Chicago Fourth of July - Overview:
Chicago celebrates Independence Day with fireworks over Lake Michigan, the symphony outside, great food at the Taste of Chicago, and kids lighting firecrackers in just about every neighborhood. This year, the celebration falls on Friday, July 3. Find classic ways of celebrating Independence Day in Chicago here.
Chicago Fourth of July - Music:
Get your patriotic music fix at the Petrillo Music Shell on Friday night, July 3 beginning at 7:30 p.m. The 85th Army band will play this year. Their musical selection is yet to be announced.
Fireworks follow. (See below.)
On Saturday, July 4, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Grant Park Music Festival will play their first Independence Day concert at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park. The music will begin at 1:30 p.m. with visitors invited to picnic beforehand. Activities will continue in Millennium Park throughout the day.
Fireworks follow. (See below.)
On Saturday, July 4, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Grant Park Music Festival will play their first Independence Day concert at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park. The music will begin at 1:30 p.m. with visitors invited to picnic beforehand. Activities will continue in Millennium Park throughout the day.
Chicago Fourth of July - Fireworks:
Chicago launches its Fourth of July fireworks extravaganza on Friday, July 3 at about 9 p.m. after the concert (see above). Tune to 101.9 FM for the radio simulcast "fireworks soundtrack."
Please note that the City of Chicago has issued the following announcement regarding "staking your plot of land:" Fireworks fans staking their plot of land at the festival will not be allowed onto Taste grounds until 10:45 a.m. on July 3.
You can also catch a patriotic fireworks display the following night, Saturday, July 4 at 10:15 p.m., courtesy of Navy Pier.
(See Navy Pier's summer fireworks schedule.)
Please note that the City of Chicago has issued the following announcement regarding "staking your plot of land:" Fireworks fans staking their plot of land at the festival will not be allowed onto Taste grounds until 10:45 a.m. on July 3.
You can also catch a patriotic fireworks display the following night, Saturday, July 4 at 10:15 p.m., courtesy of Navy Pier.
(See Navy Pier's summer fireworks schedule.)
Chicago Fourth of July - Location:
Chicago's Fourth of July fireworks can be viewed along much of its lakefront, but its focal points are Grant Park and Navy Pier.
Grant Park - Fast Facts and Info
Grant Park - Fast Facts and Info
Chicago Fourth of July and Taste of Chicago:
The Taste of Chicago is well-coordinated with Fourth of July so that you can have your hot dog and patriotism, too. More about Taste of Chicago on Fourth of July.
Chicago Fourth of July - Baseball:
The Chicago Cubs are home against Milwaukee beginning Thursday, July 2 and running through Sunday, July 5. They play Atlanta at home beginning Monday, July 6. Where to Buy Chicago Cubs Tickets
The Chicago White Sox are away at Kansas City beginning Thursday, July 2 through Sunday, July 5. Where to Buy Chicago White Sox Tickets
The Chicago White Sox are away at Kansas City beginning Thursday, July 2 through Sunday, July 5. Where to Buy Chicago White Sox Tickets
Chicago Fourth of July - Cruises:
Odyssey cruises offer a range of holiday outings on the water. Find their schedule and buy tickets.
Find Shoreline Sightseeing's fireworks cruises.
Find Spirit of Chicago Independence Day Cruises.
Find Shoreline Sightseeing's fireworks cruises.
Find Spirit of Chicago Independence Day Cruises.
Fourth of July Weekend - Hot Dogs:
Vienna Beef Factory - Notes from a Hot Dog Conversation
Read what going to the Vienna Beef Factory store is like and learn more about how you can save big on Fourth of July hot dogs.
Hot Dog Trivia
A great way to use some of your idle time this summer is to acquire useless hot dog information that you'll be chatting about around the grill.
Great Chicago Hot Dog Restaurants
Get 'cher red hots.
Read what going to the Vienna Beef Factory store is like and learn more about how you can save big on Fourth of July hot dogs.
Hot Dog Trivia
A great way to use some of your idle time this summer is to acquire useless hot dog information that you'll be chatting about around the grill.
Great Chicago Hot Dog Restaurants
Get 'cher red hots.