Celebrate Independence Day in Chicago with a host of events, including iconic fireworks displays, vibrant parades, and lively festivals (Credit: Canva, Flickr/Andrew Reilly).
The Fourth of July holiday in Chicagoland is always a vibe, whether you’re watching fireworks at the lake or enjoying the holiday at a music festival. This year is no different. As fireworks light up the sky and grills go aflame, several events in the region offer prime Independence Day activities. Spoiler alert: There won’t actually be fireworks in Chicago on Independence Day (there will be on Saturday), but there are a number of suburbs that will carry on the tradition on July 4.
Here are some notable holiday weekend events worth checking out:
31st African/Caribbean International Festival of Life (IFOL)
- When: July 4-7
- This long-running, family-friendly event in Washington Park will feature the very best Reggae, Soul and World music. The Stylistics, Rose Royce, Blue Magic and Agent Sasco will perform. Bring your appetite, too, because vendors will be serving up Grade A jerk, seafood, and vegan dishes. We can’t think of a better family outing event than this one.
Blue Island Fourth of July Parade and Fireworks Show
- When: July 4
- A cherished Fourth of July tradition returns to Blue Island, uniting families, friends, and neighbors in a vibrant celebration of our nation’s independence. The parade starts at noon, running through the historic Uptown business district. The fireworks display will commence at Waterfall Park over the falls at 9 p.m.
Cedar Lake Summerfest in NW Indiana
- When: July 4-7
- Get ready for four days of fun at Summerfest! Enjoy tasty food, live music, a car show, carnival rides, and more. Don’t miss the fireworks shows on July 5 and 6 at 9:30 p.m. For the full schedule and more details, visit cedarlakesummerfest.com.
- When: July 4
- Crown Point’s festivities start with a parade at 11 a.m. In the evening, head to the Lake County Fairgrounds for a dazzling fireworks show at dusk. For more details, visit crownpoint.in.gov.
DeKalb Fourth of July Celebration
- When: July 4, 2 to 10 p.m.
- Location: Hopkins Park, DeKalb
- The city of DeKalb has a jam-packed day of excitement, featuring an Independence Day Run, animal show, games, live music, delicious food, and more. The fireworks will dazzle 30 minutes after sunset.
Des Plaines Independence Day Celebration
- When: July 4
- The Independence Day parade kicks off on July 4 at Center Street and Wicke Avenue. For the complete parade route, visit www.desplaines.com.
East Chicago Independence Day Celebration
- When: July 3, 9 p.m.
- East Chicago’s citywide fireworks show will light up the sky a day early. For more details, visit eastchicago.com.
Elgin Fourth of July parade, concert and fireworks
- When: July 4
- Elgin is pulling out all the stops this Fourth of July with a day packed full of fun! Enjoy a parade, pet parade, concert, and a spectacular fireworks show starting around 9:30 p.m.
Evanston’s 4th of July Celebration
- When: July 4
- This lively celebration features a parade, games, a Fun Run, fireworks, and much more. The parade kicks off at 2 p.m., journeying east on Central Street from Central Park Avenue to Ashland Avenue. Cap off the evening with a mesmerizing fireworks display at Dawes Park, beginning at 9:30 p.m.
- When: July 3, 9 p.m.; July 6, 10 p.m.
- The most iconic Independence Day activity in Chicago will have fireworks shows on Wednesday and this Saturday. Bring your loved ones and some binoculars.
Fireworks at Six Flags Great America in Gurnee
- When: July 4-6, 9:45 p.m.
- Location: Six Flags Great America, Gurnee
- Rollercoasters, rides, fireworks, oh my! It’s all happening at Six Flags Great America, which hosts nightly fireworks this holiday weekend.
Munster Independence Day Fireworks Show
- When: July 3, 6 to 11 p.m.
- Location: Centennial Park
- Munster’s Independence Day celebration is packed with live music, delicious food, and a lively beer garden. Don’t miss the spectacular fireworks show at 9:30 p.m.
Oak Lawn Park District fireworks
- When: July 4
- Location: 10601 Central Ave., Oak Lawn
- Prepare for a memorable night as fireworks illuminate the sky at Oak Lawn’s show. The event will take place at Richards High School at dusk.
Skokie Fireworks Festival and Parade
- When: July 4
- Get ready for a full day of fun in Skokie. The Fourth of July festivities kick off with a parade at noon. After the parade, head to Niles West High School for games and live music all evening, and then cap off the night with a spectacular fireworks show around 9:30 p.m. For more details, visit www.skokieparks.org.
- When: July 4
- Location: Veterans Park
- South Holland’s Independence Day celebration at Veterans Park will last all day, wrapping up with a dazzling fireworks display after dark. A vibe for the whole family.
- When: July 5-7
- Location: Rotary Hill, Naperville
- Naperville’s hometown Independence Day celebration features concerts, delicious food, fun family activities, and a spectacular fireworks show.
- When: July 4-7
- Fireworks, live music, kiddie rides and most importantly, ribs. Lots of them for three days this holiday weekend.