Photo Credit: Lisa Blue, Getty Images Signature
Fireworks, fast cars and fun—three “f” words to describe everything that Chicago has in store this weekend. Yes, NASCAR Chicago Street Race is this weekend and tons of spots you can go to view fireworks—on the Fourth and after the Fourth. Without further adieu, here are your things to do for this special holiday weekend.
Thursday, July 3
Speed & Sound Fest
DuSable Museum | 5–8 p.m.
NASCAR drivers and historian Shermann “Dilla” Thomas kick off race weekend with food trucks, games, and music.
Windy City Tango Festival
Crowne Plaza West Loop | July 3–7
Four nights of milongas, practicas, and tango performances with 12 world-class teachers.
🎟 Info: wctf.312.com
McCook Rib Fest
McCook | July 3–6
Top BBQ joints from Chicagoland and beyond converge for this family-friendly rib fest.
Bartlett 4th of July Fest
Bartlett Park | July 3–6
Carnival rides, food, bands and fireworks (July 4 at 9:15 p.m.)
Regional Fireworks (July 3)
- Aurora – 9 p.m., McCullough Park
- Berwyn – 8 p.m., Morton West High School
- Bridgeview – 9:15 p.m., Commissioners Park
- Burr Ridge – Dusk, Walker Park
- Deerfield – 9:15 p.m., Shepard Park
- Glencoe – 9 p.m., Lakefront Park
- Lemont – 9:30 p.m., Centennial Park
- Lisle – 9:30 p.m., Community Park
- Lockport – Dusk, Dellwood Park
- Mokena – 9:30 p.m., Main Park
- Oak Brook – 9:30 p.m., Sports Core Fields
- Palos Heights – 9:15 p.m., Memorial Park
- Park Ridge – Dusk, Maine East High
- Romeoville – 9:30 p.m., Three locations
- Wheaton – 9 p.m., Graf Park
- Wilmette – Dusk, Gillson Park
Friday, July 4
Prayer & Communion at the Beach
31st Street Beach | 6:30 a.m.
Apostolic Faith Church hosts this annual spiritual gathering to begin the holiday.
Mario’s Red, White & Boom Sno Cone Bash
MLK Skating & Bowling | 2–5 p.m.
Family fun with bowling, skating, sno cones, music and Mario character appearances.
Southside Critical Mass Bike Ride
Nichols Park | Meet at 5:45 p.m.
Monthly group ride from 55th & Kimbark. Helmet and lights recommended.
Sounds of Summer Rooftop Party
Tetto Chicago | 5 p.m.
Celebrate on the roof with drinks and skyline views.
TREE Skate Party with Chance the Rapper
The Rink | 10 p.m.
Chance skates through South Side culture at this late-night party.
Hyde Park 4th on 53rd Parade & Festival
Parade starts 11 a.m. | Festival Noon–3 p.m.
Floats, marching bands, games, face painting and community fun.
Blue Island 4th of July Fireworks
Waterfall Park | Music 7 p.m., Fireworks 9 p.m.
🎇 At Fulton St. & Irving Ave.
Regional Fireworks (July 4)
- Antioch – Dusk, Sequoit Creek Park
- Bartlett – 9:15 p.m., Bartlett Park
- Beecher – 9:30 p.m., Firemen’s Park
- Bensenville – 9:30 p.m., Public Works Facility
- Bolingbrook – Dusk, Bolingbrook Golf Club
- Buffalo Grove – 9 p.m., Willow Stream Park
- Carol Stream – 9:15 p.m., Town Center
- DeKalb – 30 mins after sunset, Hopkins Park
- Downers Grove / Woodridge – 9:30 p.m., 75th & Lemont Rd.
- Elgin – Dusk, Festival Park
- Elk Grove Village – Dusk, Rotary Green
- Evanston – 9:30 p.m., Lakefront
- Frankfort – 9:15 p.m., Main Park
- Glenview – 9:20 p.m., Gallery Park
- Glen Ellyn – Dusk, Lake Ellyn Park
- Libertyville – 9:30 p.m., Butler Lake
- Lincolnshire – 9:30 p.m., Spring Lake Park
- Lombard – 9:30 p.m., Madison Meadow Park
- Morton Grove – Dusk, Harrer Park
- Mount Prospect – 9:30 p.m., Melas Park
- Mundelein – 9:30 p.m., Village Center
- Naperville – 9:30 p.m., Frontier Sports Complex
- New Lenox – 9:15 p.m., Village Commons
- Northbrook – Dusk, Meadowhill Park / Techny Prairie Park
- North Riverside – Dusk, Village Commons
- Oak Lawn – Dusk, Richards High School
- Orland Park – 9:30 p.m., Centennial Park West
- Oswego – 9:30 p.m., Prairie Point Park
- Rockford – 9:30 p.m., Prairie Street Brewing Co.
- Rosemont – After concert, Parkway Bank Park
- Schaumburg – After Boomers game, Wintrust Field
- Skokie – Dusk, Niles West High School
- St. Charles – Dusk, Langum Park / Mt. St. Mary Park
- Tinley Park – 9:30 p.m., McCarthy Park
- Vernon Hills – 9:15 p.m., Century Park
- Warrenville – 9:30 p.m., Cerny Park
- Westmont – 9:30 p.m., Ty Warner Park
- Winnetka – 9:20 p.m., Duke Childs Field
- Yorkville – Dusk, Route 47 & Countryside Pkwy
Saturday, July 5
Pride South Side at DuSable (Photo Courtesy of Pride South Side).
NASCAR Chicago Street Race – Day 1
Grant Park | All Day
High-speed action as NASCAR drivers zoom past the lakefront.
Navy Pier Fireworks
Navy Pier | 10 p.m.
Weekly summer fireworks show over Lake Michigan.
Pride South Side Festival
DuSable Museum | All Day
Celebrate Black LGBTQ+ pride with food, music, and joy.
Soul Brunch: Tribute to Frankie Beverly
City Winery | 12 p.m. (Doors 10:30 a.m.)
A PureSoul experience celebrating Frankie Beverly with live music and brunch.
Keyshia Cole – The Way It Is 20th Anniversary Tour
United Center | 7 p.m.
R&B powerhouse returns with her biggest hits.
Zo! and Tall Black Guy
City Winery | 7:30 p.m. (Doors 6 p.m.)
Progressive R&B duo perform Abstractions in an intimate live set.
Chicago Fireworks Dinner Cruise
Navy Pier | Evening
Dinner, skyline views, and fireworks from the water.
Sunday, July 6
Photo: Twitter
NASCAR Chicago Street Race – Day 2
Grant Park | All Day
The Cup Series main event.
Glenn Jones
City Winery | 7 p.m. (Doors 5:30 p.m.)
Grammy-nominated soul singer returns to his hometown stage.
Afro Fusion Block Party
Recess | 3 p.m.
Afrobeats, Amapiano, dancehall, and more from 6 international DJs. Vendors, photo ops, food and vibes.
ReViiVal to Care: Chicago
The Promontory | 6–9 p.m.
A night of music, wellness, and faith featuring Don Abram, Mariana Thomas, Pastor Stephen Thurston, Dr. Keith Green, and gospel artist Darrel Walls.
🎟 Presented by ViiV Healthcare
Monday, July 7
Wu-Tang Forever: The Final Chamber
United Center | 8 p.m.
Hip-hop icons reunite for a final farewell tour. Don’t miss this moment in music history.
RnB After Dark
City Winery | 7:30 p.m. (Doors 6 p.m.)
Smooth vocals and sultry sounds in a candlelit setting.
Ongoing Exhibits
Frida Kahlo’s Month in Paris
Art Institute | Through July 13
Rare paintings and personal artifacts from her time abroad.
Dressed in History: Costume Retrospective
Chicago History Museum | Through July 27
A walk through Chicago’s fashion legacy—from streetwear to haute couture.
You Will Get Sick
Steppenwolf Theatre | Through July 13
A haunting, surreal play about truth and vulnerability.
Next Weekend Sneak Peek
Deeply Rooted Summer Dance Showcase
Logan Center for the Arts
🗓 July 11 at 7 p.m. | July 12 at 2 & 7 p.m.
Choreography from Gary Abbott and Ray Mercer.
All events subject to change. Check organizer websites for latest details.
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