Independence Day celebrations in Chicago include many fun activities—festivals, concerts, fairs, and, of course, the most spectacular pyrotechnics show of the year. Most festive events take place on the picturesque shores of Lake Michigan!
Fireworks and Celebration on Navy Pier (July 2024)
Navy Pier offers a family-friendly celebration called Live on the Lake! The free concert series is scheduled from 2 pm through 9 pm. The festive program features OSTON, The Shades, and Creedence Revived. Navy Pier fireworks are the most popular part of the holiday. Normally, you can watch the show from the Navy Pier or book a lake cruise to marvel at this special spectacle over Lake Michigan in the most comfortable way.
Grant Park Music Festival (July 4, 2024)
The Jay Pritzker Pavilion at Millennium Park hosts the Independence Day Salute within the Grant Park Music Festival. The performance by Grant Park Orchestra features conductor Christopher Bell, vocalist Katelyn Lee, and trumpet David Gordon. Two music sessions, full of patriotic tunes, occur from 4:30 to 6 pm and from 6:30 to 8 pm.
The 2024 program features such all-time favorites as Somewhere from West Side Story, The Waltzing Cat, and Chicago. The patriotic repertoire includes Liberty Fanfare, American Celebration (with audience singalong), From Sea to Shining Sea, the Armed Forces Salute, America the Beautiful, and the grand finale, Stars and Stripes Forever. This festival is free of charge and available for the whole family!
4th on 53rd Parade (July 4, 2024)
4th on 53rd is the main Independence Day celebration on The South Side and one of the most anticipated annual events in Hyde Park. The free festival, which attracts about 10,000 attendees, starts with a vibrant parade along 53rd Street. A cherished local tradition boasts over 30 years of history. The procession kicks off at 11 am from the Hyde Park Bank parking lot at 1525 E.53rd St. It features floats, marching bands, community groups, and children with their decorated bikes. The parade is followed by a community party and a picnic in Nichols Park. The event runs from noon to 3 pm. Entertainment in the park includes various performances, bouncy houses, face painting, games, a petting zoo, and a magic show.
International Festival of Life (July 4–7, 2024)
Since 1993, the International Festival of Life has been part of the 4th of July celebrations in Chicago. The festival, which is held at Washington Park, features carnival-style jubilation, performances, merrymaking, food, arts, crafts, games, and family-friendly activities. Immerse yourself in a true carnival atmosphere with Reggae, Afrobeat, World Music, R&B, Blues, Jazz, Gospel, Latin, Hip Hop, Dancehall, and other genres. Live African/Caribbean music is available on several stages from noon to 10 pm at DuSable Museum Garden in Washington Park. One-day admission is $10, while a four-day pass is $39 (advance online purchase), ViP options are available from $49.
Oak Park 4th of July Parade (July 4, 2024)
The village of Oak Park boasts a vibrant Independence Day celebration, featuring a parade and a fireworks show. In 2024, the parade starts at 10 am, heading from Longfellow Park at Ridgeland Avenue and Adams Street. The procession goes north on Ridgeland Avenue to Augusta Street, finishing at Whittier Elementary School. Participants, which include many community organizations and athletic teams, ride on floats, play music, carry banners, walk with their dogs, ride decorated bicycles, skate, or drive vintage cars.
Waukegan Fireworks (July 4)
Waukegan, about 45 miles (72 km) north of Chicago, boasts a spectacular lakefront fireworks display. The one-hour Waukegan fireworks are launched from the Yacht Club, 199 N. Harbor Place, between 9:30 pm and 10:30 pm. The best areas to watch fireworks include Green Town on the Rocks, the Dockside, the Bay Marine, and the Port District. Many people also watch the spectacle from the Waukegan Municipal Beach.
Crystal Lake Fireworks and Concert (July 7, 2024)
Crystal Lake Fireworks and Concert starts at 9 am on The Main Beach. The live performances are typically scheduled between 7 pm and 9:30 pm. The concert features the Crystal Lake Community Band and Voices in Harmony. Picnic tables are also available. Lastly, the much-anticipated fireworks come to action at dusk. Admission after 2:30 pm is $5.
Evanston 4th of July Parade and Fireworks (July 4)
Evanston, a college town suburb of Chicago, located 12 mi (19 km) north of the city, boasts a wonderful 4th of July Celebration. The Independence Day festivities have been organized here since 1921. Evanston Fourth of July is a fun, family-friendly event, which features a parade, a fun run, a concert, and fireworks. At 2 pm, the locals and visitors gather to see the annual Independence Day Parade down Central Street. The route goes from Central Park Ave. to Ashland Ave. (Ryan Field). Entries include marching bands, local community groups, schools, and more. The evening entertainment program starts at around 7 pm with the Lakefront twilight concert by the Palatine Concert Band at Arrington Lakefront Lagoon at Dawes Park. The concert ends with a spectacular fireworks display at 9:30.
Fox Lake 4th of July celebrations
Fox Lake, located 55 miles (89 km) northwest of Chicago, celebrates Independence Day on Saturday 29th of June with a parade, a concert, a car show, and fireworks. After the parade, scheduled for 11 am, the festivities will take place at Lakefront Park from 5:00 to 10:00 pm, with live music, food, and drink. The evening will conclude with the fireworks show scheduled from 9:30 pm to 9:50 pm from the hilltop on Nippersink Lake, allowing visitors to witness the display on the water.
