The Fourth of July weekend is ready to light up the Chicago area, with fireworks shows scheduled from the lakefront to the far suburbs. Navy Pier will anchor the city celebration with what it calls the largest and longest Independence Day display in its history, while dozens of communities across Chicagoland will host their own fireworks, parades, concerts, food festivals and family events.
If you’re downtown, Navy Pier will mark the 250th anniversary with its largest and longest fireworks show to date. The extended 15-minute display begins at 10 p.m. on July 4. Earlier in the day, Hyde Park hosts its annual parade at 11 a.m. along 53rd Street and South Lake Park Avenue, followed by a free festival from noon to 3 p.m. at Nichols Park.
Of course, because this is Chicago in July, the forecast may try to get dramatic. Strong or severe storms could affect some celebrations, so check with individual towns before heading out.
Here is a town-by-town look at Chicago-area fireworks and Fourth of July events from NBC 5.
Friday, July 3
Aurora
Aurora will host its annual fireworks display on July 3, with prime viewing at RiverEdge Park and McCullough Park. Fireworks are scheduled for 9:15 p.m. The city’s Fourth of July parade steps off the next morning at 10 a.m. from Benton Street and Broadway Street.
Berwyn
Berwyn will celebrate with fireworks at dusk on July 3 at Morton West High School.
Bridgeview
The Bridgeview Park District will host its Independence Day Celebration at Commissioners Park on July 3. Fireworks are expected to begin around 9:15 p.m.
Burr Ridge
Burr Ridge will gather at Walker Park for a July 3 celebration. Food vendors and family activities begin at 5:30 p.m., with fireworks at dusk.
Deerfield
Deerfield Family Days includes fireworks at approximately 9:15 p.m. on July 3 at Shepard Park. The community’s Independence Day Parade follows July 4 at noon, beginning at Deerspring Pool.
Glencoe
Glencoe will stretch its celebration across two days, with July 3 fireworks at 9 p.m. at Lakefront Park. A party in the park starts at 5 p.m., while bike decorating begins earlier at 2:30 p.m. at Wyman Green. The July 4 parade begins at 11:30 a.m. in downtown Glencoe.
Lemont
Lemont’s fireworks will begin at 9:30 p.m. on July 3 at Centennial Park. The celebration starts at 4 p.m. with food vendors, a kids zone and student performances, followed by Whiskey Road Band at 6 p.m.
Lisle
Lisle will launch fireworks at 9:30 p.m. on July 3 at Community Park. A July 4 parade begins at 10 a.m. at Lisle Junior High School, followed by an ice cream social at The Museums of Lisle Station Park.
Lockport
Lockport will hold its fireworks show at dusk on July 3 in Dellwood Park.
Mokena
Mokena’s July 3 festivities begin at 4 p.m. in Main Park with kids’ games, music and a food truck fest. Fireworks follow at 9:30 p.m. A July 4 parade begins at 10 a.m. near Wolf Road and LaPorte Road and ends at Granite Drive.
Oak Brook
Oak Brook’s fireworks are part of the annual Taste of Oakbrook at the Village Sports Core Fields. Gates open at 2 p.m. on July 3, with fireworks following a drone show at 9:30 p.m.
Palos Heights
Palos Heights will host a full day of July 3 activities at Memorial Park beginning at 10 a.m., including games, food vendors and live bands. Fireworks are scheduled for 9:15 p.m. A July 4 parade begins at noon on Harlem Avenue.
Palatine
Palatine’s fireworks are part of the Palatine Jaycees Hometown Fest, running July 2-5. Fireworks are scheduled for dusk on July 3 at Community Park, with a parade set for 10:30 a.m. on July 4.
Park Ridge
Park Ridge will light up the sky at dusk on July 3 at Maine East High School. A dance party begins at 6:30 p.m., followed by live music at 8 p.m.
Romeoville
Romeoville is promising its “biggest, brightest, most explosive fireworks show ever,” with two simultaneous displays at 9:30 p.m. on July 3. Fireworks will launch from Village Park and Discovery Park.
Wheaton
Wheaton’s fireworks begin at 9 p.m. on July 3 at Graf Park. Games, music, giveaways and other activities begin at 5:30 p.m. A July 4 parade starts at 10 a.m. in downtown Wheaton.
Wilmette
Wilmette’s Fun and Fireworks celebration begins at 5 p.m. on July 3 at Gillson Park, with fireworks at dusk. Earlier in the day, the 5K dash starts at 8 a.m., followed by the Star Spangled Splash at 1 p.m. in Centennial Park.
Saturday, July 4
Antioch
Antioch’s fireworks begin at dusk on July 4 at Sequoit Creek Park. The day also includes a 10:30 a.m. parade from Antioch Community High School and festivities at William E. Brook Entertainment Center beginning at 4 p.m.
Bartlett
Bartlett’s four-day festival takes place near Stearns Road and Bartlett Road, with fireworks set for 9:30 p.m. on July 4. The celebration wraps with a parade at 1 p.m. on July 5.
Beecher
Beecher’s Fourth of July Festival runs July 1-4 at Firemen’s Park with food, raffles, music, bingo and more. A parade is scheduled for July 4, followed by fireworks at dusk.
Bensenville
Bensenville’s LibertyFest begins with a 10 a.m. parade at 12 S. Center Street and ends with fireworks at 9:30 p.m., launched from the Public Works Facility.
Blue Island
Blue Island will host fireworks at dusk on July 4 at Memorial Park. The day also includes a noon parade traveling south on Western Avenue from Prairie to Grove, with music and vendors beginning at 3 p.m.
Bolingbrook
Bolingbrook’s will take place at dusk on July 4 at Bolingbrook Golf Club. VIP viewing pods are available by reservation, with remote viewing also available at Eichelberger Elementary School, John F. Kennedy Middle School and Plainfield East High School. Gates open at 3 p.m. for music, food, games and more.
Buffalo Grove
Buffalo Grove will present their display at 9 p.m. on July 4 at Willow Stream Park. The Buffalo Grove Symphonic Band performs at 7 p.m.
Carol Stream
Carol Stream’s fireworks are scheduled for 9:15 p.m. on July 4 at the Carol Stream Town Center. Food concessions and entertainment will lead into the show.
DeKalb
DeKalb’s fireworks are scheduled for approximately 9:30 p.m. on July 4 at Hopkins Park. The day includes food vendors, DJ entertainment and a performance by the DeKalb Municipal Band.
Downers Grove and Woodridge
Downers Grove and Woodridge will share a display at 9:30 p.m. on July 4 near 75th Street and Lemont Road. A picnic begins at 11 a.m. at Castaldo Park.
Elgin
Elgin’s fireworks begin around 9:20 p.m. on July 4 at Festival Park. The day starts with a parade and pet parade at 9 a.m., followed by afternoon festivities at 5 p.m. with live music, food, a pie-eating contest and more.
Elk Grove Village
Elk Grove Village will host fireworks at approximately 9:30 p.m. on July 4 at Rotary Green. Live music begins at 8 p.m.
Evanston
Evanston’s lakefront fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m. on July 4. The day includes morning games at five locations, a kids fun run at 12:45 p.m. and a parade at 2 p.m. from Central Park Avenue.
Frankfort
Frankfort will launch fireworks at approximately 9:15 p.m. on July 4 at Main Park. The park opens at 6:30 p.m., with DJ entertainment beginning at 7 p.m.
Glenview
Glenview’s fireworks are set for 9:20 p.m. on July 4 at Gallery Park. A live DJ and food vendors begin at 6 p.m., followed by the Glenview Concert Band at 7 p.m. Earlier in the day, a bike parade starts at 11:15 a.m. at Jackman Park, followed by the main parade at 11:20 a.m. at Harlem Road and Glenview Road.
Glen Ellyn
Glen Ellyn will host fireworks at dusk on July 4 at Lake Ellyn Park. A parade begins at noon in downtown Glen Ellyn.
Itasca
After canceling its 2025 festivities, Itasca returns with fireworks at 9:45 p.m. on July 4 at Hamilton Lakes. The park opens at 4:30 p.m., with music beginning at 5 p.m. General admission is free.
Lake Forest
Lake Forest will host fireworks on July 4 at Deerpath Community Park following live music from Fletcher Rockwell and the Freddy Jones Band.
Lake Zurich
Lake Zurich’s fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m. on July 4 at Paulus Park. Family Day festivities start at 10 a.m. with music and food vendors.
Libertyville
Libertyville’s fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m. on July 4 at Butler Lake. The Village Band performs earlier at 7:30 p.m. at the Band Shell.
Lincolnshire
Lincolnshire will host their party at 9:30 p.m. on July 4 at Spring Lake Park. A parade begins at 10 a.m., followed by activities, food and games. Additional activities take place July 3 at North Park beginning at 3 p.m.
Lombard
Lombard’s fireworks are scheduled for approximately 9:30 p.m. on July 4 at Madison Meadow Park.
Morton Grove
Morton Grove’s fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m. on July 4 at Harrer Park/Civic Center. The show is part of Morton Grove Days, which runs July 2-5. The July 4 schedule includes a 2:30 p.m. parade, followed by food, entertainment and activities.
Mount Prospect
Mount Prospect will launch fireworks at 9 p.m. on July 4 at Melas Park. The larger celebration runs July 1-5 with music, food and carnival rides.
Mundelein
Mundelein’s fireworks are scheduled for 9:30 p.m. on July 4 at Courtland Commons as part of Mundelein Community Days. The July 2-5 celebration includes live entertainment, a kids zone and bingo.
Naperville
Naperville’s fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m. on July 4 at Frontier Sports Complex. The Naperville Municipal Band performs at 7:30 p.m. under the Wagner Pavilion.
New Lenox
New Lenox will light up the sky at 9:20 p.m. on July 4 in the Village Commons. Live music begins at 6 p.m.
Northbrook
Northbrook’s fireworks can be viewed from Meadowhill Park and Techny Prairie Park and Fields at dusk on July 4. The day includes activities and a 4 p.m. parade starting west of Westmoor School.
North Riverside
North Riverside will launch fireworks at dusk on July 4 at the Village Commons. A parade begins at 10 a.m. at 9th Avenue and 26th Street.
Oak Lawn
Oak Lawn’s fireworks are set for dusk on July 4 at Richards High School. The village’s parade takes place earlier, on June 27, beginning at 10 a.m. at 95th Street and LaCrosse Avenue, followed by a post-parade celebration on the Village Green.
Orland Park
Orland Park will host fireworks at 9:30 p.m. on July 4 at Centennial Park West. A concert begins at 5:30 p.m.
Oswego
Oswego’s fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m. on July 4 at Prairie Point Park.
Rockford
Rockford’s fireworks launch at 9:30 p.m. on July 4 from the Jefferson Street Bridge. The day also includes live entertainment, vendors and additional downtown activities.
Rosemont
Rosemont’s fireworks will be part of the Rockin’ in the Park series. The July 4 display follows the Rockin’ in the USA show.
Schaumburg
Schaumburg will host big booms July 4 following the Schaumburg Boomers baseball game at Wintrust Field.
Skokie
Skokie’s fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m. on July 4 at Niles West High School. A festival with activities begins at 6:30 p.m.
St. Charles
St. Charles will host fireworks at dark on July 4, with Langum Park and Mt. St. Mary Park recommended as viewing locations. Food trucks, DJ entertainment and other activities will take place at both parks during the day.
Tinley Park
Tinley Park’s fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m. on July 4 at McCarthy Park. Festivities start at 6 p.m. with food trucks, face painting and more.
Vernon Hills
Vernon Hills will launch fireworks at 9:15 p.m. on July 4 at Century Park. A parade through the Deerpath neighborhood begins at 9 a.m.
Warrenville
Warrenville’s fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m. on July 4 at Cerny Park. The day also includes a kids parade and entertainment beginning at noon.
Westmont
Westmont will host fireworks at approximately 9:30 p.m. on July 4 at Ty Warner Park. Food trucks, games, live music and other activities begin at 4 p.m.
Winnetka
Winnetka’s party begins at 9:20 p.m. on July 4 and can be viewed from Duke Childs Field. A parade starts at 10 a.m. from Elm Street and Glendale Avenue.
Yorkville
Yorkville’s display is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. on July 4 from the corner of Route 47 and Countryside Parkway. A parade begins at 9 a.m. at Yorkville High School.
Not in the mood for crowds? Chicago’s Independence Day celebrations will be easy to catch from home, with live coverage available on local TV and streaming platforms. NBC 5 Chicago and ABC7 Chicago will both carry major holiday broadcasts, including coverage of Navy Pier’s historic Fourth of July celebration and fireworks shows from across the suburbs.
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