I don’t know about you, but we’re just about falling into our summer routine when the Fourth of July comes along to shake things up. I love it! Not only do I love celebrating independence and freedom, but it’s a kick in the butt. It’s a reminder that summer is filled with amazing opportunities for fun and excitement, but it’s also moving fast, so sometimes we need to relinquish the schedule and find adventure.
Looking for some explosive fun? Find parades and fireworks in your area with this Fourth of July guide! Before attending, PLEASE check the link. Some events may be cancelled or postponed depending on the weather or other factors, and even though I do my best there’s always the possibility I’ve made a typo. Most events are free, but some do charge a fee for parking. See the websites for admission or parking fees.
Multiple days
Navy Pier – Every Wednesday night at 9:30 pm and every Saturday night at 10:15 pm, through September, with a special 4th of July display on Thursday, July 4.
Lisle– Eyes to the Skies Festival July 4-6. Festivities begin earlier in the day, fireworks at 9:45 pm each night of the festival, with a special display on July 4.
Wednesday, July 3
Cary – Festivities begin at 6:30, then fireworks. (Parking is $5-$10)
Burr Ridge – Festivities begin at 5:30 pm, fireworks at dusk.
Deerfield – Festivities at 5:00 pm, fireworks at dusk. Deerfield Family Days July 3-4.
Evergreen Park – Parade at 6:30 pm, fireworks at dusk.
Hawthorn Woods – Music at 6:00 pm, fireworks at 9:30 pm.
Lemont – Festivities begin at 4:00 pm, fireworks at 9:30 pm.
Wheaton – Festivities begin at 5:00 pm, fireworks at 9:00 pm.
Thursday, July 4
Antioch – Parade at 10:30 am with activities to follow and fireworks at dusk.
Aurora – Parade at 10:00 am.
Barrington – Parade at 10:00 am, fireworks at dusk. Fourth of July Festival July 3-6.
Bartlett – Fireworks at 9:30 pm. Fourth of July Fest July 3-7.
Bolingbrook – Festivities begin at 3:00 pm, fireworks at dusk.
Buffalo Grove – Concert at 7:00 pm, fireworks at 9:15 pm.
Carol Stream – Parade at 10:00 am.
Deerfield – Parade at noon. Deerfield Family Days July 3-4.
Downers Grove – Parade at 1:00 pm, fireworks at 9:30 pm.
Elk Grove Village – Concert at 7:30 pm; fireworks to follow.
Evanston – Festivities begin at 9:00 am, parade at 2:00 pm, fireworks at 9:15 pm.
Frankfort – Festivities begin at 5:00 pm, fireworks at dusk.
Glen Ellyn – Parade at Noon, festivities following, fireworks at dusk.
Glenview – Parade at 11:15 am, concert at 7:00 pm followed by fireworks.
Hawthorn Woods – Parade at 10:00 am.
Highland Park – Parades at 9:30 & 10:00 am, festivities throughout the day, fireworks at dusk.
Hoffman Estates – Parade at 9:00 am, festivities throughout the day. Fireworks at 9:30 pm. Northwest Fourth Fest July 3-7.
Itasca – Festivities begin at 4:00 pm, fireworks at 9:45 pm. On-site parking for $25.
Lake Bluff – Parade at 10:00 am.
Lake Forest – Festivities begin at 5:00 pm, fireworks at 9:40 pm. Tickets are $15-$20.
Lake Zurich – Festivities begin at 10:00 am, fireworks at 9:15 pm.
Libertyville – Concert at 7:30 pm, fireworks at 9:30 pm.
Lincolnshire – Festivities throughout the day; parade at 11:00 am, fireworks at dusk. Red, White, & Boom July 3-4.
Mokena – Parade at 10:00 am, festivities begin at 6:30 pm, fireworks at dusk.
Morton Grove – Parade at 2:30 pm, festivities, fireworks at dusk. Morton Grove Days July 3-6.
Mundelein – Fireworks at 9:30 pm. Mundelein Community Days July 4-7.
Naperville – Ribfest July 3-6, fireworks at 9:30 pm.
Northbrook – Festivities throughout the day, parade at 2:15 pm, fireworks at dusk.
Oak Brook – Taste of Oak Brook begins at 4:00 pm, fireworks at dusk.
Oak Lawn – Parade at 10:00 am. Festivities throughout the day and fireworks at dusk.
Oak Park – Parade at 10:00 am.
Palos Heights – Festivities at 4:30 pm, fireworks at 9:15 pm.
Park Ridge– Festivities begin at 6:30 pm, fireworks at dusk.
Plainfield – Festivities at 6:00 pm, fireworks at dusk.
Romeoville – Festivities at 6:00 pm, fireworks at 9:30 pm.
Skokie – Parade at Noon, festivities at 5:00 pm followed by 3D fireworks.
St. Charles – Concert at 6:00 pm, fireworks at dusk.
Tinley Park – Festivities begin at 4:00 pm, fireworks at 9:15 pm.
Vernon Hills – Parade at 9:00 am. Festivities begin at 6:30 pm, fireworks at dusk.
Wauconda – Fireworks at dusk.
Waukegan – Festivities begin at 1:00 pm, with fireworks at dusk.
Wheaton – Parade at 10:00 am.
Winnetka – Parade at 10:00 am, festivities following, fireworks at 9:20 pm.
Woodstock – Fireworks at 9:15 pm. Parking $8.
Yorkville– Parade at 9:00 am, festivities until noon; fireworks at dusk.
Zion – Festivities begin at 8:30 am, fireworks at 9:30 pm.
Friday, July 5
Palatine – Fireworks at dusk. Festival July 3-7.
Saturday, July 6
Palatine – Parade at 11:00 am. Festival July 3-7.
Sunday, July 7
Crystal Lake – Parade at 1:00 pm. Fireworks at dusk (beach admission fees apply). Lakeside Festival July 4-7.
Mundelein – Parade at 2:00 pm. Mundelein Community Days July 4-7.
