Discover Chicago's top Fourth of July celebrations: Fireworks, races, parades, and much more!
Need a little help making plans for the Fourth of July in Chicago?
Searching for the best ways to enjoy the Independence Day holiday weekend?
This is the guide you’re looking for!
The best Fourth of July events and activities in Chicago
Summer in Chicago perks up on the July 4th holiday with a festive vibe you can't miss.
Get ready for Independence Day festivities, from dazzling fireworks to family-friendly parades - and even a car race!
The lakefront, parks, and streets buzz with picnics, live music, and celebrations.
Dive into Chicago's July 4th holiday weekend with the best summertime fun.
Catch the Fourth of July fireworks at the Navy Pier
Who needs stars when you've got fireworks this dazzling?
The Navy Pier fireworks are the most iconic July 4th event in Chicago.
Enjoy the sparking displays from the Pier itself, nearby beaches, outdoor restaurants, and rooftop bars.
You can even book a cruise to enjoy the fireworks from the water of Lake Michigan (more on this later.)
It's perfect for a romantic 4th July with your partner or a fun outing with family and friends.
Website: Visit the Navy Pier website
Date & Time: July 4th, 2024 (Tentative).
Location: Plan your route on Google Maps
Nearest Subway Stations:
Grand Station (Red Line)
Lake Station (Red Line)
State/Lake Station (Loop Elevated Lines)
Other July 4th firework shows in Chicago
The Navy Pier fireworks certainly aren’t the only game in town!
Baseball fans can enjoy dazzling pyrotechnics at the end of the traditional July 4th game.
And many suburbs like Evanston, Aurora, and Naperville host their own displays.
Attend the 2024 NASCAR Chicago Street Race
Ready to see race cars zip through downtown Chicago over the July 4th weekend?
Book a spot at the NASCAR Street Race in Grant Park!
Watch in awe as drivers race across a 2.2-mile track beginning and ending at the Buckingham Fountain.
Groove to music, including live performances by Keith Urban and Lauren Alaina.
Overall, this family-friendly event will be a highlight not just of July 4th but of summer in Chicago.
#DidYouKnow: The 2023 Street Car Race in Chicago was the first such event ever by NASCAR.
Pro tip: The 2024 event has special pricing for children under 12.
Website: Visit the NASCAR Chicago website
Date & Time: Fourth of July weekend (July 6th to 7th). 9 AM to 7 PM on both days.
Location: Plan your route on Google Maps
Nearest Subway Stations:
Adams/Wabash (Brown, Green, Orange, Pink, and Purple Lines)
Jackson (Blue Line)
Jackson (Red Line)
Harrison (Red Line)
Take a boat cruise
Hit the water with one of Chicago's top boat cruises.
Here are our top picks, from chilling with history to zipping along Lake Michigan:
Shoreline Sightseeing: Kick back and soak up stories about Chicago’s epic buildings. Easy-going and eye-opening. Website.
Chicago Seadog: Feel the wind in your hair with Seadog's speedy skyline tours. It’s a blast and a half. Website.
Wendella Boats: Wendella mixes it up with tours that tell you all about those towering landmarks - they say this is the ORIGINAL Chicago River Architecture Tour. Website.
Find your perfect cruise vibe and book early to snag your spot!
Join the Fourth of July parade at Hyde Park
Searching for a family-friendly Independence Day parade in Chicago? Join the Hyde Park Parade!
Enjoy innovative floats and lively performances from the local community.
The University of Chicago also joins in with specially-themed floats and university bands.
The parade runs from 55th Street & Hyde Park Boulevard to Nichols Park.
After the parade ends, enjoy a picnic at Nichols Park with games, face painting, and live music.
Website: Visit the parade website
Date & Time: July 4th (Thursday). 11 AM onwards.
Location: Plan your route on Google Maps
Nearest Subway Stations:
51st/53rd Street (Hyde Park
55th - 56th - 57th Street
59th Street (University of Chicago)
Attend the Independence Day Salute at Grant Park
Stars, stripes, and symphonies - Grant Park's recipe for a perfect Independence Day.
The Independence Day Salute is one of the best free July 4th events in Chicago.
It's part of the Grant Park Music Festival - one of Chicago's top summer attractions.
Led by conductor Christopher Bell, it includes a medley of classical pieces and modern music, ending with Philip Sousa's "Stars and Stripes Forever."
And there's a fireworks display at the end.
Pack a picnic basket, grab a spot on the Great Lawn or at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, and have a great time!
Website: Visit the Grant Park Music Festival website
Date & Time: July 4th (Thursday). 4:30 PM to 8:00 PM.
Location: Plan your route on Google Maps
Nearest Subway Stations:
Adams/Wabash (Brown, Green, Orange, Pink, and Purple Lines)
Jackson (Blue Line)
Jackson (Red Line)
Harrison (Red Line)
Indulge in traditional treats
July 4th is for indulging in all the treats Uncle Sam approves.
Have a great time over the July 4th weekend sampling the traditional treats.
Even better if you generally stick to a diet - what better time to enjoy guilty pleasures?
Cakes & Donuts: No Fourth of July is complete without cakes and donuts themed with red, white, and blue.
Swing by West Town Bakery for a themed treat or Magnolia Bakery for a star-spangled cake.
Frozen Treats (Ice Cream & Gelato): Cool down from the summer heat with a scoop (or two) of frozen, gooey goodness.
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams and Black Dog Gelato are must-visits for an icy indulgence.
Hot Dogs: Like you didn’t know hot dogs are a favorite at backyard BBQs and citywide events.
Portillo's and Devil Dawgs offer some of the best franks in Chicago, complete with all the fixings.
BBQ: The smoky scent of barbecue is a hallmark of get-togethers.
Smoque BBQ and Green Street Smoked Meats are top picks for getting your BBQ fix, from brisket to ribs.
Which is your favorite Fourth of July treat?
Catch the Fourth of July baseball game
Bats, balls, and bursts of fireworks - Does it get any more July 4th than this?
Nothing beats spending a summer afternoon at the ballpark.
This year (2024), the Chicago Cubs will face the Philadelphia Phillies and the Los Angeles Angels.
So gather your family & friends and head for Wrigley Field.
Go for the game, stay for the fireworks.
Another awesome option for your July 4th weekend plans in Chicago.
Website: Visit the Wrigley Field website\
Date & Time: Please check the website.
Location: Plan your route on Google Maps
Nearest Subway Stations:
Addison station (Red Line)
Sheridan station (Red Line) is a little away, but you can avoid Addison’s crowds.
Dine out at rooftop bars and waterfront outdoor restaurants
Looking for a July 4th dining spot with good food, great views, and a refreshing breeze? Choose from Chicago's many rooftop bars and waterfront outdoor restaurants.
Clink glasses with your partner on the J. Parker Rooftop as fireworks light up the night sky.
Gather your crew for lobster tacos and sangria at Shore Club at North Avenue Beach.
Or take the family to Pizzeria Portofino for pizza, tiramisu, and riverside views.
Celebrate with the perfect mix of flavor, family-friends-or-partner, and fireworks!
Stroll the Riverwalk
Walking off that July 4th BBQ has never been more scenic.
A leisurely stroll along the Chicago Riverwalk is a pretty chill way to spend the Fourth of July.
Enjoy public art installations, check out the seasonal pop-up shops, and refuel at the cafes and bars.
Grab an iced coffee or a craft beer, enjoy the cool river breeze, and maybe even catch a live music performance.
Pro tip: If you visit after dark, remember to check out Art on THE MART - should make for fantastic Insta shots!
Head for a beach
Sand, sun, and surf are epic ways to enjoy summer in Chicago.
From popular ones like North Avenue Beach and Oak Street Beach to quieter options like Montrose Beach, there's a spot for every beach lover.
Pack a picnic hamper, grab a volleyball, and soak up the sun as the waves crash on the shore.
Try the beachside cafes for refreshing drinks and snacks.
It's the perfect chill July 4th outing, whether with family & friends or for precious me-time.
Bike or walk down the Lakefront Trail
Want to put those quads to the test? Head for the Lakefront Trail.
Wind through unique neighborhoods like Lincoln Park and Hyde Park, beaches such as North Avenue Beach and Oak Street Beach, and garden patches including the Lincoln Park Conservatory.
Lace up those running shoes or rent a bike and enjoy the summertime lakefront vibes!
Kayak the Chicago River
OK - This is going to sound seriously cheesy, but…
Do you want to “make a splash” over the weekend?
Rent a kayak (Urban Kayaks and Wateriders offer rentals) and paddle through the Chicago River.
Go past some of Chicago’s top attractions, like the Riverwalk and the Merchandise Mart.
Question: Which would you prefer as a July 4th workout - biking the lakefront trail or kayaking the Chicago River?
Team up for an escape room adventure with us (Fox in a Box Escape Room)
Add a thrilling twist to your Chicago July 4th plans at our escape room!
Make off with the manager’s stash in The Bank.
Escape a maximum-security cell in The Prison.
Stop a nuclear disaster in The Bunker.
Outwit a psychopath in Zodiac Killer (18+ only).
Celebrate afterwards with pizza at Lou Malnati’s (South Loop), Chicago dogs at Devil Dawg on State, and chocolate cake shake (Portillo's on Canal and Taylor).
Website: Visit the home page
Location: Plan your route on Google Maps
Nearest Subway Stations:
LaSalle/Van Buren (Brown, Orange, Purple, and Pink Lines)
Harold Washington Library-State/Van Buren (Brown, Orange, Purple, and Pink Lines)
Resources for planning your Fourth of July weekend in Chicago
Need help making plans? Check out our list of resources!
Choose Chicago: Your go-to guide for the latest on events, dining, and accommodations in the city. Website.
City of Chicago website: Official updates on city-wide celebrations, including parades and public events. Website.
Chicago Park District: Find the best parks for picnics, fireworks viewing, and outdoor activities. Website.
Divvy: Rent a bike to explore the city’s lakefront and neighborhoods at your own pace. Website.
SpotHero: Book parking in advance and avoid the hassle of finding a spot during busy events. Website.
Ventra App: Load your “L” card and plan your public transit routes easily. Website.
The CTA Website: Get real-time updates on buses and trains, ensuring you’re never late to the festivities. Website.
Chicago CityPASS: A budget-friendly way to visit multiple attractions with one ticket. Website.
Go Chicago Pass: Access to over 25+ attractions, making it easy to fill your weekend with fun. Website.
Celebrating July 4th in Chicago - Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the best free Fourth of July things to do in Chicago?
Some of the best July 4th activities in Chicago that are absolutely free are:
The fireworks at the Navy Pier
The Independence Day Salute at Grant Park
The 4th of July parade at Hyde Park
Some other things to do during the Independence Day weekend in the Windy City:
Stroll the Riverwalk
Head for a beach
Bike/walk down the Lakefront Trail
Visit Lincoln Park Zoo
Explore public art throughout Chicago
Most of these are family-friendly. Which ones are you planning on including in your plans?
Where is the best place to see the July 4th fireworks in Chicago?
Some of the best places to catch Fourth of July fireworks in the Windy City are:
The Navy Pier
The Baseball Game
Suburbs like Evanston, Aurora, and Naperville
Boat cruises on Lake Michigan
Rooftop bars and waterfront restaurants
The Riverwalk
Parks with great views like Millennium Park and Lincoln Park
Ready for an unforgettable Fourth of July in Chicago?
Make this Fourth of July in Chicago your best one yet!
We've handpicked the best events and activities - from iconic firework displays to street car racing, and from family-friendly parades to thrilling escape rooms.
Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway with your partner, an exciting day out with your crew, or a family get-together, there's something for you.
Start planning now!
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