guides

Our 2025 Guide to Unique Ways to Celebrate the 4th of July in Chicago

Have fun and stay safe!

By Debra Flanagan, Publisher June 24, 2025

Glittering lights, raining colors, and blazing sounds. When you think of the Fourth of July, what do you think of? The same word comes to mind everywhere, "fireworks." But they are just the icing on the cake. There are so many ways to celebrate our nation's Independence Day in Chicago, with exciting activities and events, all week long. And of course, we have all the parades and firework shows for you too!

Enjoy Live Music in a Beautiful Setting

Navy Pier: Live on the Lake!
The free concert series is scheduled on Saturdays and Sundays from May 23rd to September 1st. The series includes live music from multiple bands with most of the concerts beginning at 4:30pm and ending around 9:45pm.
Navy Pier Fireworks will be on Saturday, July 5th only at 10pm.

Parkway Bank Park “Rockin’ in the Park”
“Rockin’ in the Park” concerts run from 7pm-10pm every Thursday and select Fridays, beginning on May 25th and ending August 29th. Admission to “Rockin’ in the Park” is free. Outside food and coolers are prohibited. Parking is available at the Parkway Bank Park parking garage and is free with validation from any of the park’s venues. Food and beverage tents will be available on the park’s great lawn. 


Go to an Amusement or Adventure Park

Six Flags Great America
Enjoy heart-pounding thrills rides like the Maxx Force or Revolution, and make a splash on Loggers Run. Plus enjoy fireworks shows July 3rd-5th each night at 9:45pm

Santa's Village Amusement and Water Park 
There's never a bad day to visit Santa's Village Amusement and Water Park, but what a great way to spend July 4th. We are nearly halfway to Christmas after all.

2025 Santa's Village Amusement & Water Park 

View deal on CertifiKID

The Forge: Lemont Quarries 
July 6th, 3pm - Sing along to all your favorite Disney hits with The Little Mermen, the ultimate Disney tribute concert for fanatics of all ages. Or, just take advantage of a full day off on all the obstacles and adventures at The Forge: Lemont Quarries. 

The Forge: Lemont Quarries - The Largest Adventure Park in the USA! 
A 300-acre outdoor playground for adults - and kids!!

View deal on CertifiKID

Volo Auto Museum: Kids FREE Every Monday in July!


Enjoy a Favorite Sporting Event

Chicago Cubs, Wrigley Field - Chicago
Cubs are in town July 1st-6th versus the St. Louis Cardinals. On July 6th, the first 10,000 fans 21 years of age or older to enter the ballpark will pick up a Red, White & Cubbie Blue Hawaiian Shirt. Don't forget to get your tickets!

Chicago Dogs Game, Impact Field - Rosemont
The Dogs bring summer, baseball and families together for a festival of fun, with themed Saturdays and fireworks after all Thursday and Saturday games. The Dogs will play at home July 4th-10th. One July 4th, all in attendance will receive a promotional flag.

NASCAR Chicago Street Race - Chicago Loop
July 5-6th, with a lineup of top-tier racing, headline musical acts, and a picturesque city circuit, this event promises an unforgettable experience for fans of high-speed action. Kids 12 and under are FREE.

Schaumburg Boomers, Wintrust Stadium - Schaumburg
There will be post-game fireworks on July 3rd-July 5th. The show on the 5th will include drones. On July 4th, the first 1,500 fans will receive a Boomers Patriotic Bucket Hat.


Head Out of the City 
With the 4th landing on a Friday this year, its a great excuse for an extra long weekend getaway.

Grand Geneva Resort and Spa: Independence Day Celebration
Situated on 1,300 acres in the woodlands of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, The Grand Geneva Resort and Spa will host its annual fireworks display on July 3, 2025. The day will be filled with music, games, and activities for resort guests. Reserve your spot for dinner and then enjoy the dazzling display. 

If you can't make it up there for the 3rd, don't worry. Every Sunday between Memorial Day and Labor Day guests will be treated to a Sunday evening fireworks show. Grand Geneva has tons of other experiences too: swimming, horse-back riding, volleyball, and a trolley tour making it perfect for a quick vacay!

You can catch the fireworks from the Timber Ridge Lodge as well.

The Abbey Resort
Celebrate Independence Day with games and activities all day long. On July 4th, join for fun in the sun with inflatable activities and harborside games during the day and get the best seat in the house for the Village of Fontana fireworks at night in the Village of Fontana.




While there is much else to do, it still wouldn't be the 4th of July without parades and fireworks, and there are plenty of ways to see some locally:

CITY

The Lakeshore
While there will be no official, organized, firework shows on the lake on July 4th, private citizens will shoot off an endless barrage and they will impress! Grab a blanket and a cooler, lie back and enjoy!

Saddle and Cycle Club
The firework display at the Saddle and Cycle Club, at Foster Ave. and Marine Dr. is a bit of a Northside secret. While it is meant for members only, you can easily grab a first class seat to the spectacle on Foster Beach or even Margate Park. This year's event is scheduled for dusk (apx 9pm) on Friday, July 4th.

Winnemac Park
Winnemac Park in Chicago is hosting its second annual "Winnemac Fourth for All" event on July 4, 2025, a community celebration without fireworks.The event, produced by the Winnemac Park Advisory Council, will feature a variety of family-friendly activities, including a disc golf tournament, music, food trucks, and a performance by Full Moon Jam.

SUBURBS

Evanston Parade and Fireworks
July 4th, 2025
Evanston is celebrating its’ 101st Independence Day!
9:00am: Morning games at six locations. Activities include Frisbee, jump rope competitions, sack races, pie and watermelon eating contests, and more.
12:45pm: Kids Fun Run - Children age 10 years and younger are then invited to take part in the half-mile tradition at Ackerman Park. Register Here.
2:00pm: The award-winning Evanston 4th of July Parade.
7:30pm: Concert begins at Dawes Park.
9:30pm: Lakefront fireworks. 

Glenview 4th of July Celebration
July 4th, 2025
11:15am: The 4th of July Bike Parade, through downtown Glenview
6pm: Celebration in Gallery Park with a DJ, food vendors, and live band
9:20pm: Fireworks

Niles Parade and Post Parade Fest
July 4th, 2025
8:45am: The parade steps off from the Notre Dame College Prep parking lot, proceeding down Ozark Avenue to Main Street, then Main to Harlem Avenue, past St. John Brebeuf Catholic Church to Monroe Street, and Monroe to Oketo Avenue, ending at Grennan Heights Park.
10:30am-2:00pm: Park District’s Post-Parade Family Fest at Grennan Heights Park. The fest at Grennan Heights is expected to include entertainment, kid’s play areas, food, and games.

Skokie Parade and Festival
July 4th, 2025
Noon: Downtown Parade - Floats, marching bands, and more! (Lincoln and Niles Center to Oakton and Skokie Blvd.)
6:30pm: Niles West High School Gates open. Live music, family activities, and a spectacular fireworks show after dusk. (The fireworks rain date is July 5.)

Wilmette Fun and Fireworks
July 3rd, 2025 in Gillson Park
Enjoy the free family event beginning at 5pm. There will be food vendors, live music, performers, and a fireworks show to kick off the 4th a day early.

Wilmette Star Spangled Splash
July 3, 2025 at Centennial Park 1pm-3pm
Come out and enjoy carnival games, face painting, bounce houses, confetti fireworks, and more! Centennial Pools are open 2pm-6pm on July 3. Residents receive FREE pool access for the day. Daily fee applies for non-residents.

Wilmette Yankee Doodle Dash 5K
July 3, 2025 in Gillson Park at 8am
Runners will receive a fabulous event shirt, event swag and a participant medal to show off to all your friends.