Residents in and around Chicago will be looking skyward on Friday to catch fireworks in celebration of Independence Day. But Chicago won’t have fireworks on Friday this year. The city’s official fireworks spectacular will take place at Navy Pier on July 5, according to Choose Chicago. The extended show, part of the pier’s summer fireworks series on Wednesdays and Saturdays, will be set to patriotic music.
For those looking to catch an official fireworks display throughout Independence Day weekend, here are several nearby shows in Chicago and the suburbs, organized by day.
Wednesday, July 2
Mount Prospect
The Lions Club in Mount Prospect will host its 86th annual 4th of July Festival beginning July 2 to celebrate Independence Day weekend. Festivities take place through July 6 at Melas Park, 1500 W. Central Road. The suburb will host a 15-minute fireworks show on July 2 starting at 9:30 p.m.
Thursday, July 3
Aurora
A fireworks display in Aurora will begin at dusk on July 3, with the best view at the riverside park across the street from the Metra station and its parking lot.
Musical performances and Independence Day celebrations will kick off at 6 p.m. on Thursday at McCullough Park, 150 W. Illinois Ave. Food trucks and local DJs Suavesmooth and Peña will be spinning at both locations.
Highland Park
The Park District of Highland Park starts its Independence Day festivities on July 3 with a community festival beginning at 5:30 p.m. To honor the lives of those who were killed in the 2022 Highland Park parade shooting, the City of Highland Park is hosting a remembrance at 9 a.m. on July 4 inside a temporary memorial in the Laurel Park Rose Garden, 1709 St. Johns Ave. An Independence Day parade will begin at 11 a.m. at First Street and Laurel Avenue through downtown Highland Park and end at Sunset Woods Park. In a release, officials said there will be no fireworks or drone shows this year to accommodate the “diverse array of community needs to balance,” but there will be food trucks, games and other attractions for families.
Friday, July 4
Evanston
Evanston’s annual Independence Day celebration on July 4 is more than 100 years old. Activities include a kids’ fun run, parade and a performance from the Palatine Concert Band. Lakefront fireworks kick off at 9:30 p.m.
Mount Prospect
The Lions Club in Mount Prospect will host its 86th annual 4th of July Festival beginning July 2 to celebrate Independence Day weekend. Festivities take place through July 6 at Melas Park, 1500 W. Central Road. The suburb will host a 30-minute spectacular beginning at 9:30 p.m. on July 4.
Northbrook
Independence Day fireworks begin at dusk in Northbrook on July 4.
The Village of Northbrook and Northbrook Park District will host a parade beginning at Westmoor Elementary School and a DJ later in the day at the Ed Rudolph Velodrome, 1479 Maple Ave., to prep for the nighttime extravaganza.
Oak Lawn
The Oak Lawn Park District presents its annual fireworks show on July 4. The show begins at dusk at Richards High School, 10601 Central Ave.
Skokie
Skokie’s Fireworks Festival on July 4 begins at noon with a parade stepping off at Lincoln Avenue and Oakton Street. Later, attendees can enjoy a live performance from Maggie Speaks and family-friendly activities. The fireworks display will begin at 9:30 p.m. at Niles West High School, 5701 Oakton St.
Tinley Park
The Village of Tinley Park and the Tinley Park Park District will host an Independence Day celebration on July 4 at McCarthy Park, 16801 S. 80th Ave. Festivities start at 4 p.m. with live performances, local food and entertainment for kids.
A fireworks show set to patriotic music starts at 9:30 p.m.
Westmont
The 25th annual Independence Day celebration in Westmont gets underway at 4 p.m. on July 4. Families can enjoy a petting zoo, live performances and food trucks, and are welcome to bring small grills and leashed, friendly dogs. The fireworks spectacular at Ty Warner Park, 800 Blackhawk Dr., kicks off at 9:30 p.m. The Westmont Park District recommends parking in the lots at Westmont High School or Westmont Junior High.
Winnetka
Winnetka’s July 4th fireworks display will begin at 9:20 p.m. at Duke Child’s Field, 1321 Willow Road. The Winnetka Park District has planned a full day of events starting early July 4 to celebrate Independence Day with a full schedule of activities, including a parade and a 5K run.
Winnemac Park, Chicago
Looking for a Fourth of July celebration that doesn’t include fireworks? Lincoln Square neighbors organized the Winnemac Fourth for All to welcome families and dogs looking for an escape from the stress that comes with Independence Day. For a second year, the Winnemac Park Advisory Council will host a full day of activities and celebrations on July 4. There will be food trucks, a yoga class, family-friendly performances and a disc golf tournament.
Saturday, July 5
Chicago, Navy Pier
Chicago has continued its summer tradition of fireworks at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., twice weekly through Aug. 30 on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Keeping with that schedule, a special Independence Day weekend show will take place on July 5 at 10 p.m. The pier will be open for crowds with bars, restaurants, lakefront boat tours and family-friendly activities, including rides on the nearly 200-foot-tall Ferris wheel.