Palatine Hometown Fireworks, Festivals & Shows 2025 in Chicago

One of the best small-town 4th of July celebrations in the greater Chicago area

Dates: July 4

Palatine, a northwestern residential suburb of Chicago, is known for its vibrant 4th of July Celebration. Palatine Jaycees Hometown Fest runs during the 4th of July Weekend. It features carnival rides, arts and crafts, a business expo, and plenty of entertainment and food. Arlington Heights and Hoffman Estates aren't far behind with their thrilling Independence Day celebrations.

Palatine Jaycees Hometown Fest

Hometown Fest is one of the biggest 4th of July celebrations in the area, with local businesses, non-profits, clubs, teams, and other organizations participating. The festivities begin at the Community Park at 5 pm on July 3rd and span until 5 pm on July 7th. The event will be open to the public every day until midnight, except the final day of the festival.

The festival's attendees can enjoy exciting carnival rides, games, competitions, and refreshments. The entertainment program includes live bands and various family-friendly activities. Food options include, but aren't limited to, corn dogs, BBQ, orange chicken, and egg rolls. The culmination of the festival is the fireworks display on July 5th, which will begin after dusk or around 9 pm.

Hometown Fest Carnival

The highlight of the festival is definitely the carnival, packed with thrilling carnival rides, games and carousels.

Hometown Fest 4th of July Parade

The locals' favorite part of the Hometown Fest is the annual Fourth of July parade. Local businesses, vendors, residents, and organizations join in on the procession to celebrate Independence and show off the best of the community. The parade begins at N Cedar Street and marches to the Community Park.

Hometown Fest Expo

On the last two days of the festival, stop by the Craft & Vendor Expo, which will begin at 12 pm on both days and end at 9 pm on Saturday and 4 pm on Sunday. Dozens of local arts & crafts businesses and non-profit organizations set up booths to advertise their products or raise money for a good cause.

Arlington Heights Frontier Days Festival

If you are okay with a bit of travel, Arlington Heights, located 3 miles from Palatine, has its fair share of 4th of July activities. The famous Frontier Days Festival promises several days of never-ending fun and celebration. Taking place at the Recreation Park in Arlington Heights, the event features the 4th of July parade and family-friendly activities, such as clowns, animal feeding, pie-eating contests, and carnival rides.

Frontier Days 4th of July Parade

One of the most anticipated festivities is the parade, which usually starts off at 10 am and is accompanied by a procession of patriotically decorated bikes and vintage cars. The participants gather at Dunton & Oakton, proceed south towards Miner on Dunton, and reach the finish line at the Recreation Park. The parade is beloved among the residents, so you can expect a large crowd of spectators cheering it on.

Stampede Run (July 7)

To celebrate Independence more actively, you can join the Stampede race. If you don't feel like running, but still would like to participate, feel free to walk instead. For youngsters who'd like to receive the finisher ribbon, the 1/4 Mile Kids Dash begins at 9 am. The starting and finishing point of all races is at the Recreation Park.

Entertainment Program

The Frontier Days Festival boasts an impressive live entertainment lineup with performances from local bands and musicians. 7th Heaven, Plain White T's, Rod Tuffcurls and The Bench Press, Hoobastank, and American English will all have their separate performances each day of the festival starting at 8 pm. The American English set on July 7th will begin at 7:30 pm.

Hoffman Estates Northwest Fourth Fest

If you venture southwest of Palatine, into the suburbs of Chicago, the town of Hoffman Estates will welcome you with open arms for its 4th of July celebration. Northwest Fourth Fest is named the biggest bash in the suburbia with its carnival rides, parade, family-friendly fun and, of course, firework spectacle.

Northwest Fourth Fest 4th of July Parade

This year, Hoffman Estates goes all out for its Independence Day parade since it doubles as a 65th anniversary of the town. Participants march along Illinois Boulevard from Paris Lane to Evanston Street. The route of the parade is about one mile, and all the residents gather on the sidewalks to greet the red, blue, and white procession.

Firework Show

After trying out all 30 carnival rides at the festival and sampling all the different foods, settle down in a cozy nook to enjoy the fireworks spectacle. The display begins after dark. This year, organizers upped their game by using cutting-edge technologies, making this pyrotechnic show even more special. You'll be able to see the demonstration from anywhere on the festival grounds.