The Best 4th of July Fireworks Displays Happening Around Chicago
Chicago is the place to be for July 4th celebrations! The whole town lights up with excitement and fire for the entire weekend of America’s birthday. Which means, you don’t have to go far to see incredible fireworks displays. Sure, you could just stay at home and set a few off with your neighbors, but if you crave something a little bit bigger and brighter, there are so many fantastic options around town.
From Navy Pier to the suburbs, Chicago is ready to show off its patriotism. So, find a rooftop or head to the beach to see the rockets bursting overhead, or check out some of the other Independence Day festivities happening across Chicagoland. If you’re not sure where to start, here are some of the best places to watch incredible fireworks displays all weekend long:
When: July 3rd from 7 – 10 p.m. (Free)
Where: Parkway Bank Park, 5501 Park Pl.
Shake things up with Rosemont’s Rockin’ in the Park summer concert series, as guests welcome Elvis tribute artist Jay Dupuis. Enjoy an evening of classic rock ‘n’ roll before turning your eyes to the sky to watch the sparks begin to fly.
When: July 4th at 9:30 p.m. (Free)
Where: Navy Pier
Navy Pier has become Chicago’s Independence Day central. A stunning fireworks display will go boom overhead to a blaring patriotic soundtrack. And, if you can’t make it down to the pier to watch, don’t worry. Just find a nice spot on a nearby beach, patio or rooftop.
When: July 4th at 9:30 p.m. (Free)
Where: Wolters Field, 1080 Park Ave.
This year’s Highland Park Fourth of July celebration will be held in honor of the League of Women Voters’ 90th anniversary, to the theme of “Your Vote Counts!” Celebrations will kick off with the Independence Day Parade down St. Johns Avenue at 10 a.m. and will continue with Fourth Fest in Sunset Park from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. But, the fun doesn’t stop there! The Bike Fair will coincide with Fourth Fest, followed by the grand finale of the Bitter Jester Music Festival which will kick off in Wolters Field at 4 p.m. and end with a celebratory firework display at 9:30 p.m.
When: July 4th at 9:45 p.m. (Free)
Where: Hamilton Lakes Office Campus, Illinois St. 53 and Thorndale Ave.
Itasca takes the Fourth of July very seriously, hosting one of the largest displays outside of Chicago. The celebration will begin at 4 p.m. with picnic dishes, beer from the Itasca Brewing Company and live music.
When: July 4th at dusk (Free)
Where: Niles West High School, 5701 Oakton St.
If you’re looking to add some dimension to your Independence Day experience, Skokie will be putting on a 3D fireworks display. Festivities will begin at noon with a parade down Oakton Street. Then, at 6:30 p.m. the Goo Roos and Mike & Joe will perform live music followed by a show-stopping firework display.
When: July 4th at 9:30 p.m. (Free)
Where: Clark Street Beach, 1811 Sheridan Rd.
The Palatine Concert Band will perform patriotic and popular music from 7:30 to 9 p.m. to get you ready to celebrate America’s birthday with a fireworks frenzy. Park downtown, and stake out your prime viewing spot along the lakefront.
When: July 4th at dusk (Free)
Where: Lake Ellyn Park, 645 Lenox Rd.
Suburban Glen Ellyn will start their fourth of July celebrations bright and early with a four-mile run at the Glenbard West Football Field at 8 a.m. Then at noon, a parade kicks off downtown before Lake Ellyn Park is taken over by an array of family-friendly activities. Fireworks will begin at dusk.
When: July 7th at 9:30 p.m. (Free)
Where: Sears Centre Arena, 5333 Prairie Stone Parkway
From July 4th – 8th, Hoffman Estates’ Northwest Fourth-Fest will host a huge Independence Day celebration. The event will feature a parade, delicious food, carnival rides, a craft fair and concerts. And, of course, the main highlight of the event will be an impressive computerized firework display that will launch on Saturday, July 7th.
No matter where you spend this Fourth of July, if you just look up to the skies you’re sure to see some pretty amazing fireworks as the whole city lights up! So, enjoy, stay safe, and have a Happy Fourth!
