fest
The parade steps off from the Notre Dame College Prep parking lot at 8:45 a.m. on Monday, July 4th, proceeding down Ozark Avenue to Main Street, then Main to Harlem Avenue, past St. John Brebeuf Catholic Church to Monroe Street, and Monroe to Grennan Heights at Oketo Avenue, where the park district’s post-parade family fest takes place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The fest at Grennan Heights is expected to include entertainment, kid’s play areas, food, games and inflatables.
Glenview 4th of July Celebration
The full Fourth of July parade through downtown Glenview is back and will be held on Monday, July 4th beginning at 11:30am! Join the annual Glenview 4th of July Celebration with floats, a bike parade, entertainers, live music, food trucks, giveaways and more. End your evening with the Glenview Bank & Trust® Twilight Fireworks synchronized to music.
Evanston Parade and Fireworks
Morning games begin on Monday,
July 4th at 9am at various locations, followed by a Fun Run at noon. A concert begins at 7:30pm at Dawes Park followed by lakefront fireworks at 9:30pm.
