4 With two cruise options, you won’t miss the boat for fireworks this year: Mercury presents the Third of July Fireworks Extravaganza, and Shoreline Sightseeing Fireworks Cruise casts off on Sat 5.

5 If you want big fireworks on the Fourth without the urban hazards, western ’burb Glen Ellyn sinks some major cash into their display. They’re even Ebaying a VIP Package with front-row seats on the Lake Ellyn Boat Dock—more bang for your buck.

6 On the hilly, northern side of the Grant Park it might be crowded, but you’ll notice little more than the trees, the night sky and—ready those finger batons-the Grant Park Orchestra playing Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture. The city’s fireworks (set off from Monroe Harbor) mark Independence Eve the night of Thu 3, as well as Fri 4. The park will be less bustling for Navy Pier’s post–Independence Day set on Sat 5.

7 For food-on-a-stick fearers, the Museum Campus’s lakefront is decidedly less teeming than most of downtown during the Taste of Chicago. Spread out a blanket and get an unhindered view of Thu 3’s city fireworks—which rise 1,200 feet and use more than 5,000 aerial devices—or take in the Pier and city’s double-bill display on Fri 4.

8 Promontory Point in Hyde Park (5491 S South Shore Dr) provides an unhindered view of downtown fireworks Thu 3–Sat 5. College kids and South Siders unite on this rocky bluff-also one of the most beautiful lake views in the city.