The Fourth of July isn’t just about commemorating the Declaration of Independence—it's also a celebration of all things wonderful about summer in Chicago. Whether you’re soaking up the sun with beach days, attending summer festivals or catching stunning fireworks shows, you’ll find plenty of ways to keep busy as holiday festivities roll into town. If you're looking to skip town, load up the car and take a short drive for a summer getaway from Chicago or to visit a beautiful state park. So ready for an amazing Independence Day? Plan your celebrations with the help of our guide to the Fourth of July in Chicago.
What is there to do in Chicago on the Fourth of July?
It's not Fourth of July without fireworks! You can catch Navy Pier's fireworks show on Wednesday, July 3, starting at 9pm. If you prefer to escape downtown crowds, check out festivals, parades and fireworks hosted by nearby suburbs like Lake Forest and Mount Prospect.