Arlington Heights 4th of July Parades, Events & Festival 2024 in Illinois

Arlington Heights is just what you need if you’re looking for the best place to celebrate Independence Day. The city annually hosts a terrific 4th of July event named Frontier Days. This festival is an amazing opportunity to have fun with your friends and family while celebrating America’s birthday and freedom.

Frontier Days (July 3–July 7, 2024)

Frontier Days is a five-day festival, packed with all sorts of activities for any age. Held at the Recreation Park in Arlington Heights, this event completely free to attend and doesn't require an admission fee. You are welcome to bring your family along as there will be a kids’ zone with tons of cool stuff for your children.

Entertainment

The festival features carnival & pony rides, a huge food area with delicious meals from local vendors, several beer & wine gardens, bingo, and soccer. You might also enjoy a lovely petting zoo, an arts & crafts zone, a raffle, souvenir shops, and lots of other fun entertainment.

Live Music

At the Frontier Days festival, you'll witness performances by some of the area's popular local acts. Ranging from pop rock to Beatles-tribute bands, the lineup includes 7th Heaven, Plain White T's, Rod Tuffcurls and The Bench Press, Hoobastank, and The American English. Performances each day begin at 8 pm, except on July 7th, when the concert starts at 7:30 pm. Grab your favorite blanket and bop to top-notch music in comfort.

4th of July Parade (July 4)

The annual patriotic Independence Day parade is an integral part of the Frontier Days celebration. The march will kick off at Dunton & Oakton Ave, move south to Minor, and wrap up east, close to the Recreation Park. The parade begins at 10 am sharp, with the aim to celebrate 48 years of festival fun.

If you'd like to watch this star-spangled extravaganza, swing by the procession's route. People with disabilities are also highly encouraged to join the parade, as there will be a specially designated viewing area for people in wheelchairs.

Frontier Days Stampede Run (July 7)

During the annual Stampede Run, you'll have a chance to take part in a 5K or (for the bravest ones) 10K race. Other options include the 5K Walk and 1/4 Mile Kids Dash. The starting and finish lines of the races are located at the crossroads of Miner Street and Douglas Avenue. The 5K and 10K events begin at 7:30 am, while the 5K Walk starts off at 7:35 am. At 9 am, the 1/4 Mile Kids Dash is scheduled to begin.

To participate, you need to pay a fee of $30 for all the runs, apart from the children's race, admission to which is $15. The best thing about this event—you'll have a chance to receive prizes! Male and female runners with the best results will be presented with a celebratory award and a $50 certificate to Runner's High 'N Tri.

Highland Park 4th of July Events (July 4, 2024)

A quaint suburban city of Highland Park lies approximately 17 miles (27 km) northeast of Arlington Heights. The city annually hosts a vibrant Independence Day celebration, which includes a parade, a festival and a remembrance ceremony, meant to honor the victims of tragic events that took place on July 4th in 2022. The memorial service is scheduled to begin at 10 am, followed by the parade at 1 pm in Downtown Highland Park.

The procession sets off at Laurel Avenue and then continues down Central Avenue to Green Bay Road. The theme of this year's parade is "Sweet Home Highland Park," which the participants must represent with their costumes and floats. The festivities will then continue with a Fourth Fest at Sunset Woods Park, starting from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm. Attendees will have a chance to participate in numerous carnival games, treat their taste buds to traditional festival foods and listen to great local musicians, including Radio Gaga.