[title]
It’s official: Fireworks are lighting up the Chicago skies this weekend in celebration of Independence Day. But instead of the usual Navy Pier show—which was officially canceled last month—the City of Chicago will host its first city-run 4th of July fireworks display in more than a decade on July 3, launching a high-altitude show along the lakefront as part of Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s "Open Chicago" initiative.
The city announced the news Friday after teasing a show over the past few weeks, including in an announcement last month about new "Open Culture" programming and festivals. According to a news release, it's intended as a celebration of the newly-reopened city as well as Chicagoans' efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19.
"Putting on a grandiose fireworks display to celebrate both our city's reopening and Independence Day is an excellent way to kick off the summer we've all been waiting for," Lightfoot said in a release.
Unlike previous shows, these fireworks will be launched at a high altitude, meaning they'll be visible across a broader distance. For best results, head to the lakefront, where the display will be viewable from Grand Avenue until "at least" 55th Street, city officials said.
The city's fireworks show kicks off at 9:30pm on July 3. Bring a blanket and a radio, if you have one—WBBM Newsradio 780 AM and 105.9 FM will broadcast an accompanying musical soundtrack. And if you can't make the city's fireworks show, check out all the other dazzling displays lighting up Chicagoland this weekend.