Chicago Fourth of July Weekend Fills With Parades, Free Concerts and Fireworks as Navy Pier, Grant Park and Suburbs Host Events
CHICAGO, IL — Chicago is packed with Independence Day weekend events, from neighborhood parades and museum exhibits to free concerts and fireworks shows across the city and suburbs. The lineup also ties into America’s 250th anniversary with several special celebrations.
Hyde Park parade and Brookfield Zoo anchor family-friendly holiday plans
The 4th on 53rd Parade in Hyde Park steps off at 11 a.m. on Saturday, followed by a free festival with performances, games, bouncy houses, face painting, a petting zoo and magicians.
Brookfield Zoo is also offering America 250 programming, including a $2.50 admission deal for children ages 3-11 on July 4 and $17.76 family combo meals at its East Mall Beer Garden grill out.
Visitors can also find a free bald eagle craft and Zoo Chats focused on North American species and conservation stories.
Grant Park, Navy Pier and Jackson Park offer free music and fireworks views
The Grant Park Music Festival’s Independence Day salute begins at Pritzker Pavilion at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, giving classical music fans a free holiday concert under the skyline.
Navy Pier is hosting free outdoor sets at its Beer Garden on July 4, with Fernando Jones at 4:30 p.m. and RICO at 7:35 p.m. before the fireworks.
The Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park is staging “The People’s Fourth” from 2 to 7 p.m. on July 4 with live music, performances and family activities.
Museums, sports and movie screenings expand the holiday lineup
The American Writers Museum is presenting “Declarations: 250 Years of Writing Toward Independence” from Friday through Sunday, with artifacts including an 1832 William Stone print of the Declaration of Independence and a 1776 British edition of Thomas Paine’s Common Sense.
Other options include the Cubs hosting the St. Louis Cardinals at Wrigley Field, World Cup watch parties at Recess in the West Loop, and rooftop movie screenings at The Emily Hotel in Fulton Market.
Visitors can also skate at Navy Pier’s former Crystal Gardens space or watch ART on THE MART’s July 2-5 Independence Day projection across the 25-story digital installation.
Rosemont festival and Chicago River cruises add more ways to watch fireworks
Rosemont’s Parkway Bank Park is debuting the free Rockin’ in the USA festival with performances, food, drinks, games and a patriotic costume contest.
For a different view, First Lady cruises are offering a Chicago River fireworks package that departs at 7:45 p.m. and includes snacks and 3D glasses.
Chicago’s holiday weekend also includes lakefront and boat-based views of Navy Pier’s fireworks display, giving visitors multiple ways to end the night outdoors.
Keep up with Chicago Music Guide.
