Chicago’s Fourth of July Weekend Packs Fireworks, Comedy, Anime, Parades and Baseball for Fans of Every Age
CHICAGO, IL — Chicago’s holiday weekend is offering far more than fireworks, with a busy slate of festivals, performances and neighborhood gatherings spread across the city and nearby suburbs. The lineup ranges from anime and comedy to brass music, parades and family runs.
For readers looking to fill the long weekend, the options cover nearly every lane of summer fun, including sports, theater, food, music and community events built around Independence Day.
Anime, comedy and a hands-on food workshop set the tone early
One of the biggest draws is Anime Midwest, a three-day gathering at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont that brings together fans of video gaming, Japanese anime and manga. The event includes a music festival, cosplay performances and costume competitions.
In the city, The Second City’s 114th Mainstage Revue is offering “Pandemonium, Please Hold,” an improv and live music show at the Chicago Mainstage. On Saturday morning, Eataly Chicago is also hosting a Fourth of July board workshop, where attendees can build a salumi and formaggi spread for evening get-togethers.
Parades, concerts and community traditions anchor the holiday itself
Saturday’s schedule is packed with classic July Fourth traditions. In Elmhurst, the volunteer-run 4 on the 4th and Kids 1K returns for its 21st year, while Barrington’s White House will host the Barrington All-Star Brass Quintet with patriotic music before the Independence Day parade.
Chicago neighborhoods are also leaning into the day with the Village of Brookfield’s parade and its first designated quiet zone, plus Hyde Park’s 4th on 53rd Parade and Free Festival, which adds marching bands, decorated bikes, games and performances. Later in the evening, the Grant Park Music Festival’s Independence Day Salute continues a long-running city tradition at Millennium Park.
Baseball, flags, Pride and Broadway round out the rest of the weekend
Sports fans have a few notable options, including MLB Summer Drive-In at McHenry Outdoor Theater, where a screening of The Sandlot is paired with the Chicago Cubs’ game against the St. Louis Cardinals. The theater’s tickets were sold out as of June 21, though a contest for a carload pass remains available.
Other weekend highlights include Wheaton’s Field of Honor, with 2,000 American flags on display through July 4, the Pride South Side Festival at the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center on Sunday, and Broadway In Chicago’s Water For Elephants at the James M. Nederlander Theatre. Chicago Fire’s official fan zone is also hosting a World Cup watch party that runs through July 19.
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