Fireworks may not be lighting up the sky this year, but there are still plenty of ways you can pop off this Fourth of July!
While Fourth Of July in Chicago will be a little different this year around, the city’s recent transition into Phase 4 has unlocked some of the city’s best features for you to enjoy Fourth Of July weekend. Here are 12 ways you can celebrate Independence Day in the Windy City:
1. Seas The Day With a Pre-4th Of July Booze Cruise
Jump right out of quarantine and into boating season the right way with a Pre-4th of July Booze Cruise! Enjoy breathtaking views of the Chicago skyline as you cruise the river and head into the lake to enjoy unobstructed views of Chicago’s architecture. What better way to enjoy our recently-returned freedom than on the water in Lake Michigan?
2. Put On Your Dancing Shoes For This Kick Off Party
Treat yourself after all that time you spent indoors during the pandemic with bottomless cocktails, rose and beer for you and your friends at the Blue Violet! This eclectic River North lounge, stacked with craft drinks, and great DJs is the perfect excuse to get on the dance floor! [Note: the bar will be following all state/city capacity and social distancing regulations]
3. A Patriotic Paint Night
This super popular Paint and Sip from home class is doing a special 4th of July class. In this hour-and-a-half course, an expert artist will guide you through the creation of a painting inspired by the American flag. No experience is needed to join in and all supplies are provided. Release your creativity while the instructor guides you step by step!
Purchase your tickets right here.4. Go Bottomless At The Old Grounds Social
Old Grounds Social will be hosting an unmissable Fourth of July party on their patio with live music and bottomless boozy slushies, well drinks, and domestic beers for 3 hours. Bring your friends and savor tasty drinks such as frozen margaritas, the “Purple Drank”, and “The OG”. There will also be food available for purchase at the venue if you get hungry. See you there!
5. Party Down In Wrigleyville At HVAC Pub
Celebrate Independence Day the best way possible in Wrigleyville at HVAC Pub. They’ll be hosting a huge party with live music, patio and indoor seating, and best of all, bottomless drinks! Jello shots, well drinks, and domestic beers will be free-flowing and the good vibes will be too. There are a limited amount of tables, so grab your tickets while they’re still available!
6. Dine Out(side)
Despite the city allowing restaurants and bars to open at 25% capacity, Chicago is going forward with its Make Way For Diners program that has closed off 6 streets for bars and restaurants to open for outdoor dining in Lakeview, Andersonville, Chinatown, Edison Park, Grand Crossing, and Little Italy. For the specific streets, check here.
7. Or 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 Chicagoan are out there clinking drinks. If there were a pinnacle to the season, Fourth Of July would be it. Take a spin down to West Loop for Recess‘s gigantic new patio bar. If you’re looking for a spot next Saturday, better make that reservation now!
8. Grab A Disco Martini To Go!
Get yourself a taste of all the parties to come, at the KitKat Lounge & Supper Club where they’re serving kick-ass cocktails in fabulous mini-disco balls. Take your disco ‘tini to go, or stick around for a few more on their patio while enjoying a show by one of their fabulous divas!
9. Get Roasted While Eating A Hotdog
If you don’t eat some type of hotdog — whether meat-based, vegetarian, vegan, or otherwise — over Fourth Of July weekend are you really American? And while you’re taking liberties on your diet, you might as well do the same on your verbal etiquette. Let off some steam in the form of entirely indecent obscenities. Be warned, if you dish it out be sure you can take it. Because while the fast-tongued staff may cook your frank to perfection, but they will straight up burn your ass.
10. Cruise The Navy Pier
The firework show is out of the picture, unfortunately, but you can still enjoy a festive stroll around the North and South Dock, East End Plaza, and Polk Bros Park.
11. Make A Reservation At Riverside
If you’re just looking to get outside a catch a little open air as you walk, run, rollerblade, or bicycle —while taking in some classic Chicago scenery — well then, no reservation necessary. However, if you want to get dinner, drinks, or visit the numerous businesses that have recently reopened in the Riverwalk, you’ll want to call and confirm ahead of time!
12. Catch A Drive-In Flick
A new retro drive-in theatre has arrived in town! Lincoln Square’s historic Davis Theatre has partnered with developer Sterling Bay and the non-profit Facets to bring you some top-notch, open-air cinema. Tickets are selling at $35 per car and can be purchased in advance on the Davis Theatre website.
For even more ideas on how to celebrate 4th of July, click here!