July 4th is fast approaching which means it is time to start looking into how to celebrate Independence Day this year! After the last few years that we’ve been through the patriotic celebrations will no doubt be a huge blowout.
From fantastical firework displays to barbeques, fairs, family fun picnics, and the red, white, and blue explosion of color the Fourth of July is a time to come together and celebrate with friends and family. There is loads happening to fill your weekend so here are the best events happing throughout the city:
1. Fireworks at the Navy Pier
Live on the Lake is back and better than ever. This July 4th, enjoy performances from John Primer and Trippin’ Billies as you take in the stunning view. Starting at 1 PM, and going to 9 PM, the live show also lines up with the summer’s firework schedule. There are fireworks at Navy Pier all summer long, starting at 9 PM every Wednesday and 10 PM on Saturdays, but the 4th of July is a special occasion and calls for even more fanfare. Head to the Navy Pier in July for a special fireworks display, live music, and plenty of fun.
Address: 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL
2. The Independence Day Salute at Grant Park
Taking place at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, come together to celebrate the Fourth a few days early on Saturday, July 2nd, with a series of stunning musical renditions. From 7:30 to 9:30 PM, the Grant Park Orchestra and Chorus takes to the stage to demonstrate its soaring musical skills for a show-stopping event that’s sure to honor America.
Address: 201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL
3. Enjoy a stunning sunset cruise down the Chicago River‘
Taking place on July 3rd, make the most of the Independence Day weekend as you cruise down the Chicago River in style– on a decked-out boat with all your friends of course. Don’t forget to take in the optimal view as a DJ plays the best Top 40 hits. Enjoy endless drinks and plenty of fun on this 21+ booze cruise. Starting at 7:30 PM, the party doesn’t stop until 11 PM, so don your most fabulous red, white, and blue outfit and climb aboard, it’s time to celebrate!
Address: 900 South Wells St. Chicago, IL
4. Head to a family-friendly parade and picnic on 53rd
Celebrate the 4th with a classic parade in the city. Filled with floats, decked-out bikes, and more, the annual parade takes place in Hyde Park and is sure to be a fun time. The parade ends in Nichols Park. Make sure to bring your favorite picnic blanket for a traditional picnic in the park after the parade. It’s a wholesome way to spend the Fourth of July with family!
Address: 1355 E 53rd St, Chicago, IL
5. Head up to VU Rooftop for a Backyard Bash
Of course, Chicago’s rooftops are some of the most incredible places to thrive in the city’s euphoria. There is an abundance of incredible hideouts up among our city’s stunning skyline but VU Rooftop is one of our picks of the bunch this Fourth of July.
Located 22 stories high next to McCormick Place VU offers some absolutely gorgeous views of the Lake and Downtown Chicago. , there are three different bars and two patios in which to enjoy some top-notch cocktails and bites.
This coming Monday a special “July 4th Rooftop Backyard Bash” will offer a full barbecue buffet, open bar, live entertainment, and photo opportunities all up on its 3,000-foot space where you’ll also find a front-row seat to all of Chicago’s neighborhood fireworks from its West Terrace.
The party will begin at 6 pm and run through midnight. Tickets include admission to the venue, welcome cocktail, BBQ buffet, and bar package and can be purchased via Eventbrite.
Address: 133 E Cermak Road, Chicago, IL
6. Check out the immersive Prince experience
There are plenty of special deals and discounts happening this Fourth of July weekend. Music lovers, casual fans, and superfans of legendary musician Prince can rejoice in the dynamic, multisensory, first-of-its-kind immersive experience for a discounted price.
Superfly and The Prince Estate are collaborating to present Prince: The Immersive Experience, a multi-faceted musical universe revolving around the iconic artist, inviting guests to be completely immersed in the exhilarating, singular talent of a superstar who brought us hits like “When Doves Cry,” “Raspberry Beret,” and “Purple Rain.”
This weekend tickets for the world debut of Prince: The Immersive Experience can be purchased for 20% cheaper than normal with the discount code PRINCE20!
7. Kick it on a good ol’ fashioned patio bar
Chicago doesn’t play around when it comes to patio season. Come rain, sleet, or snow, if a patio is opened somewhere in the Windy City, guaranteed Chicagoans are out there clinking drinks. If there were a pinnacle to the season, the Fourth of July would be it. Take a spin down to West Loop for Recess’s gigantic patio bar. If you’re looking for a spot around the Fourth of July, better make that reservation now!
Address: 838 W. Kinzie Street, Chicago, IL
8. Indulge in Fourth of July treats
What’s the Fourth of July without devouring a range of red, white, and blue treats courtesy of Chicago’s varied gastronomy scene. Of course, there will be themed treats all over the city and it’s no hard task hunting down some tasty snacks. We recommend taking a look at some of the best bakeries in town to see what’s on offer.
West Town Bakery is one such place that is already showing off its colorful creations and with various locations in West Town, Wrigleyville, and the Financial District you can find one near you. Alternatively, you can also order them through West Town Bakery’s website
Addresses: 1916 W. Chicago Ave (West Town ), 3626 N. Clark St (Wrigleyville), 190 S. LaSalle St (Financial District)
9. Grab a free hot dog
If you don’t eat some type of hotdog — whether meat-based, vegetarian, vegan, or otherwise — over the Fourth Of July weekend are you really American? Just kidding… sort of. There are so many fantastic hot dog joints in Chicagoland whether they’re your go-to stops for a pre-game meal or late-night sanctuaries when you’re buzzed and undernourished. Here in the sausage capital of the United States, our hot dog stands are protected with unwavering loyalty.
This Fourth of July you can either support one of the great many Chicago hot dog stands or alternatively head down to Remedy where free hot dogs (and other snacks) will be given out completely free from 7 pm until supplies run out!
If you’re something of a hot dog connoisseur and will only settle for the best of the best you can check out our article on 10 of the best places to eat a Chicago-style hot dog in Chicago for the perfect snack on this year’s Fourth of July.
10. Watch Independence Day on The Emily Hotel rooftop
A relaxing yet memorable way to celebrate the Fourth of July can be had at Emily Hotel’s fantastic Rooftop Cinema Club in Fulton Market. Located on the fifth-floor terrace of the hotel, the one-of-a-kind outdoor cinema experience features a weekly lineup of cult-classic films and timeless favorites. This Fourth of July they will be showing Independence Day at 8 pm.
Grab some popcorn, order your favorite beverage, don some wireless headphones and kick back to watch this epic blockbuster on the huge state-of-the-art LED screen. You’ll also be in a prime location to catch fireworks going off all around you after the movie.
More information can be found here.[Featured image from Instagram / @rg_from_texas]